ATTENTION:
THIS SITE IS CURRENTLY INACTIVE. WE MOVED TO THE MOUNTAINS OF SOUTHERN NAGANO DURING THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC. YOU CAN NOW FIND US AT WWW.REALLYRURALJAPAN.COM WHERE WE OFFER HIKING TRIPS AND RURAL EXPERIENCES IN THE KISO VALLEY AND INA VALLEY. WE ARE LEAVING THE SITE UP AS AN INFORMATIONAL RESOURCE ONLY AND WON’T BE ABLE TO REPLY TO EMAILS.
Mike and Minami’s wedding photo at Nishihama Beach, Aka Island.
who we are?
Islands-of-Japan are a booking service and tour operator for the most far flung islands of Japan started in 2019. But who are the people behind it?
Mike & Minami are a married couple. We have lived for a combined 19 years in some of the wildest and most beautiful islands in Japan. We are also travelling extensively throughout the islands that we love, trying to promote them. Together we are the brains behind Islands-of-Japan. And we are expecting our first born baby soon!
Islands-of-Japan isn’t just a two man team. It wouldn’t possible without the local guides and contributors that are helping us to make this site happen.
Mike:
Mike is from Britain. He has lived in Japan for over 7 years. He is fluent in the language and an experienced nature, mountain, culture and history guide in Japan.
minami:
Minami was born in Tokyo and moved to Okinawa at 21 years old. There she worked as a scuba diving instructor for many years and mastered her trade. Fluent in English and of course Japanese.
save the islands:
A lot of Japanese islands are in a lot of trouble. They are facing shrinking populations and a lack of young people. This is not because people don’t want to live there. People would love to live there. But they don’t have work. Islands-of-Japan plans to help tourists to know all of the islands. Not just the famous, already touristy ones. We hope that international tourism will help reinvigorate these islands, bringing back jobs and younger people.
That is why we pledge to never ask for a cut of money from the businesses on the islands. Most booking sites operate by taking money from both the customer and the local hotels and tour operators. We will never do that. When you use us, they get paid in full. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that your holiday is going to be more expensive. Our deep connections and knowledge means that you will get the best deals on hotels, car rentals etc. that aren’t offered online anywhere.
There are islands with guest houses, tour operators, scuba, kayaking, fishing, free camping, free onsens, everything in place, but it can be so difficult to find out about them on the internet in English. Let us know about the places that you want to see, the things that you want to do, and we can help you to make it happen.