Daitō Islands

城市概覽

The Daito Islands are a part of Okinawa Prefecture, but their earliest developers came from Hachijo Island south of Tokyo. The culture and dialect has therefore become a unique blend of Okinawan and Tokyo culture. For example, the Daito Islands are the only places in Okinawa that celebrate the mainland Honen Festival, but they do so in Okinawan visual and musical style; the only place in Japan that holds the event in this manner.

Tourist Information Sites Each village has a Japanese-only guide site.

Minamidaito village Kitadaito Village

如何抵達

The only way to get to the Daitos is from Naha, either by plane or ferry. There are two flights per day from Naha to Minamidaito and one to Kitadaito, which can be reserved up to two months in advance from Naha Airport or by telephone. Round-trip flights cost around ¥40,000 and last about 70 minutes. The ferry is significantly cheaper, but has a sporadic timetable and takes 12-17 hours each way. And you may feel like being a cargo when landing - see the banner photo. The flight between Minamidaito and Kitadaito lasts for six minutes, and has the distinction of being the shortest flight in Japan - just 13 km. It is scheduled to discontinue in Aug 2024. There are also two flights from Minamidaito to Naha, and one from Kitadaito.