Okinawa - Amala Destinations

JAPAN | OKINAWA ISLANDS

South of Tokyo, the Izu Peninsula was formed by the shifting of submarine volcanoes that were formally on the south side of the Japanese islands.

The peninsula is blessed with some of the best coastlines to visit—with beaches, scenic mountains, quaint seaside towns and hidden onsen towns. While the typical Tokyo-Hakone excursions are more popular among tourists, we much prefer the privacy of our Path to Izu Peninsula.

Our journey begins at the coastal town of Atami, just an hour by train from Tokyo, where we visit Atami Castle and MOA to admire the impressive collection of Japanese art. The journey continues further along the coastline, where the mountains meet the sea, on one of the best coastal drives in Japan to the seaside town of Shimoda before heading inland as we meander through the mountains of Izu all the way to charming onsen town of Shuzenji, home to some of the oldest ryokans in Japan.

Before the journey concludes at Tokyo, we continue towards Lake Kawaguchiko for a glamping experince at Hoshinoya Fuji that includes some of the best views of Mount Fuji.

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

Iriomote is the second largest island in the Okinawan island chain and remains largely unexplored. Over 90 percent of the island is covered with mangrove and sub-tropical forest, most if it part of a national park. The clear waters surrounding Iriomote teem with dolphins, reef life, and manta rays, and the beaches are stunning. The Urachi river snakes in from the sea, continuing southeast into the center of the island.

Thanks to preservation efforts, the small village consists almost entirely of traditional style, one-storied houses, which are surrounded by stone walls, and covered with red tiled roofs and ample lion-like shisa statues to ward of evil spirits.

Awamori is the local liquor and has been made on the island for centuries. It is a rice based alcohol and has a rich strong flavor as has its more famous cousin, sake.

A diversity of life thrives in this subtropical forest and its mountains The park displays a diverse and varied natural environment; its subtropical evergreen laurel forest is Japan's most extensive and is a reflection of the process which formed the Ryukyu Islands. The sea cliffs, karst limestone formations, and mangrove forests are home to a wide variety of rare animals and plants living in the park.

Okinawan cuisine differs significantly from Japanese cuisine due to the islands' unique history, during which its food culture was influenced especially by China, South East Asia, Japan and the United States, and due to the different climate with its effects on agriculture and the appetite.

Yoron Island is one of the Amami Islands off Kyushu and belongs to the Amami Gunto National Park. The island is famed for its pellucid waters and watersports possibilities such as sea kayaking, diving, and swimming.

ACCOMMODATION

These are a selection of lodges that we feel combine well for this journey. However we do also have a range of options to consider in each region, and can tailor them to you preference.

Hiramatsu Resorts, Ginanoza

The village of Ginoza, halfway down east coast of Okinawa Island, is set between the beautiful cobalt blue sea and the subtropical greenery of the land. Hiramatsu chose this enchanting location, with its beautiful views of the rising sun, to establish its first gourmet resort hotel. Featuring villas with private pools, or guest rooms with pools overlooking the sea and jacuzzis, and a spacious restaurant, this private resort offers the finest cuisine, accommodation and hospitality, inviting you to enjoy the luxury of doing nothing.