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Amami Oshima Island, Kyushu

HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Amami Oshima Island, Kyushu

A unique island with a subtropical ecosystem and the spirit of nature worship

Kyushu Tourism Organization

Amami Oshima, an island of volcanic origin ringed by coral reefs, is at once a prime subtropical travel destination and the site of a fascinating culture. With the second-largest mangrove forest in Japan, the island is home to a wide variety of species, including rare species and natural treasures such as the Amami rabbit and Amami jay (also known as Lidth’s jay). The island was registered as a World Natural Heritage site in July 2021, together with Tokunoshima, northern Okinawa, and Iriomote Island, in recognition of its diverse flora and fauna.

Kuroshionomori Mangrove Park offers guided kayaking experiences, where you can be introduced to the various types of mangroves as well as stroll through the forest to see the white “black heron” and the Ryukyu scops-owl. Oshima Tsumugi Village offers anyone the chance to observe and experience the traditional artisanal process of making Oshima tsumugi: an exceptionally fine silk pongee textile, naturally dyed in mud, that originated on the island more than 1,300 years ago.