Southern Islands of Japan

The Southern Islands of Japan -- including Naoshima, Shikoku, Chogoku, and Kyushu -- offer under-the-radar rural retreats from mainland Japan. Here, sustained Japanese culture defines the landscape more than imperial palaces or shrines. With dazzling strips of coastline along the Seto Inland sea, creative outposts like Naoshima Island, and the powerful presence of WWII memorials at Hiroshima and Okinawa, the Japan southern islands add a new layer of depth and breadth to Ker & Downey World Travel's luxury tours to Japan.

Naoshima Island

Naoshima Island Benesse House has become a destination for art lovers from around the world. Indeed, the island itself encompasses a museum, with art installations dotting the landscape without ceremony or formality. Even on holidays, you can often find yourself alone on Naoshima Island with some of the more well-hidden pieces. 

The island’s museums house a breathtaking collection of the contemporary masters from Donald Judd to James Turrell. The buildings, primarily designed by celebrated architect Tadao Ando, also become part of the landscape and the art. This makes Naoshima Island an immersive experience from the moment you step onto the island. It also makes it an essential stop on art-forward Japan tours.

Photo by Rahil Chadha on Unsplash

Island of Shikoku

Once you’ve absorbed the abundance of creativity on Naoshima Island, escape to the rugged beauty of Shikoku Island. Of the Southern Islands, Shikoku Island travel offers reflective space to wander and explore. While here, enjoy an authentic Japan where you can find solitude or cheerful company whenever you want it. As such, it serves as a welcome breath of fresh air on busy luxury tours to Japan.

Chogoku Island

World War II enthusiasts will find plenty of lore, history, and fascination on Chogoku in the Seto Islands Japan. Indeed, you can visit Hiroshima and the memorials there, as well as Kyushu Island, the cradle of Japanese civilization and military history.

Indeed, this is where the Yamato tribe first established the territory that would become modern Japan. It has served as the entryway for Chinese and Korean culture, as well as the launching pad for the Japanese empire. In spite of all of this history, it remains quiet and laid-back, even in its major cities, adding further dimension to any trip to Japan.

Visit the Seto Islands on Luxury Tours to Japan

Contact a Ker & Downey Travel Designer to determine which Southern Islands of Japan will best enhance your travel tour packages to Japan. From Okinawa Island and following Ryukyu kingdom to the Seto Inland Sea, Ker & Downey invites you to visit Japan beyond its big cities.