Islands · Kagoshima
Amami Oshima
奄美大島あまみおおしまAmami ŌshimaSubtropical rainforest, mangroves and island songs
Amami Oshima is the largest island of the Amami archipelago, about 380 kilometres south of Kagoshima. Its subtropical rainforest shelters rare endemic species such as the Amami rabbit and has been part of a natural World Heritage site since 2021.
Overview
Amami Oshima lies in the Nansei Islands between Kyushu and Okinawa, and after Okinawa Island and Sado it is one of the largest islands off Japan's four main islands. Rugged mountains covered in evergreen broadleaf forest fill most of its interior, and its coast is cut by long inlets, including the Ōshima Strait facing Kakeromajima in the south.
The island's forests belong to one of the most important areas for endemic species in Japan. In 2021 Amami Oshima, together with Tokunoshima, northern Okinawa Island and Iriomote, was inscribed as a natural World Heritage site for its biodiversity.
Culturally the Amami Islands sit between mainland Japan and the Ryukyus. Ruled by the Ryukyu Kingdom and from 1609 by the Satsuma domain, the islands developed their own songs, food and textiles; Ōshima tsumugi, a silk woven from threads dyed with mud, is one of Japan's most prized kimono fabrics.
Landscape and formation
Amami Oshima separated from the Asian continent millions of years ago, allowing ancient lineages to survive in isolation. The mountains rise steeply from the coast to Yuwan-dake (694 m), and heavy rainfall feeds dense forest and fast rivers. Where the Yakugachi and Sumiyō rivers reach the sea, one of the largest mangrove forests in Japan has developed. Coral reefs fringe much of the coast.
Highlights
Kinsakubaru forest
金作原KinsakubaruPrimeval subtropical forest with giant tree ferns; access is by guided tour under a use-management system.
Mangrove forest of Sumiyō
住用のマングローブ原生林Sumiyō no mangurōbu genseirinMangroves at the mouth of the Sumiyō and Yakugachi rivers, explored by canoe.
Yuwan-dake
湯湾岳Yuwan-dakeThe island's highest peak, sacred in local belief, with cloud forest near the summit.
Ōshima Strait and Kakeromajima
大島海峡Ōshima KaikyōSheltered strait of coral and calm water between the south coast and the island of Kakeromajima.
Ayamaru Cape
あやまる岬Ayamaru MisakiHeadland on the north-east coast overlooking coral reefs and the Pacific.
Ecology
The island's forests are home to many endemic animals, several of them relict species whose closest relatives are extinct elsewhere. Introduced mongooses, released in 1979 to control the venomous habu snake, devastated native fauna; an eradication programme completed in the 2020s has allowed species like the Amami rabbit to recover.
Flora
Flying spider-monkey tree fern
ヒカゲヘゴhikagehegoGiant tree fern up to 10 m tall, emblematic of Kinsakubaru.
Mangroves
メヒルギ・オヒルギmehirugi, ohirugiKandelia and Bruguiera mangroves in the river estuaries.
Fauna
Amami rabbit
アマミノクロウサギAmami no kurousagiDark, short-eared rabbit found only on Amami Oshima and Tokunoshima, a Special Natural Monument.
Lidth's jay
ルリカケスrurikakesuBlue-and-chestnut jay endemic to the Amami Islands, a Natural Monument.
Habu
ハブhabuVenomous pit viper of the Nansei Islands, active mainly at night in warm months.
Culture
Amami's shima-uta folk songs, sung in a high falsetto to the sanshin, differ from both Okinawan and mainland styles. The painter Tanaka Isson spent his last years on the island painting its plants and birds. Local dishes include keihan, chicken broth over rice with toppings, and brown-sugar shōchū, which may only be produced in the Amami Islands.
Ōshima tsumugi
大島紬Ōshima tsumugiSilk textile dyed with sharinbai bark and iron-rich mud, woven in intricate kasuri patterns.
Tanaka Isson Memorial Museum
田中一村記念美術館Tanaka Isson Kinen BijutsukanMuseum in the Amami Park near the airport devoted to the painter of Amami's nature.
Shima-uta
島唄shima-utaIsland folk songs accompanied by the three-stringed sanshin.
History
1609
The Satsuma domain invades the Ryukyus and takes direct control of the Amami Islands.
1946
The Amami Islands are separated from Japan under US military administration.
1953
The islands return to Japanese administration on 25 December.
1963
The Amami rabbit is designated a Special Natural Monument.
2017
Amami Gunto National Park is established.
2021
The island is inscribed as part of a natural World Heritage site.
Through the seasons
Spring
Mild and green; the rainy season starts in May, earlier than on the mainland.
Summer
Hot and humid, with typhoons possible from July to October; best months for the sea.
Autumn
Warm sea into October; the 'hachigatsu odori' dances of the lunar August.
Winter
Mild but cloudy and windy; the best season for forest walks, and humpback whales off the coast.
Routes and trails
Mangrove canoe tour
Guided canoe trips through the Sumiyō mangroves at high tide.
Night forest tour
Guided drives on forest roads to see Amami rabbits and other nocturnal animals.
Kinsakubaru guided walk
Walk through the primeval forest with a certified guide.
Practical notes
- Amami Airport has flights from Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka and Kagoshima; ferries run from Kagoshima and Okinawa.
- A car is needed to explore beyond Naze and the airport area.
- Habu snakes live in the forest: keep to paths and use a torch at night.
- Some forest areas can only be entered with a certified guide; check local rules before visiting.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Amami Oshima?
In the Nansei Islands of Kagoshima Prefecture, about 380 km south of Kagoshima city and roughly halfway to Okinawa.
What is the Amami rabbit?
A primitive, dark-furred rabbit that lives only on Amami Oshima and Tokunoshima and is protected as a Special Natural Monument.
Is Amami Oshima a World Heritage site?
Yes. Since 2021 it has been part of a natural World Heritage site together with Tokunoshima, northern Okinawa Island and Iriomote.
How do you get to Amami Oshima?
By air from Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka or Kagoshima, or by overnight ferry from Kagoshima.
Related
Sources
- 1.Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island (opens in a new tab) — UNESCO World Heritage Centre
- 2.奄美群島国立公園 (opens in a new tab) — 環境省
- 3.全国都道府県市区町村別面積調（島面積） (opens in a new tab) — 国土地理院
- 4.奄美市 (opens in a new tab) — 奄美市