Amami Oshima Complete Guide | A Journey to Enjoy Rich Nature and Culture

Nature Activities to Experience on Amami Oshima

Amami Oshima is blessed with abundant nature, offering a variety of activities.

Canoeing in the Magnificent Mangrove Primeval Forest

One of Amami Oshima's signature nature experiences is canoeing (kayaking) in the mangrove primeval forest (マングローブ原生林). You can explore the vast mangrove forest, designated as a national natural monument, with a guide.

Kuroshio no Mori Mangrove Park (黒潮の森マングローブパーク)

• Address: 478 Ishihara, Sumiyo-cho, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission 4:30 PM)
• Closed: Tuesdays (or the following day if Tuesday is a public holiday)
• Fees:
  • Mangrove Observation Deck: Adults 500 JPY (approx. $3.30)
  • Canoeing Experience (with guide): 1-hour course approx. 3,000 JPY (approx. $20) per adult (reservations required)
• Access: Approx. 40 minutes by car from Amami Airport.

Canoeing experiences are also available in the Kinsakubaru Primeval Forest (金作原原生林) area. Many tour companies offer plans with pick-up and drop-off services.

Snorkeling and Diving in the Emerald Green Sea

Amami Oshima's crystal-clear waters are perfect for snorkeling and diving. You can observe coral reefs and schools of tropical fish up close.

Recommended Snorkeling Spots:

• Tomori Beach (土盛海岸): Known as "Blue Angel" for its stunning cobalt blue waters. It's close to Amami Airport, making it easily accessible.
  • Address: Usuku, Kasari-cho, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture
• Ohama Kaihin Park (大浜海浜公園): Famous for its beautiful sunsets, this park offers a lovely beach for swimming and various park facilities.
  • Address: Ohama, Naze, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture

Many shops offer snorkeling and diving tours, allowing even beginners to participate with peace of mind.

Trekking in Kinsakubaru Primeval Forest

Kinsakubaru Primeval Forest (金作原原生林) is an untouched forest where subtropical plants like the Cyathea spinulosa (ヒカゲヘゴ) thrive, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of Jurassic Park. Due to the presence of valuable flora and fauna, entry requires accompaniment by a certified guide.

Kinsakubaru Primeval Forest Trekking (Guide Tour Estimate):

• Duration: Approx. 2-3 hours for a half-day course
• Fee: Approx. 6,000 JPY - 8,000 JPY (approx. $40-$53) per person (varies by tour company)
• Notes: Advance booking is required. Wear clothes that can get dirty and comfortable walking shoes.

Amami Oshima's Beautiful Beaches and Scenic Spots

Amami Oshima boasts numerous breathtaking beaches and natural scenic wonders.

Breathtaking Beauty: Tomori Beach

Located close to Amami Airport, Tomori Beach (土盛海岸) is affectionately known as "Blue Angel" due to its exceptional clarity and cobalt blue gradation. The contrast between the white sand and the transparent sea creates a truly paradisiacal beauty.

• Address: Usuku, Kasari-cho, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture
• Access: Approx. 5 minutes by car from Amami Airport
• Special Notes: Parking, restrooms, and shower facilities are available.

Sunset Hotspot: Ohama Kaihin Park

Ohama Kaihin Park (大浜海浜公園) is known for its beautifully curved beach and the spectacular sunsets over the East China Sea. The park also houses the Amami Marine Exhibition Hall (奄美海洋展示館), where you can learn about Amami's marine life.

• Address: Ohama, Naze, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture
• Opening Hours: Park is open at all times. Amami Marine Exhibition Hall is 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (last admission 5:30 PM)
• Closed: Amami Marine Exhibition Hall is closed on Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday)
• Fees: Park is free. Amami Marine Exhibition Hall is 300 JPY (approx. $2) for adults.
• Access: Approx. 40 minutes by car from Amami Airport, approx. 15 minutes by car from Naze city center.

Power Spot for Love: Heart Rock

Tucked away on the coast of Tatsugo Town (龍郷町), Heart Rock (ハートロック) is a mystical spot where rocks have been naturally eroded into a heart shape. It only appears at low tide, so checking the tide chart is essential before visiting. It's popular as a power spot for love and relationships.

• Address: Akaogi, Tatsugo-cho, Oshima-gun, Kagoshima Prefecture
• Access: From the Akaogi (赤尾木) village along National Route 58 (国道58号線), turn onto a narrow road marked by a small sign. Parking is limited.
• Special Notes: You must visit at low tide.

Amami Oshima's Northernmost Scenic View: Ayamaru Cape

Ayamaru Cape (あやまる岬), located at the northernmost tip of Amami Oshima, is a spectacular viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. From the observation deck, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery created by coral reefs and the emerald green sea. The park also has playground equipment and a cafe, making it suitable for families.

• Address: Suno, Kasari-cho, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture
• Opening Hours: Park is open at all times. Facilities are 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (may vary by season)
• Fees: Free
• Access: Approx. 15 minutes by car from Amami Airport.

Tanaka Isson Memorial Art Museum: A Painter of Amami's Nature

Tanaka Isson (田中一村), a Japanese painter, spent his later years on Amami Oshima and created many works inspired by its nature. The Tanaka Isson Memorial Art Museum (田中一村記念美術館), located within Amami Park (奄美パーク), exhibits these works. Here, you can experience Amami's nature from an artistic perspective.

• Address: 1834 Setta, Kasari-cho, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last admission 4:30 PM)
• Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday)
• Fees: Adults 300 JPY (approx. $2)
• Access: Approx. 5 minutes by car from Amami Airport.

Amami Oshima's Cuisine and Culture

Amami Oshima offers not only rich nature but also unique food and traditional culture.

Local Dish: Keihan (Chicken Rice)

When you visit Amami Oshima, you must try the local specialty, "Keihan" (鶏飯). This dish is like a savory tea-rice (ochazuke), where shredded chicken, thin omelet strips, shiitake mushrooms, pickles, and other ingredients are placed on rice, then hot chicken broth is poured over it. It's characterized by its light yet profound flavor and is served at many restaurants on the island.

Amami Oshima's Unique Kokuto Shochu (Brown Sugar Shochu)

"Kokuto Shochu" (黒糖焼酎) is a type of shochu (distilled spirit) made from brown sugar derived from sugarcane, and its production is exclusively permitted on Amami Oshima. It features a distinct sweet aroma and a refreshing taste, enjoyable in various ways such as on the rocks, with water, or with hot water. There are several distilleries on the island, some offering tours and tastings.

Soul-Stirring Shima Uta (Island Songs)

Amami Oshima has traditional folk songs called "Shima Uta" (島唄) that have been passed down for generations. The unique melodies, sung to the accompaniment of the sanshin (三味線, Okinawan lute), convey the island's history, people's lives, and their feelings towards nature, deeply resonating with listeners. You may have the opportunity to hear live Shima Uta performances at local izakayas (Japanese pubs) or events on the island.

Traditional Craft: Oshima Tsumugi (Oshima Pongee)

Oshima Tsumugi (大島紬) is a traditional silk fabric from Amami Oshima, considered one of the world's three great textiles. It is characterized by its deep colors achieved through mud dyeing (泥染め) and intricate kasuri (絣) patterns. The production process is extremely labor-intensive and time-consuming. There are Oshima Tsumugi workshops on the island where you can observe the process or even try your hand at it.

Best Season and Clothing for Amami Oshima Travel

Amami Oshima has a subtropical climate, remaining warm throughout the year, but offering different charms depending on the season.

Seasonal Characteristics

• Spring (March - May): Average temperatures are around 20°C (68°F), making it a pleasant season. The fresh greenery is beautiful, and it's suitable for activities like hiking and canoeing. You might be able to swim on some days, but the water temperature is still relatively cool.
• Summer (June - September): Average temperatures are high, around 28°C (82°F), making it the best season for marine sports. The ocean clarity is excellent, allowing you to fully enjoy snorkeling and diving. However, late June to early July is the rainy season (梅雨), and August to September is typhoon season (台風シーズン), so checking the weather forecast is essential.
• Autumn (October - November): Average temperatures are around 25°C (77°F), with relatively pleasant days. The summer crowds subside, allowing for a more relaxed sightseeing experience. While the risk of typhoons remains, it gradually decreases.
• Winter (December - February): Average temperatures are around 15°C (59°F), and some days can be chilly. It's not ideal for marine sports, but it's the whale watching (ホエールウォッチング) season (late December - March). This can be a hidden gem period with fewer tourists.

Recommended Clothing

• Summer (June - September): You can dress lightly in T-shirts, shorts, and swimwear. The sun is strong, so a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential. A thin cardigan or jacket is useful for air-conditioned indoor spaces or sun protection.
• Spring/Autumn (March - May, October - November): Long-sleeved shirts, light cardigans, or hoodies are recommended for easy temperature adjustment. Mornings and evenings can feel cool, so a light outer layer is advisable.
• Winter (December - February): Dress warmly with sweaters, fleece, and thick jackets. Some days can be windy, so clothes made of wind-resistant material are convenient.

About Typhoon Season

August and September see frequent typhoon occurrences, and Amami Oshima can be directly hit. If you plan to travel during this period, regularly check the latest weather forecasts and flight/ferry operation information. Also, consider purchasing travel insurance as a precaution.

Amami Oshima Tourist Information Summary