Japan 2026-1: South (Ryukyu Islands)

[RS18U]

So my wife has asked me to start the planning for a holiday next February/March.  We have batted around a bunch of ideas, including South East Asia but also Okinawa.  Not a lot of trains I know (but the southern most rail station to knock off the bucket list 😉) but people here have been really good at providing general ideas and tips for Japan travel.

 

We started looking to see if there was a reasonably priced cruise that would take in Okinawa (Naha and maybe other ports in the Ryukyu Islands) but that 'reasonably priced' part is a bit of a sticker from what I have seen so far.  So looking at other options such as flying, and the ferry from Kagoshima as those do stop at a few other ports.

 

Anyone with experience in Okinawa?  Best ways to travel considering we would like to experience more than just the usual stops on the main island?  Amami seems to have a reasonable level of amenities and things to do for a day or two between ferries.  Others?

 

Duration is very flexible at the moment, all we have is a 30 day limit of travel with our travel insurance package although there is an option to extend if needed but frankly 30 days would be max for us.

 

As always, open to whatever people can provide.

 

I have labelled this as 2026-1 since there is a possibility of another trip later in the year, but to Hokkaido.  If it goes ahead that will be another topic.  Unless we combine it with this trip.  But then that would mean most likely snow in the north and even though we live in Canada we have had enough snow in our lives 😁

 

Thanks,

 

Will

[katoftw]

Coldest months of the year.

 

Driving is the preferred if you want to access more sights. Public transport is pretty infrequent.

[RS18U]

1 hour ago, katoftw said:

Coldest months of the year.

Still 20+ degrees warmer than were we live.  Agreed that driving once there will be preferable, except for riding the monorail.

[kuro68000]

Every year it seems like the usual weather patterns and seasons apply less and less.

[Kingmeow]

A note about cruises.  We've done our fair share.  Although we haven't done one around Japan (we almost did for the fall of this year), cruises by their very nature will limit the time you have to explore on land.  Half the time, it's enjoying the ship and just sailing on the water.  Nothing wrong with that if that's what you want.

 

Most cruises will dock at a port of call in the morning, e.g., 8am, and will leave in the late afternoon, e.g., 4pm.  If you are lucky they will leave at 6pm.  The mental psychology of being time limited (they will leave without you) is that you're always watching the clock to make sure you get back in time.  You can take a shore excursion run by the ship and that guarantees that you will be back (or they hold the ship).  I find this way of exploring a place not ideal at all, not matter what country.  With Japan being full of exploration opportunities, it makes it even worse.

 

For some places, ships are the only way to get there.  Some examples are the inner places of Alaska or the fjords of Norway.  But Japan is not one of those.  I would take an airplane.  🙂

Edited March 30 by Kingmeow

[Tony Galiani]

You may want to check out Solo Travel Japan on youtube.  He has gone to Okinawa and his reporting (while not in depth) is pretty good without a lot of hype.  IIRC, he took a ferry to Okinawa which looked pretty interesting as it made multiple stops on the way.

 

Also, check out NHK's show On The Wings:  https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/shows/wings/

 

One of them is a flight to Amani.  We were intrigued, and again IIRC, there is an English language tour company there.  The only issue is that public transport is limited and a car would be handy to take advantage of being there.

 

Cheers,

Tony

[kuro68000]

Yeah I think I would prefer to travel by train and set my own pace. It's a bit scary when you first try it, but you can just book a hotel on the day, or a day or two in advance, via booking.com or whatever. Since the website is all in English and they handle everything it's no issue if you can't speak Japanese, just show them the email when you get there. You can store your bags at most hotels, or use lockers at train stations if your suitcase isn't too large.

 

It's not for everyone, but if you want the option to just roam and take your time, it can't be beaten.

[RS18U]

Good thoughts thanks.  Having never done a cruise we are a little hesitant, and the restrictions on your travel is definitely a down-side.  But you have a room, no need to pack/unpack, everything is all scheduled out too.  Anyway early days yet, still lots to look into.

[cteno4]

One of our clubmembers did a cruise around japan and it was not the usual cruise as each hop at sea was short and late at night so all waking hours were in port. They enjoyed it as it was the traveling hotel. Not the usual in port for a few hours. But i think is was not cheap at all!

 

jeff

[Kingmeow]

4 hours ago, RS18U said:

 But you have a room, no need to pack/unpack, everything is all scheduled out too.

 

And the food!  Oh the food!  Every time we go on a cruise (we've done 8 so far, soon to be 9), we eat 6x a day!  🤪  And it good stuff too!

 

What you mentioned about not having to worry about much on a cruise is absolutely correct.  After we go on a few land vacations (drive and/or fly) we stick a cruise in between and just relax.  No need for "Oh where should be go for diner every night?"  And after getting there, there's an hour wait!

Edited March 30 by Kingmeow

[RS18U]

5 hours ago, cteno4 said:

But i think is was not cheap at all!

I looked at those, and yes not cheap.

[cteno4]

Also watch regular cruise ships as many offer very reasonable cabin rates but these can be loss leaders and they make their money on in trip upgrades and side trips at ports of call. our Nextdoor neighbors took their kids and grandkids on an Alaskan cruise and final bill ended up being 2.5x the origional cabin price when all said and done. It was a shock for them, but so many things popped up on the trip that were these extras no one wanted to say no, so zip-zip went the credit card!

 

fortunately in a place like japan you can do your own side trips easily, may cruise stops its very difficult to roll your own side trips and you are stuck using theirs’ due to lack of access to transportation, competing with thousands of other cruisers, and short time in port.

 

There is something to be said not having to keep moving between hotel rooms! But think about slowing down and spending 2, 3, or 4 nights in places and doing day trips a bit further out from each stop, so easy to do in japan, and get to know each stop area better. 

 

There are also a lot of coastal ferries in japan so if you want a bit of sea travel between cities.

 

jeff

[Tony Galiani]

I just watched Solo Travel Japan's new video on his recent JAL flight.  Apparently, JAL serves - exclusively according to STJ - Maple Cookie ice cream!

Figured you should be aware of this as you start looking at airline choices!

Cheers,

Tony

[Kingmeow]

2 hours ago, Tony Galiani said:

I just watched Solo Travel Japan's new video on his recent JAL flight.  Apparently, JAL serves - exclusively according to STJ - Maple Cookie ice cream!

Figured you should be aware of this as you start looking at airline choices!

Cheers,

Tony

 

Tony, I'm assuming not in all classes?  When we went to Japan on United Business, the flight attendants made ice cream sundaes for everyone, customized to your liking too!  Not so much when we went Premium Economy and I'm sure never in the cattle class in the back.

[Tony Galiani]

In this particular video, STJ is in economy class so that Maple Cookie ice cream is definitely served there.  Though not sure JAL fly to Canada ....

And, BTW, the economy class meal looks way better than anything you would get on Air Canada or one of the US legacy airlines.  As is the seat pitch at just about 34 inches.

TBH, I prefer United's sundaes to Maple Cookie ice cream but I am not sure that applies to the Princess (who is Canadian).  In fact, we have our own emergency reserve of Maple Syrup!

Though wish I had the foresight to set up an emergency reserve of Mrs. Dunster's Donuts!

Tony

[RS18U]

Thanks @Tony Galiani!  Maple Cookie ice cream, yummy.  And Yes JAL does fly from Vancouver but I don't know who their Canadian partner is as they are not part of Star Alliance, so most likely going ANA again.  Makes clearing security a breeze as we fly Air Canada on the ANA ticket for a 13 minute flight from a small airport and don't have to deal with YVR security nonsense.  And don't see the bags till Haneda, more bonuses!

[RS18U]

14 hours ago, Kingmeow said:

When we went to Japan on United Business, the flight attendants made ice cream sundaes for everyone, customized to your liking too! 

Interesting.  I have to fly from YCD to Minneapolis for a forestry conference in May, on an Air Canada ticket, but the long legs are all United, and in Business Class.  Will have to see what I am offered.

[Tony Galiani]

Sorry to say that United's First/Business for domestic - as opposed to long haul international - is not that special.  Depending on the length of the flight, you may get fed but ice cream sundaes may not be an option.  You can check on their web site to see what is on offer - it depends on the length of the flight.

 

I would prefer ANA to JAL but they are both great and definitely better than United and Air Canada.

 

Cheers,

Tony

[Kingmeow]

I got this.  🙂  Very simple because that's what I wanted but they had a ton more of topping that you can ask for.  Note, the glass in the background is Ginger Ale though I could have easily asked for wine.  🤪

 

Edited March 31 by Kingmeow

[RS18U]

On 3/31/2025 at 4:24 AM, Tony Galiani said:

Sorry to say that United's First/Business for domestic - as opposed to long haul international - is not that special.  Depending on the length of the flight, you may get fed but ice cream sundaes may not be an option.  You can check on their web site to see what is on offer - it depends on the length of the flight.

 

I would prefer ANA to JAL but they are both great and definitely better than United and Air Canada.

 

Cheers,

Tony

The flights are relatively short: Vancouver - Denver - Minneapolis, so not really expecting anything exciting.  But the time will be longer than flying to Tokyo with the layovers.

[chadbag]

First or business class domestically in the US is better snacks, wider seats (still seats), and a bit more leg room.  Nothing special unless it's one of the cross country NY/LAX or similar flights where they do the more fancy stuff similar to international business class, so I've heard.    Or if you happen to get a plane that's going international but has a domestic hop or two before heading over seas.  Then you might score something nice.   I'm not speaking from personal experience that much.  I have been "upgraded" domestically to 1st class a few times and of course you walk through that cabin on the way to the normal seats when boarding.    I did fly Delta business class to Tokyo from Portland in 2000.  Way long ago and things have changed so much that it's not comparable.   It was really nice but still crude compared to what I see on YouTube videos or travelogues of today's business class on overseas routes on many airlines.

 

[RS18U]

So time for a quick update.  After talking with a Japanese-Canadian friend who has been to Okinawa multiple times, our plan is starting to look like this:

• Tokyo 2-3 days
• Okayama area 2 days
• Shikoku TBD.  @Tony Galiani I will be reaching out if its OK for more insights on your recent adventures in Shikoku
• Travel to Kagoshima from Yawatahama by ferry and then train via Beppu/Fukuoka 1-2 days depending on how/if we break it up.  Can be done in one day according to ferry and train schedules.  My wife may want to get the best butter chicken she has ever had in Mojiko again though
• Ferry to Motobu on Okinawa 1 day
• Rent a car and explore Okinawa 4 days, ending up in Naha
• Fly to Hiroshima and stay for 3-4 days
• Tokyo 2-3 days

If Shikoku is around 5 days the trip ends up in the 20 - 25 day range.  While in Tokyo will likely go to Yokohama to visit the NYK Hikawa Maru floating museum as that is the ship my MIL came to Canada on.

 

Now to work on the finer details, like what to see along the way, and of course the dates so we can book flights.

[RS18U]

5 minutes ago, chadbag said:

First or business class domestically in the US is better snacks, wider seats (still seats), and a bit more leg room.  Nothing special unless it's one of the cross country NY/LAX or similar flights where they do the more fancy stuff similar to international business class, so I've heard.    Or if you happen to get a plane that's going international but has a domestic hop or two before heading over seas.  Then you might score something nice.   I'm not speaking from personal experience that much.  I have been "upgraded" domestically to 1st class a few times and of course you walk through that cabin on the way to the normal seats when boarding.    I did fly Delta business class to Tokyo from Portland in 2000.  Way long ago and things have changed so much that it's not comparable.   It was really nice but still crude compared to what I see on YouTube videos or travelogues of today's business class on overseas routes on many airlines.

 

Interesting.  I made an error on my departure date (thanks AC for having a non-standard calendar, and bad on me for not reading properly). With the initial booking when I got to the seat selection screen it showed seat arrangement similar to Premium Economy.  But when I pushed the departure date back 1 day (with no change to return) the seat selection showed what looked like pods.  Will be very interesting to see what I actually get.

 

I too have been bumped up to "business" class, but on a much smaller plane/shorter route (Toronto/Atlanta on AC) and it was just a bit better food and more room.  Nothing too special.

[Tony Galiani]

I hate to admit it but Air Canada does a better job with their offerings on short routes.  Traveling to Fredericton we have two or three flights and, if in business class, they will serve some sort of small snack - Cobb Salad, eggs and sausage (in the morning) or similar - on flights under 90 minutes.  On flights that short on United and Delta you would just be offered drinks and pickings from their snack basket:  nuts, potato chips, and similar.

 

Tony

[Tony Galiani]

@RS18U - happy to chat about Shikoku.  We are quite taken with it - not quite sure but people seem friendlier and the ability to go from manageable urban areas to natural areas very easily is pretty nice.  I am about to start a thread for my hoped for next trip and Shikoku will be in our plans.

I have been moaning about wanting to live somewhere else for a while and my wife has been finding videos of people doing that in Shikoku.  She seems taken by it as well.

Ciao,

Tony