2026 Amami Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

Naze, the largest town on Amami Oshima. Walking through the arcade of Yanagawa-dori Street from the hotel, there are many delicious restaurants. One of them is the highly acclaimed Sake Kobo Cocoro. They served us delicious dishes one after another, with a selection of dishes to choose from. The atmosphere was pleasant and the staff were very friendly. Both the second-floor tables and the first-floor counter were fully booked. I'm glad I made a reservation by phone. The magakigai (sea oyster shells) and tobinnya (sea urchins) are local specialties. They also have a wide selection of shochu. The food was delicious, and, as the name suggests, the heartfelt food made me feel truly happy. The hotel overlooks the downtown area. It's a very convenient location. Check-out is via machine. We got a great deal on a double room. Parking was also free. If you're ever on Amami Oshima, please stop by. 📍Address: Sake Kobo Cocoro 　　　　　18-9 Irifune-cho, Naze, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture 　　　　　080 3988 1081 🕰️Business Hours: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM 📍Location: Hotel West Court Amami 　　　　　9-1, Irifune-cho, Naze, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture 　　　　　0997 52 8080 📍Location: Hotel West Court Amami II 　　　　　8-8, Irifune-cho, Naze, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture 　　　　　0997 52 8080 💰Price per person: ¥2,640 #DomesticTravel #AmamiOshima #AmamiOshimaHotel #AmamiOshimaGourmet

Introducing the stunning beach "Tomori Beach" that you absolutely cannot miss on Amami Oshima! It's also great that it's only about 6 minutes by car from the airport✨ The contrast between the breathtakingly beautiful emerald green ocean and the white sand beach spreads out before your eyes! It's also called the "Blue Angel" because of its beauty It's shallow, so even families with small children can enjoy it safely♪ The ocean is extremely clear, so we had fun splashing our feet! It's also great for taking photos, so be sure to take lots of memorable ones #Tomori Beach #Amami Oshima #Amami #Amami Trip #Kagoshima #Remote Island #Remote Island Trip #Ocean #Beach #Breathtaking View #Breathtaking View of Japan #Travel #Travel Lover #Travel #Instagrammable #genic_japan #travelgram #beach#tripDomestic Travel

Here is a list of useful items to bring with you on the popular mangrove canoeing activity that can be experienced on Amami Oshima, Ishigaki Island, Iriomote Island, and more! Some tour companies offer rentals, so be sure to check their websites. ☑️Long sleeves and long pants This is especially recommended as it will keep insects away and protect you from the sun! You may sweat or get wet, so it is recommended that you change clothes before the experience. ☑️Hat This is useful to protect you from the sun! It is even more useful if it has a string to keep it from flying away. ☑️Smartphone strap You will have the opportunity to take photos, so if your smartphone falls into the water, it is a good idea to hang it around your neck for peace of mind! ☑️Sandals that cover your toes The experience differs between high tide and low tide. At low tide, you will be on land, so sandals that cover your toes are useful! ! Some tour companies will lend you sandals that cover your toes! It's a mysterious activity that you'll want to try again once. Please use it as a reference! #Checklist before traveling #Mangrove canoeing #Kurose Forest #Amami Oshima #100 travel styles #Sightseeing on Amami Oshima

We stayed at a hotel that just opened in October 2023 and has good access to the Naze area, the downtown area of ​​Amami Oshima. First of all, the location is very good and you can walk to the downtown area and Naze Port. The second floor of the hotel is a guest lounge where you can use the microwave and hot water. Of course, there is also a coin laundry. Recommended for long-term stays. Visited: October 2024 ୨୧――――――――――――――――――୨୧ information Hotel name📍West Court Amami WA･TERRACE Address📍32-1 Yanowakicho, Naze, Amami City Check-in/out📍15:00/10:00 Parking📍Free Access📍About 45 minutes from Amami Airport ୨୧――――――――――――――――――୨୧ #Hotel trip #West Court Amami WA･TERRACE #100 travel styles #Amami Oshima #Amami Oshima trip #Girls trip #Domestic trip #japan

This is the air gateway to Amami Oshima, an isolated island in Kagoshima. It is a small two-story airport. As you exit the arrivals exit, there is a large tourist information desk where you can find travel information such as a tourist map of Amami Oshima and information on options. There are about seven souvenir shops divided into the first and second floors, and each shop mainly carries different products, so there is a wide selection. You can enjoy shopping here as you can find all the souvenirs of Amami Oshima. There was also a shop selling rare brown sugar shochu, so I really enjoyed it. Visit date: October 2024 ୨୧――――――――――――――――――୨୧ information Facility name📍Amami Airport Address📍374-4 Nagahama Kanehisa, Wano, Kasari-cho, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture Access📍Right next to Amami Oshima Shimabus ୨୧――――――――――――――――――୨୧ #Airport trip #Amami Oshima #Amami Airport #Girls trip #Solo trip

On the day I arrived on Amami Oshima, I had the local dish of chicken rice. The restaurant I visited, "Torihan Shima Cuisine Kokoro," is a famous restaurant that has even been featured on TV. When I arrived around 11:20, the restaurant was empty, but within 10 minutes it was full. By the time I finished eating, there were quite a few people waiting. The restaurant's opening hours are short, so I recommend coming early, right after it opens!! As for the taste, the chicken rice was so good that I was very satisfied with my first try. It was so good that I drank up the soup. Visited: October 2024 ୨୧――――――――――――――――――୨୧ information Name of facility📍Kokoro Chicken Rice and Island Cuisine Address📍1507 Setsuda, Kasari-cho, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture Opening hours📍11:00-14:00 (Last orders 13:30) Closed📍Thursdays and Sundays Access📍5 minutes by car from Amami Airport ୨୧――――――――――――――――――୨୧ #Exquisite gourmet #Kokoro Chicken Rice and Island Cuisine #Chicken Rice #Amami Oshima Trip #Amami Oshima Gourmet #100 Travel Styles

[JAL Flight 2465] Departing Osaka (Itami) 09:15 → Arriving Amami Oshima 10:55 The flight takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. There are 165 seats, free Wi-Fi, and USB ports. The legroom is 79cm, so there is plenty of room. As you approach Amami Oshima, you can see the emerald green ocean all around from the window, which is very beautiful. Amami Airport is not very large, so you can head to the exit without getting lost. #AirplaneTrip #AmamiOshima #AmamiOshimaTrip #Airplane #Airport #ItamiAirport #AirplaneTrip2024

Chinji Rock is the symbol of Yo Village, a rock that stands out against the layered blue sea. The sea was beautiful both up close and from the mountain vista. It is on the way from the airport to Kasarizaki Lighthouse, so a rental car is a must. I think the mysterious nature of Amami Oshima is truly a treasure. ✱----------------------------------------------- [Name] Chinji Rock, Yo Village [Location] 32-1 Yo, Kasari-cho, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture Visit date: August 2024 -----------------------------------------------✱ #Sea photo #Kagoshima #Kagoshima sightseeing #Amami Oshima #Amami #Chinji Rock #100 Travel Styles #Yo Village

This is the largest banyan tree in Amami. It is 400 years old and has the dignity of a tree. It is said that banyan trees are called lucky trees because of their strong reproductive ability. It is a place that is difficult to get to without a rental car, but it is a recommended spot for sightseeing in Amami Oshima. ✱----------------------------------------------- [Name] Maehida's Banyan Tree [Location] Maehida, Tebanabe, Kasari-cho, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture [Parking] None (street parking was possible) Visit date: July 2024 -----------------------------------------------✱ #Island trip #Amami Oshima #Amami #Kagoshima #Power spot #Bayan

This restaurant serves local Amami Oshima delicacies such as keihan, abura somen, and island goat soup curry. I recommend it because you can see the ocean from the window. ୨୧ ‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥୨୧ Restaurant: Basha Yamamura Restaurant AMAnesia Address: 1246-1 Yoyasu, Kasari-cho, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture Access: About 10 minutes by car from Amami Airport Opening hours: 11:00-22:00 Closed: Irregularly Parking: Available ୨୧ ‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥୨୧ #Kagoshima #Kagoshima Tourism #Amami Oshima #Amami Tourism #Kyushu Tourism #Izakaya #Amami Oshima Lunch #Lunch #Gourmet #Amami Gourmet #Travel with Me

Kokosui is a popular izakaya even on weekdays, and reservations are a must. It looks stylish and tastes better than it would suggest. The meatballs are really delicious when mixed with the egg yolk. ୨୧ ‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥୨୧ Restaurant: Charcoal Grill Kokosui Location: 12-1 Kanehisacho, Naze, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture Access: About 10 minutes on foot from the city center, Naze Opening hours: 18:00-24:00 Closed: Sundays Parking: None ୨୧ ‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥୨୧ #Kagoshima #Kagoshima Tourism #Amami Oshima #Amami Tourism #Kyushu Tourism #Izakaya #Amami Oshima Izakaya #Yakitori #Gourmet #Amami Gourmet #Travel with Me

Within Cape Ayamaru Tourist Park there is a natural pool known as the seawater pool. The water is crystal clear and a vibrant emerald green color that is truly beautiful. ୨୧ ‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥୨୧ Location: Cape Ayamaru Tourist Park Address: 682 Suno, Kasari-cho, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture Access: Approximately 8 minutes by car from Amami Airport Parking: Available ୨୧ ‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥୨୧ #Kagoshima #Kagoshima Tourism #Amami Oshima #Amami Tourism #Kyushu Tourism #Coast #Sea #Ocean View #Travel with Me

The sea of ​​Amami is so beautiful that it is called the Blue Angel. It is close to the airport, so please come here first to be amazed by the sea of ​​Amami. ✱----------------------------------------------- [Name] Tomori Beach [Location] Tomori, Kasari-cho, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture [Access] Approximately 6 minutes by car from Amami Airport [Parking] Available (free) Visit date: July 2024 -----------------------------------------------✱ #Remote Islands #Amami #Amami Tourism #Kagoshima #Kagoshima Tourism #Travel #Tourism #Domestic Travel #Tomori Beach #Nature #Breathtaking Views #Ocean View #Secret Places #Sea #Travel with Me

There is a seawater pool on the beach of the park. It is very clear and really beautiful. The sea of ​​Amami is wonderful with tropical fish swimming in it. ✱----------------------------------------------- [Name] Ayamaru Misaki Tourist Park (seawater pool) [Location] Oaza Suno, Kasari-cho, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture [Access] Approximately 8 minutes by car from Amami Airport [Parking] Available (free) Visit date: July 2024 -----------------------------------------------✱ #Remote Island #Amami #Amami Tourism #Kagoshima #Kagoshima Tourism #Travel #Tourism #Domestic Travel #Breathtaking Views #Ocean View #Secret Places #Sea #Pool #Cape Ayamaru #Cape Ayamaru Tourist Park #Nature #Travel with Me

This is a sushi restaurant where you can savour the luxury of Amami fish. The exterior looks like a stylish cafe, but the sushi is made with great care and attention to detail, so you can enjoy authentic sushi. ୨୧ ‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥୨୧ Shop: Sushi Sogoro Address: 2569-5 Ujuku, Kasari-cho, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture Access: About 10 minutes by car from Amami Airport Opening hours: 11:00-15:00, 16:00-21:00 Closed: Irregularly Parking: Available ୨୧ ‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥୨୧ #Kagoshima #Kagoshima Tourism #Amami Oshima #Amami Tourism #Kyushu Tourism #Lunch #Sushi #Sushi #Travel with me

The seafood bowl is delicious. The rolls are tasty. The location is fantastic. It was fully booked even on a weekday. It's close to Amami Airport, making it a great lunch spot on your arrival day. This is a highly recommended sushi restaurant worth traveling to Amami for. ✱----------------------------------------------- Restaurant: Amami Sushi Sogoro Location: 2569-5 Usuki, Kasari-cho, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture Business Hours: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Closed: Thursdays Estimated Budget: Seafood Bowl: 2,200 yen Sushi Set: 1,850 yen Visit Date: July 2024 -----------------------------------------------✱

I stayed at a coveted inn that I've always wanted to stay at💕 ⁡ Denpaku The Beachfront MIJORA is a villa where you can face nature while looking out at the sea of ​​Amami Oshima. ⁡ It's also on the cover of a magazine, and everything from the villa to the restaurant and pool is in perfect harmony✨ ⁡ I was so moved to see the space I've seen in magazines so many times right in front of me🥹 ⁡ I was able to relax in the pool, and since it was sunny, the pool water was sparkling and beautiful👙 ⁡ The karinto I got as a welcome sweet was so delicious that I bought it as a souvenir🫶💕 ⁡ You can buy souvenirs at Magun Hiroba, the Denpaku Group's general front desk, and there are many stylish miscellaneous goods, so I recommend going there together🙌 #besttrip2023 #AmamiOshima #Denpaku

After passing through a tunnel of trees, you will arrive at the beautiful sea. Cobalt blue sea and white sand. If you go to Amami Oshima, this is a photogenic spot that you should definitely visit. The blue of the sea is layered and I was really impressed. It is difficult to get there without a rental car and the road is narrow, so please be careful, but I highly recommend it. [Name] Sakibaru Beach [Location] Kise, Kasari-cho, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture [Access] About 40 minutes by car from Amami Airport [Parking] Available (free) Visit date: June 2023 #besttrip2023 #Amami #Amami Oshima #Kagoshima #Remote Island #Beach #Breathtaking View #Recommended #Sightseeing #Coast #Photogenic Spot #Nature

This is a tourist spot on Amami Oshima. The large grounds include a park area, ground golf, a cycad jungle, a tourist information center, and a cafe area. The seawater pool was more beautiful than I could have imagined. The clear, wide sea pool will let you enjoy the ocean of Amami to the fullest. [Name] Ayamaru Misaki Tourist Park [Location] Oaza Suno, Kasari-cho, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture [Access] Rental car required #Amami Oshima #Amami #Breathtaking view #Ocean view #Ayamaru Misaki Tourist Park #Remote island #Kagoshima Prefecture #Swimming beach #Park

At the northernmost tip of Amami Oshima, there is the "Kasarizaki Lighthouse" and the "Dream-Fulfilling Turtle" in a park that is just the right place to view the lighthouse. Lighthouse name: Kasarizaki Lighthouse Park name: Dream-Fulfilling Turtle Location: Kasaricho Oaza Yo, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture Access: About 25 minutes by car from Amami Airport Parking: Available (free) The Kasarizaki Lighthouse can be reached by climbing a steep staircase in 10 minutes to the base of the lighthouse. This time, we viewed it from the Dream-Fulfilling Turtle Park. The ocean view was incredibly beautiful even from the park. The Dream-Fulfilling Turtle had an explanation of "The Origin of the Dragon Palace Legend." Since ancient times, Kasari Town has believed that there is a divine land, Niraikanai, beyond the sea, from which people can bring happiness. This legend was transmitted to Yamato and became the Dragon Palace Legend. Just looking at the turtle monument, which is filled with the wish that happiness will come to those who visit, made me happy. It was cute 😊 #Domestic travel #Amami #Amami Oshima #Amami Oshima trip #Amami tourism #Tourism #The turtle that makes dreams come true #Remote island #Kagoshima Prefecture #Kasarizaki Lighthouse #Amazing view

The banyan tree is known as a lucky tree. It is the largest banyan tree in Amami, 400 years old, the "Maehida Banyan Tree". The road surrounded by banyan trees was dim even during the day, and the scenery with the light shining through was mysterious. Name: Maehida Banyan Tree Location: Maehida, Tebanabe, Kasari-cho, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture (right next to Amami City Tebanabe Elementary School) Parking: None (street parking was possible) It is located in the Maehida community, and we visited using the sign as a landmark. It seems that the trees were planted as a windbreak. The grown banyan trees were so dense with fallen leaves that we hesitated to step on the road. It was a place where Kenmun, the spirit of Amami (also said to be a monster), seemed to live. This is a spot where you can really feel the power of nature😊 #Domestic travel #Amami #Amami Oshima #Amami Oshima trip #Amami Oshima sightseeing #Sightseeing #Amazing nature #Breathtaking views #Power spots #Gajumaru #Kagoshima prefecture #Good luck

Opening in December 2022. The rooms are simple but comfortable, with separate bathroom and toilet, a bath with a washing area (slightly inconvenient as there is no chair or bucket), a free large public bath, and it was about a 6-minute walk to the downtown area. Facility name: Hotel Sundays Amami Address: 30-1 Yanowakicho, Naze, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture Access: Approximately 45 minutes by car from Amami Airport Parking: Available (free) Check-in 15:00 Check-out 11:00 Reference budget: 8,150 yen per person for a Saturday night. 2 people per room, comfort twin non-smoking 22.5 square meters, 1 night with breakfast There was no chicken rice in the breakfast buffet. When I entered the large public bath in the morning, Naze Port was right in front of me, so I could see large ships entering the port, and it was a luxurious start to the morning. This is a recommended hotel 😊 #Domestic travel #Amami #Amami Oshima #Amami Oshima trip #Hotel #Accommodation #Accommodation review #Recommended hotel #Kagoshima prefecture #Remote island #Naze #Hotel Sundays Amami

Happoen "Amami Ramen" located on Yanagawa Street in Naze, the downtown area of ​​Amami, is a ramen with a tonkotsu base and a smooth soup, but with a strong flavor. Facility name: Ajidokoro Happoen Naze store Address: 4-15 Kanehisacho, Naze, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture Business hours: 19:00-Unknown Closed days: Irregular holidays Parking: None Access: Pass the Yanagawa Street sign (4th photo) and turn right Estimated budget Amami ramen 700 yen Miso ramen 700 yen Tonkotsu vegetable ramen 800 yen Char siu ramen 800 yen Gyoza 600 yen I ordered Amami ramen and miso ramen. The miso ramen was spicy. If I were to order something, I would recommend Amami ramen. I was already full when I first arrived, but the deep flavor made me eat it all in one go and I was addicted to it☺️ #DomesticTravel #Amami #AmamiOshima #AmamiOshimaTrip #Gourmet #Ramen #GourmetTrip #Gourmet #KagoshimaPrefecture #RemoteIslands #Naze #YanigawaStreet

When I was researching how to rent a car from Amami Airport, I discovered Amami Rental Car. The reason was that it was cheap, which caught my eye. Of course, there are famous rental car companies, but Amami Rental Car is by far the cheapest. I was curious about what kind of rental car company it was, and felt a little anxious, so I made a reservation to try it out. Facility name: Amami Rental Car Airport Front Store Address: 2231-8 Maniya, Kasari-cho, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture Access: 3-minute walk from the front of Amami Airport, airport ⇔ office shuttle available Reference budget: 3,900 yen, S-class non-smoking car, liability insurance included, 1 night, 2 days (24 hours) Result. No problems at all! In fact, I recommend it! It is thought to be cheap because they have the largest number of cars in Amami, and they have received an award for providing high-quality service. This price, including liability insurance, is truly recommended. It's convenient to ask at the airport's general information desk (fourth photo) where the shuttle bus stop is 😊 #Domestic travel #Amami airport #Amami #Amami Oshima #Amami Oshima trip #Remote islands #Kagoshima prefecture #Rental car #Amami rental car #Transportation #Car #Car trip

Highly recommended for sushi lovers traveling to Amami Oshima. You can eat sushi made with Amami fish. The appetizers are also made with carefully selected ingredients. You can eat the seafood bowl without putting soy sauce on it. You can eat while looking at the sparkling sea. Very satisfied in every way. Shop: Sushi Sogoro Address: Kai Terrace Amami, 2569-5 Ujuku, Kasari-cho, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture Note: Reservation required (for lunch and dinner) Access: About 10 minutes by car from Amami Airport Reference budget ・Omakase nigiri (10 kinds of sushi) 3,850 yen ・Seafood bowl 1,980 yen ・Amami guinea fowl sasatataki 1,200 yen Opened a shop in the first Kitashinchi → Oregon → Utah → Florida → Las Vegas Nevada → Hawaii → Amami. The sushi made by the owner, who has been serving sushi to customers from all over the world, was absolutely delicious. The omakase nigiri for 3,850 yen is definitely worth a try 😊 #Domestic travel #Amami #Amami Oshima #Amami Oshima trip #Sushi #Gourmet #Gourmet trip #Kagoshima prefecture #Remote islands #Gourmet food #Gourmet trip #Seafood bowl #Sougoro

This is an incredibly beautiful beach on Amami Oshima. Once you pass through the tunnel of trees, the emerald green ocean and pure white sand will spread out before you. Name: Sakibaru Beach Address: 3622 Kise, Kasari-cho, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture Access: Approximately 20 minutes by car from Amami Airport Parking: Yes (free) Toilets and showers: Yes Honestly, it was so beautiful that I was moved. I don't know if it's because Amami Oshima is known as the Galapagos of the Orient, or if it's because the ocean is just after a typhoon, but I felt it was the most beautiful beach I've ever visited in Japan😊 #Domestic travel #Amami #Amami Oshima #Amami Oshima tourism #Amami Oshima trip #Beach #Beautiful Japan #Amazing view #Amazing view spot #Sea

It's only about 10 minutes by car or bus from Amami Airport! ! The sea here is really beautiful🏖 That's why it's also called the Blue Angel! Postcards of Tomori Beach are usually available in souvenir shops on Amami Oshima🌊✨ Maybe because I went on a weekday morning in November, there weren't many people and I was able to spend a quiet time👍 The fourth photo is the entrance I took, but I'm sure there are other entrances🤣w 🏖Tomori Beach🏖 Tomori, Kasari-cho, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture #tripmemory2022 #Amami #Tomori Beach #Kagoshima Prefecture #Beach

I went to Utadawara Beach on Amami Oshima, a remote island in Kagoshima Prefecture! The weather wasn't the best, but in addition to the white sand, the sea was a clear blue and very beautiful. The sun peeking through the clouds was very fantastic. This is one of the beaches I definitely recommend you visit! #remote island trip #remote island tourism #remote island #Amami Oshima #Utadawara Beach #Kagoshima tourism