Heart-Shaped Beaches, Centuries-Old Mud-Dye Technique: Amami Oshima Amazes!

Just an hour’s flight from Kagoshima, Amami Oshima is the largest of the Amami Islands, a small archipelago south of Kyushu.

Surrounded by beautiful, crystal-clear, clean ocean water, Amami Oshima is blessed with great natural sights (minus the crowds), an abundance of authentic local food, and refined culture. For the best experience, book a rental car (as public transportation is limited) and explore the island. Trust me, the minor inconvenience is worth it! 

Start with Honohoshi Kaigan (Honohoshi Coast), a coastal area at the southeastern tip of the island overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Unlike regular beaches, Honohoshi Coast is filled with round stones instead of sand! You may also see people fishing here.

Another special phenomenon that Amami Island is famous for is Hato Rokku. These are natural heart-shaped rocks and beaches formed by rough waves. Check the tide chart to avoid low tide periods. 

If water sports are up your alley, head to Mangrove Chaya for some kayaking. The beautiful landscape, coupled with the adrenalin-pumping experience, will leave you breathless as you paddle through the second largest mangrove forest in Japan. 

One of my favorite experiences at Amami Island took place at Oshima Tsumugi, a facility where you can learn about a 1,300-year-old tradition of developing silk fabric through mud-dyeing. I had a hands-on experience here with the guidance of a patient veteran―it was so awesome! This tradition is still very much alive today, and its impeccable quality is highly sought by many kimono lovers. 

Click here for more information on the facilities mentioned in this article.

Kyushu
https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/kyushu/