There's a whole world in Japan's Southwest Islands. This brand new guidebook is the first to include all the practical information that visitors to the islands will need. It covers the best of the archipelago's sites, activities, history, culture and language, as well as providing important practical information for visitors to this rewarding but remote area of Japan. The archipelago's 1100km stretch, from the southern tip of mainland Japan to Taiwan, makes it geographically and biologically diverse. The landscape includes award-winning beaches, coral reefs, tropical jungles and ancient forests ? this guide shows the best way of experiencing them all. Maps of dive sites, snorkel spots, hiking trails and cycle routes are included, as well as local tour operators that can take you there. The islands are also home to many animals including the world's largest moth, indigenous wild cats, hammerhead sharks, whales and manta rays. The Southwest Islands are culturally diverse too. Once the Ryukyu Kingdom, they are home to 11 of Japan's 15 indigenous languages, though Japanese is the primary tongue. An appendix of useful phrases, kanji (writing) and grammar will help travellers interact, decipher and navigate the archipelago. The capital city of Naha on Okinawa-honto is a bright and busy hub of history, art, karate and food. Thanks to its many US military bases and post-war occupation by the States, Naha is a fusion of Japanese and American culture. In contrast, the more remote islands preserve traditional Ryukyuan life with festivals, architecture, traditional accommodation and religious sites. The islands' amazing food is found throughout the archipelago and is known for being the world's healthiest cuisine. Extensive practical information in this guide includes transport, the main spring and autumn tourist seasons, itineraries, visas, budgeting and safety tips for different travellers. The islands are remarkably safe, but like many countries around the Pacific, are subject to natural disasters. As reaching these islands typically requires indirect flights via Japan's mainland, Bradt's Okinawa & Japan's Southwest Islands gives visitors a glimpse of these gateway cities, highlighting little-known areas, activities, accommodation and restaurants. AUTHOR: Jo Davey is a freelance writer, photographer and one-time chef who fell in love with Japan at the age of 17 and hasn't stopped exploring it since. She first visited its Southwest Islands seven years ago and realised they were somewhere special as she sat fishing for squid and watching shooting stars on the tiny island of Geruma. Later on, she found herself singing at a local restaurant, accompanied by a friend and the chef on guitars. It was this moment she understood that on these islands, you aren't just another tourist. Once the day-trippers disappear, a rare local world opens up. What Jo loves most about this delightfully remote archipelago is its diversity: it's a true traveller's smorgasbord. Here she can indulge her every interest, be it food, diving, hiking, nature, culture, language or history. Once Jo's exhausted those or herself, she may even find five minutes to relax on an award-winning beach. All this choice makes picking a favourite place tough but Jo always finds herself longing for the warm jungles of Iriomote and the ancient forests of Yakushima. Her ideal day would be spent trekking in their fantastically wild woods with roaring waterfalls, before enjoying an evening of world-famous cuisine in the company of welcoming locals. 40 colour photographs, 47 maps
