Ryukyu Islands The Ryukyu Islands are made up of three groups of island chains: the Okinawa Shoto, Miyako Retto, and Yaeyama Retto. 'Ryukyu' refers to the indigenous culture, distinct from Japan and neighboring Taiwan, with a unique language and traditions. Okinawa has the most infamous history of the islands, having been the location of the bloodiest battle of WWII. To explore the Ryukyu culture, venture further to the Yaeyama islands of Ishigaki, Taketomi and Iriomote. Ishigaki is the most modernized of the Yaeyamas and is known as a prime dive/snorkel locale, particularly at Kabira Bay. Ten minutes from Ishigaki, Taketomi is so small that one could bike or hike its 1,500 acres of land. In the middle of the island, trek to the small village consisting of 160 homes. Sandy streets wind through the village with simple homes and gardens with stone walls surrounding them. Look upward to see the protective animal symbols on the roofs, called sisa and usually in the form of lions or dragons. On the island of Iriomate, a mountainous landscape laced with rivers, jungles and dense mangrove forests make for a dramatic setting. Off Iriomote, you'll find the garden isle of Yobu. Caves and coral reefs fringe the most isolated island of Yonaguni, where, on a cloudless day, Taiwan's outline is sometimes visible. |