[2026 Latest Edition] 7 "Hidden Japanese Islands" You Must Visit! Introducing Their Hidden Charms and Recommended Spots!

[2025 Latest] 7 "Hidden Japanese Islands" You Must Visit! Introducing Their Hidden Charms and Recommended Spots!

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a trip to an island where time flows at a leisurely pace. The unique charm of remote islands lies in their beautiful nature, interactions with locals, and experiences you can only find there. However, perhaps some of you feel that popular islands are crowded or that you've seen it all.

Therefore, this time, we've focused on hidden gem islands that are not yet widely known. We'll introduce seven remote islands to watch in 2025, from those that are easily accessible and perfect for weekend trips to quiet paradises located in secluded, almost mystical locations.

The charm of hidden remote islands lies in being able to fully enjoy the local culture.

If you read this article, you're sure to discover a new travel destination that will make you exclaim, "Was this place really in Japan!?"

[Japan's Hidden Gem Islands] Let's journey to the undiscovered islands within Japan

When it comes to travel, visiting tourist attractions and famous spots is enjoyable, but recently, trips to remote islands have been gaining attention.

Japan has many remote islands with vast natural landscapes and spectacular scenery, and here we introduce some of the hidden gems among them.

It's recommended for solo travelers looking for a relaxing stay, as well as for trips with friends, couples, or families.

If you're struggling to choose a travel destination, please refer to this article.

Hot spring paradise accessible from Tokyo! "Shikinejima"

About two and a half hours from Tokyo by high-speed jet ferry. Shikinejima, located in the Izu Islands, is a popular remote island where beautiful nature and hot springs harmonize, despite being easily accessible from the Kanto region. It is attracting attention as a hidden gem spot where you can easily enjoy a remote island trip.

Shikinejima's charm lies in its exceptionally clear sea. In the summer, you can enjoy snorkeling and swimming in the clear, emerald-green waters, and witness colorful fish swimming up close.

Tomari Beach and Oura Coast, in particular, are popular spots for tourists, and because they are shallow and have calm waves, they are perfect for family trips with children.

Furthermore, the island also features free open-air hot springs that utilize natural geothermal heat. Soaking in the hot springs, such as Jinata Onsen and Ashitsuki Onsen, which gush out by the seaside, while taking in the view is truly the ultimate in relaxation. You can feel nature with all five senses while gazing at the blue sea and sky during the day, the horizon painted with sunset hues in the evening, and the star-filled night sky at night, making it perfect for relieving the fatigue of daily life.

Thanks to the scarce streetlights and clear air, the entire island transforms into a stargazing spot at night. You can experience a fantastical time as if the starry sky is falling down. If you're lucky, you can even see the Milky Way with the naked eye.

Additionally, we recommend the hiking course that circles the island. Shikinjima has a compact topography, with an outer circumference of only about 12km, making it a scale that can be fully explored on foot. Cycling along the coast on a rental bicycle is also invigorating.

For those who want to gaze at the ocean while soaking in a hot spring, or visit a tranquil island perfect for solo trips or girls' getaways, Shikinejima is the ideal remote island. Despite its easy access from Tokyo, it feels like another world the moment you arrive. It is the ultimate island for relaxation on a casual holiday.

The phantom uninhabited island "Abugajima," which appears only twice a day.

Aburiga Island, floating offshore from Himi City in Toyama Prefecture, is the largest uninhabited island in Toyama Prefecture and a precious place where the natural landscape remains vividly intact, even within Japan. It is an especially recommended remote island spot for those who wish to spend quiet time away from their daily lives.

The charm of Abugashima lies, above all, in its rich ecosystem. Despite being on the Sea of Japan coast, it boasts a unique vegetation where southern and northern plants coexist, and over 200 species of seaweed and more than 150 species of nudibranchs have been confirmed around the island. Due to its rarity, it was designated a Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument of Toyama Prefecture in 1965. Furthermore, in 1968, it was selected as a Special Protection Area within the Noto Peninsula Quasi-National Park.

Furthermore, it is an island with high historical value, as it is said that the stones used for the ramparts of Takaoka Castle in the Edo period were quarried from this island, and their traces can still be seen today. It is a place where rich nature and human history intersect, truly representing the original landscape of Japan.

However, Aburi Island is an uninhabited island, and access is generally restricted due to nature conservation concerns. To land on the island, special permission is required for purposes such as research or environmental conservation activities. Therefore, if you wish to visit, we recommend gathering information and consulting in advance through the Himi City Tourism Association or nature observation tours in Toyama Prefecture.

Abugajima is a hidden gem among Japan's remote islands, known to those in the know. It's a special island that we highly recommend for anyone looking for recommended remote islands in Japan, or for those interested in nature observation and environmental conservation.

Oki, an island geopark etched with the memories of the earth

Oki, floating off the coast of Shimane Prefecture, is an archipelago consisting of over 180 islands, both large and small. Of these, only four are inhabited, each with its own unique character, known as hidden gems rich in nature and history.

The charm of Oki is, without a doubt, its topography and the unique atmosphere that evokes a world of myths. The entire island is registered as a UNESCO Global Geopark, and numerous cliffs and oddly shaped rocks formed by volcanic activity tens of millions of years ago remain. At a representative spot, Candle Island, when it aligns with the setting sun, you can enjoy a fantastical view as if a giant candle were lit in the sea.

In addition, you can also walk through pastures where cattle and horses graze, allowing you to experience the island's unique tranquility and wildness. Among these, Mount Mitoku on Nishi-no-shima is one of Japan's largest sea-eroded cliffs, and the view from its 257-meter height is truly spectacular.

For history buffs, we recommend Okinoshima Town on the island of Dozen, also known as the place where Emperor Gotoba and Emperor Go-Daigo were exiled. With Oki Shrine, where the Emperor spent his time, and ruins that retain traces of life from that era scattered throughout, you'll feel as if you've time-slipped into the Middle Ages.

Furthermore, traditional events are still deeply rooted in Oki. The island's unique bullfighting culture, known as gyuso, continues to this day and can be watched by tourists.

Oki is the perfect remote island for those who want to enjoy nature, history, and culture all at once. It's recommended for family trips, as well as solo or couple's travel. Because each island offers a different experience, you'll never get bored, no matter how many times you visit.

Access is via ferry from Nanri Port in Shimane Prefecture or Sakaiminato Port in Tottori Prefecture, taking approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. If traveling by air, there are also flights from Izumo Airport to Oki Airport. With the ferry, you can even take your car to the island, making a rental car trip possible.

An Island Experience on Fukuejima: Where Southern Seas Meet Catholic Culture

Fukue Island is the largest among the Goto Islands, spread across the westernmost part of Nagasaki Prefecture, and is also known as the gateway to the archipelago. The island is densely packed with attractions, including mountains, the sea, historical buildings, and church complexes.

Dōzaki Church is a symbol of Fukue Island. Its imposing red-brick exterior and serene interior allow visitors to intimately experience a facet of the Goto Islands' history as an island of faith.

The natural beauty is also overwhelming. Onjō, located at the western end of the island, is a gentle volcano with an elevation of 315 meters, making it a popular spot that is easy for beginner hikers to climb. From the summit, a grand panorama unfolds, offering a bird's-eye view of the entire island.

Furthermore, Takahama Beach on the southern part of the island boasts a white sand beach that is among the most beautiful in Japan. The crystal-clear emerald green sea will make you feel as if you've arrived at a tropical resort.

The events are also plentiful, and at the Goto Tsubaki Festival, held annually, you can enjoy camellia oil, a specialty product of the island, and local performing arts. Additionally, there are experiences perfect for the active traveler, such as walking tours to learn about Christian culture, sea kayaking, and diving.

Fukue Island is the perfect travel destination for first-time island visitors or those who want to enjoy both nature and culture. You can efficiently visit the main spots in 1-2 days by renting a car, which is also a great point for beginners to enjoy with peace of mind.

Access is approximately 30 minutes by plane from Nagasaki Airport to Fukue Airport (Goto Tsubaki Airport). Alternatively, it is about 1 hour and 25 minutes by high-speed ferry from Nagasaki Port, or about 3 hours and 30 minutes by regular ferry.

This is a charming remote island that many visitors say they "want to visit again."

"Ōkunoshima," Where Wild Rabbits Welcome You

Okunoshima Island, floating off the coast of Takehara City in Hiroshima Prefecture, is known nationwide as "Rabbit Island." More than 600 wild rabbits live on the island, and their tendency to hop close to visitors creates a truly dreamlike and healing space.

However, this island also hides a past that stands in stark contrast to its serene landscape.

Once, Okunoshima was also a "deleted from the map" island where poison gas was manufactured during wartime. Today, the Okunoshima Poison Gas Museum, which conveys that fact, is located on the island and functions as a place of learning that correctly communicates past history.

The island is compact, with a circumference of about 4.3 km, and can be circled in 1 to 2 hours on foot or by bicycle. With well-maintained walking paths and observation decks, it's also appealing to be able to stroll leisurely while enjoying nature.

In particular, Okunoshima Holiday Village offers rental bicycles, making it a convenient base for exploring the island. While it's enjoyable for a day trip, staying overnight offers a special experience where you can encounter even more rabbits during the quiet hours of the evening and early morning.

Furthermore, the beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea is one of its highlights. The seaside, surrounded by calm waves and a picturesque archipelago, offers opportunities for swimming and fishing, making it perfect for those who enjoy activities.

Furthermore, there are hot springs on the island, allowing you to thoroughly relax and soothe the fatigue from your travels.

Okunoshima is a hidden gem recommended for a wide range of people, from families with young children to couples who love animals. A profound experience awaits, one that goes beyond mere cuteness.

Access is by a 15-minute ferry ride from Tadami Port in Hiroshima Prefecture. It's possible to visit as a day trip even using public transportation, so we also recommend combining it with sightseeing in Hiroshima.

Teshima, the leading destination for art and island hopping floating in the Seto Inland Sea.

Teshima, located next to Shodoshima Island in Kagawa Prefecture, is a nature-rich island floating in the Seto Inland Sea. With a relatively small area of about 14.5 square kilometers, it remains a hidden gem not yet widely known as a tourist destination. However, the unique atmosphere, where the entire island harmonizes with art, is sure to captivate anyone who visits. The space, woven from a leisurely island pace and contemporary art, offers a deep sense of healing for the soul.

The biggest highlight of Teshima is the Teshima Art Museum. This museum on a hill is a white architectural structure that resembles a giant droplet when viewed from the outside. Inside, natural light streams in through two openings in the ceiling, and water flows slowly across the floor, creating a serene space that feels like nature itself is on display. It's the ultimate healing spot where art and nature merge, making you want to stay for hours.

Furthermore, with numerous contemporary art installations scattered throughout the island, such as the Teshima Yokoo House and the Heart Beat Archive, the entire island feels like a single, vast museum. You can enjoy exploring it simply on foot, making it recommended not only for art enthusiasts but also for those who don't typically visit museums.

Nature is also full of charm, and the terraced rice paddies, in particular, offer a superb view surrounded by the calm Seto Inland Sea and the lush green mountains. From spring to summer, the rice grows vibrantly green, showcasing a different face with each season. Cycling around the island is also popular, with a good selection of rental bicycles available, allowing you to comfortably visit the main spots in a single day.

Toshima also serves as a venue for the art event "Setouchi Triennale," and attracts many visitors from Japan and abroad during its exhibitions. Even outside of the festival, permanent exhibitions can be enjoyed, allowing visitors to engage with art year-round.

For those who want to receive creative inspiration in a quiet place and slowly enjoy island time, Teshima is the perfect island.

Kudaka Island: An Entire Island as a Power Spot

Located off the coast of the Chinen Peninsula, southeast of the main island of Okinawa, Kudaka Island is a special place believed in Ryukyuan mythology to be the island where the gods first descended. Known since ancient times as the "Island of the Gods," rituals are still actively performed here today, and it continues to captivate many hearts as a spiritual spot in Okinawa.

The greatest charm of Kudaka Island lies in its sacred atmosphere. The sea, sky, forest, and even the village itself are in quiet harmony, naturally calming the hearts of visitors.

The island has several sites used for sacred rituals, such as Fubō Utaki and Ishiki Beach. However, most of these are considered sacred grounds rather than tourist attractions. Many areas are off-limits to visitors, so it is important to respect the island's rules and maintain a quiet demeanor when visiting.

There are no prominent commercial facilities on the island, and only a few accommodations are available. While day trips are the standard, staying overnight at a minshuku (a Japanese-style guesthouse) to experience the tranquility of the mornings and evenings is also recommended. The beauty of the starry sky is exceptional, and with hardly any artificial light, there are nights when you can even see the Milky Way clearly.

Additionally, cycling around the island using rental bicycles is also popular. Slowly traveling along the road, which is about 2km one way, allows you to closely experience the island's nature and the high transparency of the sea. Cape Kaber, located particularly on the east coast, has been a sacred site since ancient times, and a landscape that washes over your soul unfolds there.

Kudakajima is perfect for those who want to escape their busy daily lives and be healed, those who want to spend time quietly in nature, and those who want to receive energy at a power spot.

Access is about a 15-minute high-speed boat ride or a 25-minute ferry ride from Azama Port in southern Okinawa Island. Although it's close enough for a casual day trip, Kudaka Island feels like another world once you arrive, and you'll sense the change in atmosphere the moment you step off the boat.

In conclusion

Japan still has many unique, lesser-known hidden gem islands.

All seven of the remote islands introduced here are places where time flows slowly and richly.

Additionally, access is relatively easy, making it an appealing destination that can be visited without difficulty for day trips or overnight stays.

Refresh your mind and body by experiencing the unique charm of each island, from its nature and culture to its history and art.

For recommended remote islands nationwide, please see the following article.