Japan's Southern Islands

It's been a little over a month since we've been back from our big adventure on the Pacific Ocean. Our sleep cycles are still a little off but I'm already craving the food, missing the kind spirit of the people and... missing how clean Japan was!! I'm a neat freak so being in a country that does NOT litter was HUGE! Here's a quick recap of our time on the islands (Kyoto and Tokyo coming soon...)

OKINAWA

On February 13, the Hubs and I boarded a plane bound for Tokyo. Initially we had planned to spend time in Tokyo and then head off to Thailand but the presence of Zika in Thailand was a game changer. Endemic in Thailand, we quickly pivoted to spending our whole two week vacation in Japan despite February not being the best time to travel there. But traveling during the off season has its perks, especially if it includes the Ritz! The Ritz Carlton Okinawa was the perfect place to recoup after 21 hours of travel. 

Not only are the grounds GORGEOUS but the brunch is... all you can eat! Yes, they have the regular offerings (fruit, granola, yogurt etc.) but I'm also talking ramen, miso, grilled fish and rice to boot. The perfect eating to ease us into our new daily diet - HUBBA HUBBA!

After gorging ourselves silly, we took a walk that lead us to a remote beach that to our delight was a scene from LOST (squee!) And did I mention we had the whole beach to ourselves? #OffSeasonTravelForLife

ISHIGAKI 

Island hopping, we jumped on a plane and headed southwest to Ishigaki - a tropical island with the climate of Hawaii. AND also known for it's beef...

The best way to taste the beef delicacy? Yakiniku (焼き肉) - i.e. Korean BBQ. Not sharing the same language has its difficulties but when the food is this delectable, just keep smiling and figure out a way to ask for more!

Our hotel in Ishigaki did have one english speaker who was on duty at the front desk the first two days of our stay so you bet we used our time wisely and asked specifically what we should not miss. We rented a car (hello driving on the other side of the road!) and headed out to his top recommendation... Kabira Bay.

The turquoise water and dense vegetation made this little beach seem like a brand new discovery despite the few busloads of Japanese tourists. 

The first morning in Ishigaki, we happened upon the Blue Cafe and it quickly became our regular morning hangout.  Not only were the pastries spot on but we loved the whole vibe including hipster aprons and Italian tile from floor to ceiling.

Re: Hellow Beach Cafe was another hidden food gem of Ishigaki. With Ben Harper blaring and an odd California surfer vibe the food was delicious (maui maui - meow!) and the setting divine including a wood ladder to the sea and hammocks for lounging.

TAKETOMI

After a few sun filled days, we tried our luck on another island just for the day - Taketomi. This island  is the smallest we visited but also the most quaint. (Think Martha's Vineyard of Japan with stone walls and sandy roads.) Our plan was simple... rent bikes for the day and bike from beach to beach.

But almost on cue as we walked from the ferry, the skies opened up and it began to pour.  Not a light drizzle but an epic tropical storm that ended up lasting most of the day. The couple at the bike shop took pity on us and loaned us some rain coats that can only be described as wizard cloaks from Harry Potter but away we went!

And just as the rain stopped we ran into this little lady, an ox adorned with a flower pulling a cart with a man playing a traditional Japanese lute (biwa). If we already didn't think this island was magical this moment sealed the deal. 

Our stay on the southern most Japanese islands was such a treat and (at the risk of sounding cliche) something we'll never forget. As one of the only western couples who ventured down that south, the people were welcoming, warm and always ready to help. This was just the beginning of our adventure and we couldn't wait for more!

P.S. Curious and want more photos... check out our Instagram hashtag #WhitAndDanDoJapan