Amami

Amami (奄美) is a city on Amami Oshima Island, the largest island in the Amami archipelago, part of Kagoshima Prefecture. The island sits between Kyushu and Okinawa, with a unique subtropical culture blending Japanese, Okinawan, and indigenous influences. Amami is known for its pristine beaches, lush mangrove forests, the distinctive Amami islands dialect, and traditional tsumugi (silk) textile weaving. The island's nature is exceptional, with endemic species like the Amami rabbit. Spring and autumn are best; the subtropical climate makes it a year-round destination.

By Plane

Amami Airport (ASJ) has flights from Kagoshima, Osaka, Tokyo (Haneda), and Fukuoka. Flight time from Kagoshima is about 1 hour.

By Ferry

Ferries from Kagoshima Port reach Amami in about 11–13 hours overnight. The "A-line" ferry also connects to Osaka and Kobe.

A car is essential for exploring the island. Rental cars are available at the airport and ferry port.

• Amami Park — A botanical garden and museum showcasing the island's flora, fauna, and culture. The nearby Amami Museum has local history exhibits. ¥600 each.

• Mangrove Forest (マングローブ原生林) — A pristine mangrove estuary in the northern part of the island. Canoe tours available.

• Ohama Seaside Park — A beautiful white sand beach with calm waters.

• Cape Ayamaru — A scenic cape with a lighthouse and panoramic ocean views.

• Tsuchibuchi Coast — Dramatic rock formations and tidal pools.

• Mangrove canoeing — Paddle through the mangrove channels.

• Snorkeling and diving — Crystal-clear waters with coral reefs.

• Tsumugi textile tour — Visit workshops producing the famous Oshima Tsumugi silk.

• Whale watching — Humpback whales visit the surrounding waters in winter.

• Hiking in the mountains — Trails through subtropical forest.

Amami cuisine features fresh seafood (tuna, mahi-mahi), keihan (chicken rice), and local produce. Brown sugar shochu is a local specialty.

Tap water is safe. The island is famous for its amami black sugar shochu (kokuto shochu).

• Budget: Guesthouses and minshuku, ¥4,000–7,000.
• Mid-range: Hotels and beach resorts, ¥7,000–16,000.
• Upscale: Resort hotels with ocean views, ¥16,000–35,000.

Oshima Tsumugi silk textiles, brown sugar products, and local crafts.

• Amami Oshima — The whole island has many beautiful spots.
• Kikaijima — A smaller neighboring island, accessible by ferry.
• Tokunoshima — Another island in the Amami chain, further south.
• Yakushima — Ferry connections to Yakushima Island.