Amami Oshima, a large subtropical island in the seas between Kyushu and Okinawa (part of Kagoshima), is a paradise of natural beauty recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its unique biodiversity. Ringed by white-sand beaches, coral reefs and clear turquoise seas ideal for swimming, snorkelling, diving and kayaking, its interior holds lush subtropical laurel forests and mangroves that are home to rare endemic species, including the elusive Amami rabbit, found nowhere else on earth. The island also has a distinctive culture, from its own dialect and folk music to traditional Oshima tsumugi silk, made by an intricate mud-dyeing process. With its beaches, forests, mangrove kayaking, unique wildlife and slow island pace, Amami Oshima is a rewarding, off-the-beaten-path destination for nature lovers, reached by ferry or flight from Kagoshima.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Amami Oshima, Kagoshima |
| Hours | Varies; access by ferry/air |
| Admission | Free (tours vary) |
| Time needed | 2–4 days |
| Best time | Late spring–autumn; warm seas |
What to See
- White beaches and clear coral turquoise seas.
- Lush subtropical forests and mangroves.
- Rare endemic wildlife like the Amami rabbit.
- Oshima tsumugi silk and distinctive island culture.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with diving in Amami and Yakushima .
- Pair with the Amami sea turtle nesting season .
- Read our Kagoshima overview .
Getting There
- By air: flights from Kagoshima and other cities.
- By ferry: long-distance ferries from Kagoshima.
Tips
Allow several days to enjoy the beaches, forests and slow island pace, and come in the warmer months for the best sea conditions for swimming, snorkelling and diving. Take a mangrove kayak tour and a guided night forest tour for a chance to spot the rare Amami rabbit, rent a car to explore, and respect the fragile UNESCO ecosystem.
