{"id":15809527,"date":"2026-01-02T11:26:25","date_gmt":"2026-01-02T10:26:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/?p=15809527"},"modified":"2026-01-02T11:26:39","modified_gmt":"2026-01-02T10:26:39","slug":"must-see-experiences-japan-subtropical-islands","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/us\/must-see-experiences-japan-subtropical-islands\/","title":{"rendered":"Journey to the heart of Japan’s subtropical islands"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Five unforgettable experiences<\/h2>\n

Crystal-clear waters, lush jungles, pristine beaches: the subtropical islands of Japan <\/a>\u00a0offer a paradise setting. Travelling in these archipelagos at the end of the world is a gentle journey full of discoveries, a thousand miles away from the hustle and bustle of Japan\u2019s big cities. A different kind of Japan.<\/p>\n

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1. Kerama Blue: Diving in unspoilt lagoons<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Turquoise, azure, sapphire, sky blue: there is no shortage of adjectives to describe the blue waters of Japan\u2019s subtropical islands<\/strong>. From bay to lagoon, beach to reef, discover shades that echo each other as far as the eye can see, like an immense mosaic<\/strong> composed by the most subtle of painters.<\/p>\n

The most astonishing colour is undoubtedly to be found in the heart of the Kerama archipelago<\/strong>: the famous \u201cKerama blue<\/strong>\u201d, a shade unique in the world, close to cobalt and navy blue, whose purity comes from the good health of the local corals. To admire it, head to Zamami Island<\/a><\/u>, a perfectly preserved tropical gem,<\/strong> and the ideal place to enjoy swimming and relaxation.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Malgr\u00e9 leur allure souvent comique, les manchots sont fascinants et imposent le respect<\/strong>. Lorsque nous sommes les derniers visiteurs \u00e0 quitter l\u2019Antarctique devant l\u2019arriv\u00e9e d\u2019un hiver hostile, des petites boules de plumes<\/strong> d\u2019\u00e0 peine quelques mois s\u2019aventurent hardiment dans un oc\u00e9an glacial.<\/p>\n

R\u00e9mi Bigonneau, guide-naturaliste PONANT<\/p>\n

\u201d content_phone=\u201d<\/p>\n

Malgr\u00e9 leur allure souvent comique, les manchots sont fascinants et imposent le respect<\/strong>. Lorsque nous sommes les derniers visiteurs \u00e0 quitter l\u2019Antarctique devant l\u2019arriv\u00e9e d\u2019un hiver hostile, des petites boules de plumes<\/strong> d\u2019\u00e0 peine quelques mois s\u2019aventurent hardiment dans un oc\u00e9an glacial.<\/p>\n

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The Kerama Islands are home to many natural treasures, such as the coral reefs of Zamami Island.<\/em> It\u2019s one of my favourite places to visit, especially for its white sandy beaches.<\/em><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.5\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d31px||21px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Kento Lafay, naturalist guide for PONANT EXPLORATIONS<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||||false|false\u201d collapsed=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d1_2,1_2\u2033 make_equal=\u201don\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d width=\u201d100%\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_divider show_divider=\u201doff\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.5\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_image=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Low-Resolution-1365043380-1.jpg\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d height=\u201d100%\u201d height_tablet=\u201d350px\u201d height_phone=\u201d280px\u201d height_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d background_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d background_position_phone=\u201dtop_center\u201d background_vertical_offset_phone=\u201d5%\u201d border_color_right=\u201d#ffffff\u201d border_width_all_tablet=\u201d\u201d border_width_all_phone=\u201d\u201d border_width_all_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d border_width_right_tablet=\u201d0px\u201d border_width_right_phone=\u201d\u201d border_width_right_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.5\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d header_4_line_height=\u201d2em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d7px|30px|25px|50px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d||50px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d||10px|40px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

2. Deep green: Listen to the heartbeat of the jungle<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Most of the forests on Japan\u2019s subtropical islands<\/strong> are entirely unspoilt, offering ideal places to explore<\/strong> for lovers of trees and rare birds.<\/p>\n

On Amami-Oshima<\/a><\/u>, the Kinsakubaru primary forest<\/strong> is adorned with mosses and giant ferns, creating a deeply dreamlike atmosphere. Iriomote<\/a>, an island listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/strong>, is teeming with endemic species<\/strong>, the most famous of which is undoubtedly the Iriomote cat<\/strong>, one of the rarest felines in the world. Discover these islands on foot, following the paths that wind beneath the foliage, or by boat along the crystal-clear rivers<\/strong> that flow through them. With the soundtrack of birdsong, the murmur of waterfalls, and the impenetrable silence of ancient nature<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d admin_label=\u201dMEA \u2013 quote V2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d background_size=\u201dcustom\u201d background_image_width=\u201d20%\u201d background_position=\u201dtop_left\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d custom_margin=\u201d20px||||false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d80px|50px|77px|50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|false|true\u201d background_image_width_tablet=\u201d20%\u201d background_image_width_phone=\u201d40%\u201d background_position_tablet=\u201dtop_left\u201d background_horizontal_offset_tablet=\u201d-4%\u201d background_horizontal_offset_phone=\u201d-10%\u201d background_vertical_offset_tablet=\u201d50%\u201d background_vertical_offset_phone=\u201d35%\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/picto-quote.png\u201d alt=\u201dpicto-quote\u201d title_text=\u201dpicto-quote\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d55px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text content_tablet=\u201d<\/p>\n

Malgr\u00e9 leur allure souvent comique, les manchots sont fascinants et imposent le respect<\/strong>. Lorsque nous sommes les derniers visiteurs \u00e0 quitter l\u2019Antarctique devant l\u2019arriv\u00e9e d\u2019un hiver hostile, des petites boules de plumes<\/strong> d\u2019\u00e0 peine quelques mois s\u2019aventurent hardiment dans un oc\u00e9an glacial.<\/p>\n

R\u00e9mi Bigonneau, guide-naturaliste PONANT<\/p>\n

\u201d content_phone=\u201d<\/p>\n

Malgr\u00e9 leur allure souvent comique, les manchots sont fascinants et imposent le respect<\/strong>. Lorsque nous sommes les derniers visiteurs \u00e0 quitter l\u2019Antarctique devant l\u2019arriv\u00e9e d\u2019un hiver hostile, des petites boules de plumes<\/strong> d\u2019\u00e0 peine quelques mois s\u2019aventurent hardiment dans un oc\u00e9an glacial.<\/p>\n

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These islands enjoy a lush environment that has earned them the nickname<\/em> \u201cthe Japanese Hawaii.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.5\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d31px||21px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Kento Lafay, naturalist guide for PONANT EXPLORATIONS<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d1_2,1_2\u2033 make_equal=\u201don\u201d admin_label=\u201dcolumn-swap\u201d module_class=\u201dcolumn-swap\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d width=\u201d100%\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_margin=\u201d48px|auto||auto||\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.5\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d header_4_line_height=\u201d2em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d9px|30px|81px|50px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d||50px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d||10px|40px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

3. Mineral grey: refocusing on the origins of Japanese beliefs<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A must-see attraction on the island of Okinawa, the Seifa-Utaki rock sanctuary<\/strong>, is of particular importance to the people of the archipelago. It was there, in the heart of a jungle rich<\/strong> in delicate shades of green, that the mythical mother of their pantheon is said to have first appeared on Earth. In medieval<\/strong> times<\/strong>, these places were off-limits to men, and only women were allowed to lead prayers.<\/p>\n

Today, the astonishing stone formations of Seifa-Utaki<\/strong> are still considered sacred. Perhaps you\u2019ll feel the power it exudes? An opportunity for a moment of introspection<\/strong> in the heart of a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

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4. Soft green: rejuvenate yourself by embracing the local way of life<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Okinawans<\/strong> have the longest life expectancy in the world.<\/strong> Why? Some doctors point to the quality of their diet<\/strong>, which features local fruits and vegetables <\/strong>\u2013 such as the flavourful shikuwasa lemon and mozuku seaweed, rich in antioxidants. Others emphasise closeness to nature<\/strong> and the importance of human connections<\/strong> based on mutual support. One thing is certain: staying in the archipelago is good for both body and soul.<\/strong><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d admin_label=\u201dMEA \u2013 quote V2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d background_size=\u201dcustom\u201d background_image_width=\u201d20%\u201d background_position=\u201dtop_left\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d custom_margin=\u201d20px||||false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d80px|50px|60px|50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|false|true\u201d background_image_width_tablet=\u201d20%\u201d background_image_width_phone=\u201d40%\u201d background_position_tablet=\u201dtop_left\u201d background_horizontal_offset_tablet=\u201d-4%\u201d background_horizontal_offset_phone=\u201d-10%\u201d background_vertical_offset_tablet=\u201d50%\u201d background_vertical_offset_phone=\u201d35%\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/picto-quote.png\u201d alt=\u201dpicto-quote\u201d title_text=\u201dpicto-quote\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d55px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text content_tablet=\u201d<\/p>\n

Malgr\u00e9 leur allure souvent comique, les manchots sont fascinants et imposent le respect<\/strong>. Lorsque nous sommes les derniers visiteurs \u00e0 quitter l\u2019Antarctique devant l\u2019arriv\u00e9e d\u2019un hiver hostile, des petites boules de plumes<\/strong> d\u2019\u00e0 peine quelques mois s\u2019aventurent hardiment dans un oc\u00e9an glacial.<\/p>\n

R\u00e9mi Bigonneau, guide-naturaliste PONANT<\/p>\n

\u201d content_phone=\u201d<\/p>\n

Malgr\u00e9 leur allure souvent comique, les manchots sont fascinants et imposent le respect<\/strong>. Lorsque nous sommes les derniers visiteurs \u00e0 quitter l\u2019Antarctique devant l\u2019arriv\u00e9e d\u2019un hiver hostile, des petites boules de plumes<\/strong> d\u2019\u00e0 peine quelques mois s\u2019aventurent hardiment dans un oc\u00e9an glacial.<\/p>\n

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These islands call for refocusing on the essentials, slowing down and finding your balance, your ikigai.<\/em><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.5\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d31px||21px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Kento Lafay, naturalist guide for PONANT EXPLORATIONS.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d2_5,3_5\u2033 admin_label=\u201dMEA \u2013 decalage\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d28px||28px||true|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d2_5\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.5\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dleft\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#ffffff\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d background_color=\u201d#307f90\u2033 custom_margin=\u201d|-30%|||false|false\u201d custom_margin_tablet=\u201d|0%|||false|false\u201d custom_margin_phone=\u201d\u201d custom_margin_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d custom_padding=\u201d30px|75%|30px|20px|true|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|20px|||true|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d header_2_font_size_tablet=\u201d23px\u201d header_2_font_size_phone=\u201d23px\u201d header_2_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Ikigai or the pursuit of happiness<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u201d3_5\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.5\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201d#f7f7f7\u2033 custom_margin=\u201d50px||33px|-25%|false|false\u201d custom_margin_tablet=\u201d0px|||0%|false|false\u201d custom_margin_phone=\u201d\u201d custom_margin_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d custom_padding=\u201d40px|40px|40px|40px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|20px||20px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

A fundamental principle on Okinawa, ikigai translates as \u201creason to live\u201d or \u201creason to be happy<\/strong>\u201d. There are no rules: it\u2019s up to you to discover your own sources of happiness, through encounters and moments of inspiration. Many anthropologists consider ikigai to be one of the reasons behind the extraordinary longevity <\/strong>of the Okinawans, as the pursuit of serenity promotes physical and mental health. An invitation to joyful introspection<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d1_2,1_2\u2033 make_equal=\u201don\u201d admin_label=\u201dcolumn-swap\u201d module_class=\u201dcolumn-swap\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d width=\u201d100%\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.5\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d header_4_line_height=\u201d2em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d16px|30px|113px|50px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d||50px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d||10px|40px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

5. Bingata red: admire ancestral craft techniques<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Japan\u2019s subtropical islands also offer an opportunity to discover centuries-old skills <\/strong>practised by artisans who are deeply attached to their rich heritage.\u00a0\u2026 and eager to share it. In Okinawa<\/strong>, textiles<\/strong> take centre stage, with no fewer than thirteen techniques using fine materials and motifs inspired by nature<\/strong>, enhancing a long animist tradition. In the Ryukyu archipelago<\/strong>, working with clay and glass<\/strong> conveys a unique understanding of natural forces, a blend of respect and wonder.<\/p>\n

Our favourite is undoubtedly Ryukyu Bingata<\/strong> (\u201cRyukyu red style\u201d), a dyeing technique that uses local pigments in particularly vivid colours<\/strong>. Artisans apply them by hand to natural textiles, using designs that vary according to their imagination: flowers, birds and abstract patterns combine to form unique pieces<\/strong> of extraordinary brilliance.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_divider show_divider=\u201doff\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.5\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_image=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/iStock-458333127-3.jpg\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d height=\u201d100%\u201d height_tablet=\u201d350px\u201d height_phone=\u201d280px\u201d height_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d border_color_right=\u201d#ffffff\u201d border_width_all_tablet=\u201d\u201d border_width_all_phone=\u201d\u201d border_width_all_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d border_width_right_tablet=\u201d0px\u201d border_width_right_phone=\u201d\u201d border_width_right_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d admin_label=\u201dMEA \u2013 quote V2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d background_size=\u201dcustom\u201d background_image_width=\u201d20%\u201d background_position=\u201dtop_left\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d custom_margin=\u201d20px||||false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d80px|50px|60px|50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|false|true\u201d background_image_width_tablet=\u201d20%\u201d background_image_width_phone=\u201d40%\u201d background_position_tablet=\u201dtop_left\u201d background_horizontal_offset_tablet=\u201d-4%\u201d background_horizontal_offset_phone=\u201d-10%\u201d background_vertical_offset_tablet=\u201d50%\u201d background_vertical_offset_phone=\u201d35%\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/picto-quote.png\u201d alt=\u201dpicto-quote\u201d title_text=\u201dpicto-quote\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d55px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text content_tablet=\u201d<\/p>\n

Malgr\u00e9 leur allure souvent comique, les manchots sont fascinants et imposent le respect<\/strong>. Lorsque nous sommes les derniers visiteurs \u00e0 quitter l\u2019Antarctique devant l\u2019arriv\u00e9e d\u2019un hiver hostile, des petites boules de plumes<\/strong> d\u2019\u00e0 peine quelques mois s\u2019aventurent hardiment dans un oc\u00e9an glacial.<\/p>\n

R\u00e9mi Bigonneau, guide-naturaliste PONANT<\/p>\n

\u201d content_phone=\u201d<\/p>\n

Malgr\u00e9 leur allure souvent comique, les manchots sont fascinants et imposent le respect<\/strong>. Lorsque nous sommes les derniers visiteurs \u00e0 quitter l\u2019Antarctique devant l\u2019arriv\u00e9e d\u2019un hiver hostile, des petites boules de plumes<\/strong> d\u2019\u00e0 peine quelques mois s\u2019aventurent hardiment dans un oc\u00e9an glacial.<\/p>\n

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An independent region until the nineteenth century, Okinawa developed a unique heritage, influenced by neighbouring countries. Its dances, architecture, colourful fabrics and cuisine reflect Chinese, Thai and Japanese influences.<\/em><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.5\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d31px||21px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Kento Lafay, naturalist guide for PONANT EXPLORATIONS<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d2_5,3_5\u2033 admin_label=\u201dMEA \u2013 decalage\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d83px||83px||true|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d2_5\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.5\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dleft\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#ffffff\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d background_color=\u201d#307f90\u2033 custom_margin=\u201d|-30%|||false|false\u201d custom_margin_tablet=\u201d|0%|||false|false\u201d custom_margin_phone=\u201d\u201d custom_margin_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d custom_padding=\u201d30px|75%|30px|20px|true|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|20px|||true|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d header_2_font_size_tablet=\u201d23px\u201d header_2_font_size_phone=\u201d23px\u201d header_2_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Okinawa, the birthplace of karate<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u201d3_5\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.5\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201d#f7f7f7\u2033 custom_margin=\u201d50px|||-25%|false|false\u201d custom_margin_tablet=\u201d0px|||0%|false|false\u201d custom_margin_phone=\u201d\u201d custom_margin_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d custom_padding=\u201d40px|40px|40px|40px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|20px||20px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Although the art of unarmed self-defence<\/strong> has been practised in Okinawa<\/strong> since time immemorial, the spread of combat techniques from China in the thirteenth century led to the emergence of a new discipline: karate<\/strong>. The first to take it up were ordinary citizens, who were forbidden to carry weapons, as the use of swords was reserved for samurai<\/strong>. Karate has evolved since its origins, but its philosophy<\/strong> remains the same: a delicate balance between spiritual quest <\/strong>and physical power<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/p>\n

Photo credits: \u00a9StudioPONANT : Thibault GARNIER ; \u00a9iStock ; @GettyImages : Ippei Naoi<\/p>\n

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Let PONANT take you there<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.5\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#ffffff\u201d width=\u201d70%\u201d width_tablet=\u201d100%\u201d width_phone=\u201d\u201d width_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Set sail for Japan\u2019s subtropical islands<\/p>\n

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Five unforgettable experiences<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":15679685,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1189],"tags":[],"thematique":[1463,1497,1479],"class_list":["post-15809527","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-get-inspired-us","thematique-asia-us","thematique-in-the-tropics-us","thematique-islands-us"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nFive adventures in Japan's subtropical islands | PONANT Magazine<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover Japan in tropical colours: from Kerama blue to jungle green, paradise islands, lagoons and traditional lifestyles are revealed during a journey with PONANT EXPLORATIONS.\" \/>\n<meta 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