To enjoy something entirely relaxing on your next visit to Japan, why not spend a few days exploring the island of Ishigakijima, in Okinawa?  For about the same the price as a 7-day rail pass – and about the same travel time as the bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka – you can catch a flight to the southernmost inhabited island of the Ryukyu archipelago.

Sun on deserted tropical beaches; swim in tranquil coral lagoons; walk amongst colorful flowers and gorgeous lepidoptera.  This is a kind of tranquility you won’t experience on the ‘mainland’ of Japan.

Did I mention the excellent skin diving?  The superb beach combing? The opportunity to get your scuba certification?  Riding ponies on the beach, and enjoying traditional Okinawan music?  There really is no end of things to do on this little island – and it’s all kids friendly, too.

Plan your trip well.  Bring plenty of sunscreen, and your international drivers license.  Rent a car, and drive the length of the island.  The towns are all on the southern end of the island. To the north it’s mostly farmland and jungle, and many of the best beaches.