With its laid-back seafaring culture and unique wildlife, the Yaeyama archipelago in Japan’s far southern Okinawa prefecture reveals a different side to Japan.

The lush birthplace of karate is one of the world’s Blue Zones, where life expectancy is the longest, and several peaceful hotels beckon with hot springs, cultural heritage and sublime local cuisine.

The turquoise water lapping against Okinawa's pebbled beach is so clear that you can see an occasional parrotfish streaking ...

Visiting Okinawa, I was struck by how much it didn't feel like I was in Japan. Not only are the vast majority of buildings ...