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19 Fun Things to Do in the Amami Islands - Places to Go, Local Food & Sightseeing Tips

19 Fun Things to Do in the Amami Islands - Places to Go, Local Food & Sightseeing Tips

Date published: 30 June 2021

The Amami Islands are located between Kyushu and Okinawa, southwest of Yakushima. Their abundance of beautiful coral and tropical fish makes them a destination especially popular with divers and snorkelers. The largest city is Amami, on the main island of Amami Oshima.

1. Sakibaru Beach

© K.P.V.B
© K.P.V.B

Tucked away down a narrow footpath, very few tourists know about this hidden gem of a beach.

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© K.P.V.B

Sakibaru Beach is a sure to make you say 'WOW' as the gorgeous scenery is revealed, of perfect blue seas and soft white sand. Enjoy this secluded piece of paradise!

© K.P.V.B
© K.P.V.B
  • Sakibaru Beach
    崎原ビーチ
    • Address 3622 Kasaricho Oaza Kise, Amami, Kagoshima 894-0507

2. Kasarizaki Lighthouse

2. Kasarizaki Lighthouse

Kasarizaki Lighthouse sits at a scenic spot on the most northern point of the island, known as 'Yo Misaki' Cape to the locals. From the top of the lighthouse you can get a fantastic panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. Ships sailing nearby have long relied on this historic lighthouse for safe passage.

  • Kasarizaki Lighthouse
    笠利崎灯台
    • Address Kasaricho Oaza Yo, Amami, Kagoshima 894-0621

3. Gamozaki Kanko Park

3. Gamozaki Kanko Park

This park is more than just a pretty spot to take in the sunset – it is also an important historical site. After a crushing defeat in battle, a group of samurai fled to Amami Oshima, and posted guards on both sides of the entrance to Kasari Bay to keep watch for invasion. The Gamozaki Shrine honors Gamo Zaemon, one of the samurai soldiers who served here. The ocean views from the top of the observatory park are well worth the climb.

  • Gamozaki Kanko Park
    蒲生崎観光公園
    • Address Kasaricho Oaza Yani, Amami, Kagoshima 894-0626

4. Amami Park

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© K.P.V.B

Take in some local arts and culture at the Amami Park, located just a few minutes from Amami Airport.

© K.P.V.B
© K.P.V.B

The Amami no Sato Museum has recreated what traditional life was like in the Amami islands, while the Art Museum showcases the works of Isson Tanaka, who created great works of art focusing on Amami's beautiful natural scenery.

  • Amami Park
    奄美パーク
    • Address 1834 Kasaricho Oaza Setta, Amami, Kagoshima 894-0504

5. Amami Nature Observation Forest

5. Amami Nature Observation Forest

The Amami Nature Observation Forest lies in the lush Nagakumo mountains, and is full of fun activities to help you connect with nature. Learn about the plants and animals that live in these forests, and enjoy walking paths through the wilderness. For the little ones, there are a variety of playgrounds to have fun in.

  • Amami Nature Observation Forest
    自然観察の森
    • Address Maisakacho Maisaka, Nishi Ward, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-0211

6. Heart Rock

6. Heart Rock

A secret 'power spot' that only appears at low tide, this beautiful heart-shaped tide pool lies on the east coast of Tatsugo Town.

It is becoming more and more popular with visitors who want to take pictures at this romantic spot.

  • Heart Rock
    ハートロック
    • Address 1346-1 Akaogi, Tatsugo, Oshima District, Kagoshima 894-0411

7. Materiya Waterfall

7. Materiya Waterfall

Long-loved by locals, Materiya Waterfall is a great place to relax and swim in the clear waters which tumble from the forests and mountains above. A short walk along the lush riverside takes you to the waterfall basin where you can jump in and enjoy!

8. Kuninao Beach

8. Kuninao Beach

Kuninao Beach with its white coral sand and pristine waters is a popular beach both for day trippers and for campers who want to stay longer to enjoy the area.

It is about a 30 minute drive from Amami City, and is a popular spot for viewing a gorgeous sunset over the sea.

  • Kuninao Beach
    国直海岸
    • Address 73 Kuninao, Yamato-mura, Oshima-gun, Kagoshima 894-3101

9. Virgin Mangrove Forest

9. Virgin Mangrove Forest

The best way to explore Amami's Mangrove Park is by canoe, so get ready to use your arm muscles!

© K.P.V.B
© K.P.V.B

This large protected semi-national park spans almost 2.5 acres and is home to a variety of wildlife. The canoe tour is suitable even for beginners and families with young children, and takes about one hour. Depending on the tides, you can see different characterstics of the mangroves, and various animals reveal themselves.

  • Mangrove Observatory
    マングローブ展望台
    • Address Sumiyocho Oaza Yakugachi, Amami, Kagoshima 894-1205

10. Arangachi Falls

10. Arangachi Falls

One of the best waterfalls of the Amami Islands, Arangachi Falls tumbles from a height of roughly 30 meters into a beautiful basin. Cool down in the healing waters, and look closely for the tiny shrimp and crabs who live in the pools.

  • Arangachi Falls
    アランガチの滝
    • Address 1835 Yuwan, Uken, Oshima District, Kagoshima 894-3301

11. Honohoshi Beach

© K.P.V.B
© K.P.V.B

You might hear it before you see it – the sound of the gentle tumbling of round, smooth stones being turned over in the waves. This is the only beach in Amami where this happens and it is really a distinctive sound. Honohoshi Beach is slowly becoming more well known to tourists, but largely remains off the beaten path.

  • Honohoshi Beach
    ホノホシ海岸
    • Address Sokaru, Setouchi, Oshima District, Kagoshima 894-1523

12. Keihan Chicken Rice

© K.P.V.B
© K.P.V.B

When in Amami Oshima, you must try the local specialty, Keihan. This unique island dish consists of a bowl of rice covered in chicken broth, and topped with chicken, sliced egg, mushrooms, and, most notably, pickled papaya and citrus zest. Keihan is something only to be found in the Amami Oshima islands!

13. Kokuto Shochu

© K.P.V.B
© K.P.V.B

Kokuto Shochu is a non-alcoholic liquor, made from pure brown sugar and semi-fermented rice. According to Japanese Liquor Tax Law, it can only be produced on the Amami islands where the sugarcane is cultivated. As it has 0% alcohol, this sweet liquor is thought to be a good drink to have when you want to avoid a hangover.

14. Cape Ayamaru

14. Cape Ayamaru

This beautiful cape, about a 15 minute drive north of Amami Airport, offers splendid views of the Pacific Ocean, and is a popular spot to watch the setting sun.

Visitors have a great vantage point of the reefs below, and on a fine day you can see all the way to Kikaijima.

  • Ayamaru Misaki Kanko Park
    あやまる岬観光公園
    • Address Kasaricho Oaza Suno, Amami, Kagoshima 894-0624

15. Oshima Tsumugi Silk Fabric

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© K.P.V.B

This handicraft is unique in that it is only produced on Amami Oshima island. Oshima Tsumugi silk fabric has a history of some 1,300 years. The cloth is dyed using a solution derived from the Japanese Hawthorn tree. The threads are then soaked in iron-rich mud to produce its distinctive dark, black sheens. The fabric has long been used in the production of beautiful and distinctive kimonos.

© K.P.V.B
© K.P.V.B

16. Amami Museum

16. Amami Museum

Learn about Amami's distinctive history and culture at the Amami Museum, with displays of traditional life, customs, and natural science.

The museum has well preserved relics of hand-carved boats used for fishing and travel between the islands, as well as agricultural tools and those used in daily life. See what life was once like in the olden days.

  • Amami City Amami Museum
    奄美市立奄美博物館
    • Address 517 Nazenagahamacho, Amami, Kagoshima 894-0036

17. Kinsakubaru Virgin Forest

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© K.P.V.B

Take a walk through a primeval semitropical forest and see plants and animals which are unique to Amami, such as the Hikagehego, or Flying Spider-Monkey Tree Ferns. Many of the species found here have been designated as national natural monuments. Strap on a pair of hiking boots and come explore Kinsakubaru Virgin Forest.

  • Kinsakubaru Virgin Forest
    金作原 原生林
    • Address Naze Oaza Asato, Amami, Kagoshima 894-0773

18. Ohama Coastal Park

© K.P.V.B
© K.P.V.B

With gorgeous beaches for swimming and lots of facilities, Ohama Coastal Park is a great place to spend the day relaxing and snorkelling. Within the park grounds is the Amami Maritime Museum with its ocean exhibition hall full of amazing live specimens. During the summer time, this beach is a egg-laying site for loggerhead and green sea turtles who nest here.

  • Ohama Coastal Park
    奄美市大浜海浜公園
    • Address 701-1 Ohama, Oaza-Koyado, Naze, Amami-shi, Kagoshima 894-0046

19. Tomori Beach

19. Tomori Beach

Luckily for visitors, Tomori Beach is the closest beach to Amami Airport, and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.

With stunning white sand and sparkling turquoise water, you can relax and enjoy this picture-perfect beach year-round.

  • Tomori Beach
    土盛海岸
    • Address Kasaricho Oaza Ushuku, Amami, Kagoshima 894-0501

Recommended Places to Stay on Amami Island

  • The Villa Kazbo
    The Villa Kazbo
    • Address 1252-8, Funyato, Oaza Yoyasu, Kasari-cho, Amami-shi, Kagoshima 894-0508
    • Phone Number 0997-63-0115

    Vacancy search, reservation

    • Please enquire directly about rates.

    Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.

  • Imore Amami Minpaku Mura
    いも~れ奄美民泊村
    • Address 13 Naze Oaza Arira, Amami, Kagoshima 894-0352
    • Phone Number 0997-57-1380
  • Guest room Halemakana
    ハレマカナ
    • Address 1274-6 Akaogi, Tatsugo, Oshima District, Kagoshima 894-0411
    • Phone Number 0997-69-3390
*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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