White sand beaches, clear waters: this Japanese island is a tropical paradise that tourism forgot
- Yoron, part of the Amami Islands archipelago just north of Okinawa, is easy to overlook, but is perfect for those looking for an impromptu tropical escape
- The island has 60 beaches – including one described as “phantasmal” – as well as great snorkelling, friendly locals and a sprinkling of culture
Even with the steamy sun hovering in the clear blue midafternoon sky, the decision to walk to our accommodation from the airport, bags in tow, is easily made.
My friend and I have just arrived in Yoron, a small island that forms part of Japan’s Amami Islands archipelago that sits just to the north of Okinawa. We have been on trains and aeroplanes since 5.00am, but with the land mass of Yoron spanning only 20 square kilometres (eight square miles), everything feels accessible. And with white sand beaches and shallow aqua blue waters visible on the horizon, even dragging luggage through the streets of an unknown town feels enjoyable.
After five minutes of walking, a five-seater Honda stops in the middle of the road to offer us a lift – our first taste of the island’s small-town hospitality. The driver reveals he was born in Tokyo, but his family moved back to the island when he was a child. He has remained here ever since and now runs a grilled meat joint that also serves Korean dishes.
He’s not working today, however – business in Yoron runs at a very leisurely pace, often not at all during the off-peak travel season. It’s a far cry from the 24/7 convenience I’ve become used to living in Japan’s capital.
The country of Japan is spread over the Japanese archipelago, which consists of 6,852 islands running over 3,000 kilometres – from the Sea of Okhotsk in the northeast to the Philippine Sea in the south. Spend some time in Japan and you’ll realise each inhabited island has its own culture, but there’s something intriguing about those that make up the Amami Islands.
Yoron gives a taste of what the islands have to offer, with vivid blue waters and immaculate, golden shorelines disturbed only by thumb-sized pieces of pure white coral and juicy dark green seaweed. It was the most appealing choice for an impromptu tropical escape from the city, because it is the middle child of the Amami Island family. Easy to overlook, but with just the right amount of everything.