Amami Oshima is one of Japan's best-kept secrets for outdoor travelers. This subtropical island between Kyushu and Okinawa has more endemic species per square kilometer than almost anywhere in Japan, coral reefs in good condition, and a mangrove forest you can kayak through in two hours. Crucially, it has far fewer tourists than Okinawa's main island, meaning the nature is less disturbed and the experiences more authentic.
The Underwater World: Diving & Snorkeling
Amami's reefs sit at the northern edge of the subtropical coral zone, giving them a different character from Okinawa — cooler water in winter, larger pelagic fish, and dense schools of fusiliers and anthias around the deeper wall dives.
Best Dive Sites
- Cape Sata area (south coast): Hard coral gardens in excellent condition; hammerhead sharks pass through in winter (December–March). Water temperature: 18–20°C in winter with a wetsuit; 26–28°C in summer.
- Kasari Bay: Protected bay diving with good visibility (15–25m); ideal for beginners and macro photography. Seahorses, nudibranchs, and juvenile fish are common.
- Night dives off Naze Port: Mandarin fish emerge after dark. One of the few places in Japan where you can reliably see them.
Dive Operators
Several shops in Naze offer PADI certification courses and guided dives. Prices: fun dive ¥8,000–10,000/dive, snorkel tours ¥5,000–7,000. Amami Diving Center and Sea Hunt are English-friendly operations.
The Jungle: Amami's Endemic Wildlife
Amami-Oshima and its neighboring Tokunoshima were part of UNESCO's 2021 Amami-Ryukyu World Natural Heritage inscription — designated specifically to protect the extraordinary endemic species that evolved in isolation.
The Amami Rabbit
The Amami no Kuro Usagi (Amami Black Rabbit, Pentalagus furnessi) exists nowhere else on Earth. A living fossil with primitive features, it emerges only after dark and is notoriously shy. Your best chance: guided night tours (¥3,000–5,000, 2–3 hours) that use red-filtered lights to avoid disturbing the animals. The guides know the feeding areas and have experience spotting movement in the dark.
Rare Birds
The Amami Thrush, Lidth's Jay (brilliantly blue), and Ryukyu Robin are endemic. Birdwatchers come specifically for the Lidth's Jay — its plumage is unlike any other Japanese bird. The forest roads around Kinsakubaru (virgin subtropical forest in the north) are the best birding grounds; arrive at dawn.
Habu Snakes
Amami has a high density of Habu pit vipers — venomous but rarely aggressive. They're mostly active at night. Don't worry: thousands of people visit yearly without incident. Wear closed shoes at night and stick to paths.
Kayaking the Mangroves
Amami's mangrove forest at the mouth of the Yakugachi River is the second largest in Japan (after Iriomote). A two-hour guided kayak tour (¥3,000–4,000) takes you through the canopy roots at high tide — you're essentially paddling through a living tunnel.
Best time: 2 hours either side of high tide. Tours depart from the mangrove park road near Ikinajyo. The water is clear enough to see small fish and mud-skippers moving through the roots.
Hiking: The Interior Trails
Amami's mountainous interior is crossed by several trails through subtropical forest. The Kinsakubaru Forest trail (3km loop, 2–3 hours) passes through ancient trees draped in moss and ferns, with periodic views over the forested ridges. It's genuinely wild — you may see nothing but forest for an hour.
The Mt. Yuwan trail (694m, the island's highest peak) offers panoramic views on clear days. The trailhead is accessible by car from Naze in 45 minutes; the hike itself takes 3–4 hours round trip.
Beaches for Non-Crowded Swimming
Unlike Okinawa's main island, Amami's beaches don't become impractically crowded even in August. The best are on the eastern coast:
- Ohama Beach: White sand, calm water, good snorkeling over the reef flat at the southern end
- Tomori Beach: Less developed, excellent for swimming, nearby ryokan options
- Yakugachi area (mangrove coast): Not a swimming beach but extraordinarily scenic at sunset
Getting There & Getting Around
Amami Airport (ASJ) has direct flights from Tokyo Haneda (2h20m, ¥15,000–25,000 by JAL/ANA), Osaka Itami (1h40m), and Kagoshima (55 minutes). Ferries from Kagoshima and Naha also serve the island but take 11–14 hours.
A rental car is essential for exploring beyond Naze City. Budget ¥5,000–7,000/day. The island is 70km long — you need wheels to access the forest, beaches, and dive sites efficiently.
Best Time to Visit
- March–May: Best diving visibility, migratory birds arrive, comfortable temperatures (20–25°C)
- July–September: Warm water, good for swimming and snorkeling; humidity is high; typhoon risk in August–September
- October–December: Excellent for wildlife (rabbit sightings peak in cooler months); fewer tourists
- January–February: Coolest (15–18°C), hammerhead season for divers, rarely visited