Made up of some 6,850 islands, it was only a matter of time before Japan threw its hat into the cruising ring. With that comes the opportunity to visit an island archipelago flung 1,000km across the South Pacific, known as the Ryukyu islands.

Located in the southernmost prefecture of Okinawa, Japans sunshine isles are in more ways than one its subtropical alter ego. The capital Naha, located midway down the island chain is closer to the tip of the Philippines than it is to Tokyo and from the chains southernmost island (weather permitting), its possible to see Taiwan.

Less conservative than their mainland counterparts the Okinawans swap salaryman attire for kariyushi a local take of the Hawaiian shirt and rice for the purple potato. Pack an appetite its worth a visit for the food experience alone. Longevity rates in Okinawa are among the highest in the world diet, martial arts (this is the home of karate), climate and spirituality are all said to play a part.

Invest a little time and effort and youll find a Japan just as timeless as the more traditional iconic favourites. A visit to one of the prefectures outer islands is to glimpse a rural idyll. Buffalo carts cross the shallow channel separating Iriomote and Yufujima; Ishigaki and its islands are home to a rare breed of beef cattle, while Kuroshima is home to more cows than people. Miyakojimas mineral-laden salt 18 at last count has landed it a place in the Guinness Book of Records.

Whales migrate to the stunning Kerama Islands, just west of Naha and croissant-shaped Minna, looped by white sand, is a two-mile paddle away by kayak or a 15-minute ferry ride from the Naras Motobu port. Others including Miyako, popular with divers, are best reached via a short flight.

Although ships itineraries barely scratch the surface of the destination, cruising might just put Okinawa on the map.

How to go: Royal Caribbean (royalcaribbean.co.uk) calls at Okinawa on its eight-night Okinawa, Fukuoka and Jeju Cruise. From 714 per person (based on two people sharing) departing in July. Excludes flights.

Read about the rest of our 20 destinations for 2015

Originally posted here:

20 destinations for 2015: Ryukyu islands, Japan