Japan is comprised of 4 main islands - Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu. But let’s not forget the more than 14,000 other islands that comprise the country. Whenever you travel around the country, be sure not to forget some of the islands off the coast, as they can offer some wonderfully unique experiences. You could try Sado Island off the coast of Niigata Prefecture, the Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture, or the many islands of the Seto Inland Sea. However, let’s not forget to head further south to Kagoshima Prefecture, and even further south to explore Amami Oshima!
Located in between Okinawa and Yakushima lies Amami Oshima, a haven for tropical views, great weather, and a multitude of outdoor activities. Worry not about transportation, as it can be easily accessed from Tokyo by plane, taking a little more than 2 hours. If you are travelling from Tokyo to Kagoshima first, you can either take a plane from Kagoshima, which would be slightly under an hour, or even take a ferry, which would be a leisurely 11 hours.
The island is Japan’s 9th largest and part of the Amami Gunto National Park. Filled with historic mangrove forests and coral reefs, diving and kayaking are some of the most popular activities that you can do around the islands. You’ll encounter a wide variety of wildlife while paddling through the old forests, from sweetfish to fiddler crabs that live in the mud. Delicious local food includes abundant seafood and the popular dish ‘keihan’, essentially chicken over rice, where chicken broth is then poured over the dish.
Make sure to visit some of the island’s many beaches as well. With the island being relatively near the tropical destination of Okinawa, the beaches retain much of the tropical charm. The white sand frames the clear blue sea, and makes for a perfect spot to relax. You could visit Tomori Beach, nicknamed the Blue Angel from the colours of the ocean, or Kuninao Beach, situated with beautiful views on Onkatsu Bay. Additionally, Tomori beach is perfectly located only 10 minutes from the airport.
Kuninao Beach, © K.P.V.B
Another cultural experience high on the list to do on the Amami Islands is to see the process of creating Oshima tsumugi, a high quality textile used for kimono and obi. A unique feature of this textile is the fact that it is dyed in mud that is only found on the island. This gives the tsumugi its unique look, and you can find goods and accessories made with this textile around the island.
The island does have a bus system, but renting a car or cycling are two other options available that can give more freedom of movement.
A culturally deep and natural beauty, Amami Oshima makes for a perfect getaway. You can pair it with a trip to Okinawa or Kagoshima, and explore and discover even more of what southern Japan has to offer.
If you are interested in learning more about Amami Oshima and its culture, be sure to make a visit to Japan House London. As part of the Design Discoveries exhibition, there is on display a haburagin, a traditional item of clothing worn by ‘noro’ priestesses. The clothing is made of pieces of differing materials, usually in a triangular shape, with the full garment thought to protect the well-being of the wearer. See the haburagin and other noro cultural artefacts and photos at Japan House London, with the exhibition running until the 8th of September 2024. Be sure to check it out!
https://www.japanhouselondon.uk/whats-on/design-discoveries-towards-a-design-museum-japan/
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