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Okinawa & the Southwest Islands

Collectively known as the Southwest Islands, the Nansei-shotō (南西諸島) comprises several chains of semitropical, coral-fringed isles far removed from the concerns of mainland life, where the slow pace and unique cultural heritage of the former Ryūkyū kingdom endures, offering a vibrant contrast to Japan's focus on modernity and technology.

Three people riding bicycles, one after the other, strolling through the traditional village of Taketomi, wearing the traditional straw hat., License Type: media, Download Time: 2026-02-13T17:33:49.000Z, User: nic.dhoedt_lonelyplanet, Editorial: false, purchase_order: 56530 - Guidebooks, job: Global Publishing WIP, client: Lonely Planet Japan 19, other: Nicolas D'Hoedt

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