islands – Super Cheap Japan

Naha

Central Naha (那覇) is where most people will access Okinawa. The history of the islands and its main city are rather different from the rest of Japan’s, so Naha is a good place to check out something a little different. Budget travel tips Fly here rather than taking a ferry. Check our Naha Airport pageContinue reading “Naha”

Ogijima

The smaller brother to Megijima, Ogijima (男木島) is also worth a visit if you have the time. The small size means that budget travellers can get around just on foot. It’s a very compact island, and a good spot for hiking. Budget travel tips If you get an early morning ferry, it is perfectly possible to doContinue reading “Ogijima”

Takamatsu

While Takamatsu (高松) is sometimes missed out of an average persons Shikoku trip, it has a few things to keep visitors occupied for a day or so. A well done Japanese garden away from the crowds of other cities, good shopping and small castle grounds are a nice way to kill a bit of time. InContinue reading “Takamatsu”

Megijima

The best Shikoku island for budget travellers, Megijima (女木島) has beaches, caves and art on offer. The Ogre Island, as it is also called due to the ogre legends in the caves, has something for all tastes. Go off to nearby Ogijima as well if you have time. Budget travel tips If you get an early morning ferry,Continue reading “Megijima”

Marugame

Marugame (丸亀) is a large city in northern Shikoku, and a good stop-off before visiting the shrines in Kotohira, heading west to Matsuyama, or visiting the nearby islands. Things to do Kotohira-gu Shrine A great one day trip from Marugame, Kotohira has one of Japan’s premier shrines. A mysterious group of ancient buildings up aContinue reading “Marugame”

Shimanami Kaido – cycle across Japan’s forgotten islands

The Shimanami Kaido (しまなみ海道) is an increasingly popular, but still relatively quiet cycling route across the islands connecting the Chugoku region near Hiroshima and Shikoku. The 60 kilometre route has been designed for cyclists in mind and the temperate climates helps to make the ride enjoyable and not too physically tough. Along the way thereContinue reading “Shimanami Kaido – cycle across Japan’s forgotten islands”