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

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.