Okinawa, 5–6 days
Okinawa is culturally and geographically distinct from mainland Japan — a former independent kingdom (Ryukyu) with its own language, cuisine, and centuries of trade history with China and Southeast Asia, plus some of the best diving and beaches in East Asia.
Naha, the main city, holds the reconstructed Shuri Castle (the former Ryukyu royal palace, damaged by fire in 2019 and under ongoing restoration) and a distinctly different food culture built around goya (bitter melon), Okinawan pork dishes, and the local awamori spirit rather than mainland sake.
The outer islands — Ishigaki and Miyako in particular — hold Japan’s best coral reef diving and snorkeling, with visibility and marine life comparable to more famous Pacific dive destinations, reachable by a short domestic flight from Naha.
Typical range: ¥12,000–¥35,000 per night depending on island and season.
Sephari’s Outdoor & Adventure Gear collection has the snorkel-ready gear and sun protection this island-hopping itinerary calls for.