[Kagoshima ]3 days 2 nights trip to Galapagos of the Orient - Amami Oshima
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2024-01-10
Amami Oshima Island is a land so rich in nature that it is called the Galapagos of the East.
Located roughly in the middle of Okinawa Island and Kyushu Island, it is famous for its virgin mangrove forests.
Because of the abundance of water and its suitability for plant growth, many virgin forests grow thickly, and there are many rare plants and animals that can only be seen here.
The emerald blue ocean is as beautiful as if you were abroad.
The water is so clear that you can see the ocean floor even when peering from above, making it a perfect spot for diving and snorkeling.
In this issue, we will introduce sightseeing spots along our recommended 3-day/2-night itinerary, ranging from classic spots that you must visit when you come to Amami Oshima Island to some hole-in-the-wall spots that are worth a visit.
Located roughly in the middle of Okinawa Island and Kyushu Island, it is famous for its virgin mangrove forests.
Because of the abundance of water and its suitability for plant growth, many virgin forests grow thickly, and there are many rare plants and animals that can only be seen here.
The emerald blue ocean is as beautiful as if you were abroad.
The water is so clear that you can see the ocean floor even when peering from above, making it a perfect spot for diving and snorkeling.
In this issue, we will introduce sightseeing spots along our recommended 3-day/2-night itinerary, ranging from classic spots that you must visit when you come to Amami Oshima Island to some hole-in-the-wall spots that are worth a visit.
Author of this article
Table of Contents
- 1.
- 1-1.2.
- 2-1.2-2.2-3.2-4.2-5.2-6.3.
- 3-1.3-2.
[Day 1 ]Start of the trip to the Galapagos of the Orient - Fly to Amami-Oshima! ~ (Japanese only)
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Amami Oshima Island is accessible by air from all over Japan.
Direct flights to Amami Oshima or via Kagoshima Airport.
Direct flights depart from and arrive at Tokyo (Haneda, Narita), Osaka (Itami, Kansai), Fukuoka, Kagoshima, and Naha airports, operated by JAL, peach, and Skymark.
JAL operates flights to and from Haneda, Itami, Fukuoka, Kagoshima, and Naha.
If you use peach or jal connections, you can arrive at Amami Oshima in the morning.
Please arrive at Amami Oshima in the morning and enjoy the island to the fullest!
The first day would be mainly for air travel and hotel transfers.
Restaurants on the island often close early, so check restaurants in advance and have dinner in the evening, or make a reservation for dinner at the hotel to make a good start to your trip to Amami Oshima!
What is Amami Oshima...
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Amami Oshima Island is located in the Amami Archipelago, Kagoshima Prefecture, in the southern waters of Japan.
There are sandy beaches where sea turtles come to lay their eggs, the clear blue sea, also known as Amami blue, and virgin forests that resemble ancient forests, and the surrounding waters and mountains are part of the Amami Archipelago National Park.
Amami Oshima Island, together with Tokunoshima Island, northern Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island, which have been registered as World Natural Heritage sites, is also attracting attention as a region recognized for its diversity of flora and fauna.
Amami Oshima Island, which is said to have developed through active trade with mainland Japan, was under the control of the Ryukyu Kingdom from the 15th century, and was incorporated into Satsuma in 1609 when the Satsuma Clan invaded Ryukyu, and thereafter, the Satsuma Domain rule continued until the end of the Edo period.
The island was incorporated into the Japanese nation in the Meiji era (1868-1912). Amami Oshima Island has many historical legacies and cultural assets, so you can also enjoy sightseeing with a sense of history!
Enjoy a tropical trip to Amami Oshima, an island rich in nature, with beautiful scenery, activities, delicious food, and other attractions that will make you feel as if you are at an overseas resort!
[Day 2 ]Kakeroma Island Trip
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The second day should be a full day of activities!
There are many tours available on the island where you can experience various activities such as snorkeling, SUP, diving, etc. One of the most recommended tours is to visit "Kakaroma Island ".
This activity can be enjoyed regardless of physical condition or season, making it ideal for Amami Oshima travelers during the winter season!
What is Kakaroma Island...
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Kakaroma Island is a remote island across the Oshima Strait in the southern part of Amami Oshima, on the opposite shore from the main island of Amami.
It is called "the last unexplored region of Amami Oshima "because of the mysterious atmosphere created by the special environment of the even more remote island.
The island is just the right size for a 1-Day drive, with a circumference of about 150 km, and is recommended for those who want to spend a relaxing island trip, as cars can be taken on a ferry from Amami Oshima!
Access to Kakeroma Island
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To get to Kakaroma Island, take the town ferry from Koniya Port on Amami Oshima Island to either Seso Port or Ikengma Port.
There is also another "marine cab "that only passengers can board, but since locals have priority and tourists may not be allowed to board, use the town-run ferry "Ferry Kekamaro ".
Access to Kakaroma Island is by bus, which runs in conjunction with the ferry service, but the number of buses is very limited.
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Renting a car is a convenient way to get around the island efficiently, but the number of rental cars on Kakaroma Island is limited, so we recommend renting a car at a store near Amami Airport on Amami Oshima or in Nase.
By all means, put your rental car on the ferry for efficient sightseeing on Kakaroma Island!
However, some car rental agencies do not allow them on the ferry,
Never forget to ask and check with the car rental agency in advance.
Electric bicycles can be rented at three locations on the island: Ikuma Port, Seso Port, and Moronan (Shodon) "Kakaroma Island Exhibition and Experience Exchange Center "and can be dropped off.
We recommend a cycling trip on an electric bicycle on the island, which has many steep mountain roads with ups and downs.
Kakeroma Island Sightseeing Spots (1) "Suri Beach "
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Located about 7 minutes by car from Ikuma Port, "Suri Beach "is one of the best resort areas on the island with many sea leisure activities. It is a beautiful beach with white sand and is also known as "White Village ".
A monument has been erected at one of the filming locations for the movie "Otoko wa Tsuraiyo ".
The view of the ocean from the pier is very beautiful, and you can even see the bottom of the ocean so you can clearly see the swimming fish.
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Although there are occasional people who enjoy fishing and leisure activities, there are not many tourists, so this is definitely a place to visit for those who really want to enjoy the relaxed flow of island time!
"Facility Information "
Name: Surihama
Address: Morozuna, Setouchi-cho, Oshima-gun, Kagoshima 894-2144
Travel time from port: 10 minutes from Ikoma, 20 minutes from Seso.
URL：https://www.kakeroma-welcome.com/beach/135.html
Kakeroma Island Sightseeing Spots (2) "Jitsuku Beach "
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"Saneku Beach "is located at the western end of Kakeroma Island and has beach houses, showers, and restrooms.
The Jitsuku Coast is known for its beautiful ocean color, called Jitsuku blue, and it is fascinating to see the various aspects of the sea depending on the weather, showing various shades of blue, azure, azure, and other colors.
Saneku on Kakeroma Island is the site of the "Minamoto no Tamecho "legend, which is widely handed down from the Izu Islands to the Amami Islands to the Ryukyu Islands, and is also associated with Sanjiro Saneku, the eldest son of Tamecho.
In recent years, it is also famous as the beach where the NHK Saturday drama "Island Teacher "starring Yukie Nakama was filmed.
There are many places on Amami Oshima with shallow beaches, and even those who cannot swim can fully enjoy the ocean at this Jitsuhisaigan, so please visit.
"Facility Information "
Name: Jitsuhisaigan
Address: 168 Jitsuhisa, Setouchi-cho, Oshima-gun, Kagoshima
Tel: 0997-72-1199 (Amami Setouchi Tourist Association)
Access: 25 minutes by ferry from Koniya to Seso Port, 30 minutes by car from Seso Port
Kakeroma Island Sightseeing Spots ③ "Kairi Waterfall "
Kairi Falls is a waterfall located on Kakeroma Island, a remote island in the Amami Archipelago.
This waterfall is located approximately 15 minutes by car from Seso Port, the sea gateway to Kakaroma Island, and can be seen from inside a car on the road.
It is said that this Kairi Waterfall was called Utirimizunu Waterfall in ancient times, and that it was once a sanctuary associated with Noro, a female priestess in the Ryukyu region.
The headwaters of the waterfall are located on the 310-meter-high Kairi Mountain, and the height of the waterfall is about 15 meters, with a basin about 2 meters in size.
Incidentally, the waterfall basin is believed to be inhabited by the waterfall's main body of water, the giant eel, according to an old legend.
The waterfall is surrounded by ferns unique to the subtropical zone, such as the lizard's hegemony, and is a fantastic sight that will make you feel the passage of time!
"Facility Information "
Name: Kairi Waterfall
Address: Kairi, Setouchi Town, Oshima County, Kagoshima Prefecture
From the port: approx. 40 min. from Ikoma, approx. 15 min. from Seso
URL：https://www.kakeroma-welcome.com/viewpoint/93.html
Kakeroma Island Sightseeing Spots (4) "Banyan Tree in Takena "
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The banyan tree is a member of the mulberry family found in tropical regions, and its intricately intertwined trunks give it a very mysterious atmosphere.
On Amami Oshima Island, it has long been said that a mischievous yokai called Kenmun lives in the banyan tree.
The large and powerful banyan tree, which makes visitors feel as if they have come to meet the island's gods, has long been treasured as a tree in which the gods dwell.
Please come and see such wonderful trees and receive the power of nature!
"Facility Information "
Name: Banyan Tree in Buna
Address: Oaza Takena, Setouchi Town, Kagoshima Prefecture, 894-2416
[Day 3 ]Receive the power of nature in Amami-Oshima
Sightseeing spots on Amami Oshima Island (1) "Heart Rock "
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The Heart Rock is also a much talked-about power spot for romance due to its rarity of appearing only at low tide.
The cute heart-shaped tide pools are perfect for Instagram viewing.
On a fine day, the clear blue color is very beautiful.
If you take a picture of the Amami Oshima Heart Rock and make it your standby screen, it is said to bring you good luck or improve your luck in love...?
There are many images of Amami Oshima Heart Rock uploaded on the Internet, but it would be more beneficial to use your own photo as a standby screen.
Please try to take a nice picture.
It is difficult to find the route just by looking at a map, so check the directions in advance.
"Facility Information "
Name: Heart Rock
Address: 1346-1, Ryugo Town, Kagoshima Prefecture, 894-0411
Phone number: 0997-69-4512
ＵＲＬ：https://www.kagoshima-kankou.com/guide/51255
Amami Oshima Tourist Spot (2) "Oshima Tsumugi-mura "
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In the area of Shima Tsumugi Mura, you can exhibit and sell authentic Amami Oshima tsumugi, observe the production process of Oshima tsumugi, and even experience each production process of Oshima tsumugi, such as mud dyeing, weaving, and dressing.
Amami Oshima is rich in nature, but observing the production of Oshima silk and experiencing the art is a wonderful experience!
The craftsmen's masterful skills, careful handwork, and every step of the process is well worth seeing, and the 30-minute explanation of the process and mud-dyeing experience is highly recommended!
Access is in Ryugo Town, the birthplace of Oshima Tsumugi, located in a quiet area away from the town.
All sales at the concession stand are genuine and expensive, but well worth it.
Furthermore, this place is not only about Oshima silk, but also about the gardens on the premises, which are very well maintained and continue to have a pleasant atmosphere and scenery.
We invite you to spend some time to feel the history of Amami Oshima.
"Facility Information "
Name：Oshima Communicator Village
Address: 1945 Akaogi, Ryugo Town, Oshima County, Kagoshima Prefecture, 894-0411
Phone number: 0997-62-3100
URL：http://www.tumugi.co.jp/index.html
Amami Oshima Sightseeing Spots ③ "Cape Ayamaru "
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Cape Ayamaru, selected as one of the Amami Ten Sceneries and one of the New Kagoshima One Hundred Sceneries, is located on a hill and has an unobstructed view of the surrounding area, making the panorama of the coastline truly spectacular!
Cape Ayamaru here is also famous for stargazing, and once a year an event called "Hoshifuru Marche "is held.
Cape Ayamaru also has a restroom with a viewing platform, and stairs to the roof of the restroom provide an even higher vantage point from which to view the surroundings.
The men's restroom is located in a perfect location and has a glass wall in front of it, so you can do your business while looking out over the ocean.
We encourage you to make it a part of your sightseeing itinerary, such as until it is time to get to the airport!
"Facility Information "
Name: Cape Ayamaru
Address: Ooaza Suno, Kasari-cho, Amami-shi, Kagoshima 894-0624
Phone number: 0997-63-8885
URL：https://www.kagoshima-kankou.com/guide/10223
summary
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In this article, we have introduced sightseeing spots on Amami Oshima and Kakaroma Island along a 3-day/2-night itinerary. There are many sightseeing spots on Amami Oshima other than those introduced in this article, such as Kuroshio-no-mori Mangrove Park!
There are also many local foods such as chicken rice, so be sure to enjoy an island trip that is full of food, experience, and nature!
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