The Amami Islands
Wander the Lesser Known Islands of Kagoshima
Between the mainland of Kagoshima and the islands of Okinawa, lies the relatively unknown Amani archipelago in the Satusunan Islands, which are the northern islands of the Ryukyu Islands (the southern islands are the Okinawan Islands).
When one looks at a map of Japan, Okinawa and Kagoshima are fairly easy to spot, however to find the Amami, get onto Google Maps, locate Kagoshima and Okinawa, then keep zooming into the ocean divide between them and eventually when you zoom in enough, will pop up several tiny islands, of which the 4 largest you can access via flying: Amami Oshima (where you can also explore Kikaijima & Kakeromajima via ferry), Tokunoshima, Okinerabu & Yoron.
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How to Get to the Amami Islands
Due to new airline routes, increased ferry routes and improved tourism infrastructure, the Amami Islands are gradually becoming more popular for those who are eager to explore more untouched nature of Japan rather than the more well known sister of Okinawa.
The majority of people visit the larger Amami Oshima as it’s accessible via budget airlines Peach along with JAL airlines and branch off to explore next door Kikaijima and Kakeromajima via ferry. However to access the other 3 islands of Tokunoshima, Okinoerabu & Yoron, you will be limited to JAL flights, where the average cost of a 1 hr flight between the islands is 8000-10,000JPY, or a much longer ferry for not that much cheaper.
An Untamed Paradise Influenced by Multiple Cultures
The wild beauty and diverse landscapes of the Amami Islands entranced me by their natural shapes and forms (in some ways it reminded me of the diversity of Iceland’s landscapes). Its untamed nature is something I prefer rather than some of the manicured, more polished environments that can be found in Okinawa (though Okinawa has some delightful gems, which I will be sharing another time).
Similar to Okinawa, the Amami Islands are home to the Ryukyuan people, Japan’s largest ethnolinguistic minority group which are distinct not only by their particular dialect, but as well by their rich history, arts, craftmanship, food and local lore. I won’t give you a history lesson, but if you ever visit the Amami, Okinawa or Kagoshima you can see an interesting blend of cultures of not only Japanese, the Ryukyu (Imperial China) but also an American influence due to the island’s occupation after World War 2.
Requires Some Organization but Very Worth It!
If you wish to just dip your toe in and visit Amami Oshima, it will be easier to organize flights and accommodation wise (hire a car) but if you plan to island hop a bit like we did, do check the times and days of the flights to coincide with how long you want to spend at each island. It will require a bit of planning and the flight times are a little frustrating.
However no adventure worth having is easy planning. For our future return trip, we would probably give some extra days to the Tokunoshima & Okinoerabu and Yoron especially if you want a more relaxing, slow paced stay. Though we loved all four of them, Tokunoshima and Yoron are our favourites of them all and are the ones we wish to return to the most.
ACCESS
START YOUR TRAVELS ON THE MAIN ISLAND: AMAMI OSHIMA
Direct Flights Available From (via JAL, Peach or Skymark Airlines)
Kagoshima Airport, Tokyo Haneda and Narita Airport, Osaka Itami Airport, Kansai International Airport, Fukuoka Airport, Okinawa Naha Airport
Cost: ranges from 6500JPY - 30000JPY One Way Off Peak Season (depending which airport you’re flying from & which airline)
Travelling by Ferry to Amami Oshima’s Naze Port
Kagoshima Port - departs 10pm overnight ferry arrives 7am - approx 11 hrs travel
Okinawa Naha Port / Motobu Port - departs 7am / departs 9.20 am - approx 13hrs / 11 hrs travel - arrives 8.30pm
Cost: starts from 10500JPY One Way
OTHER PLACES TO STAY & THINGS TO DO
Hotel Denpaku Akakina- a cozy hotel renovated from the former local supermarket
Denpaku Kominka Sea Turtle- a traditional kominka restored and renovated by a private beach
Shimatofuya - delicious local restaurant specialising in Amami Tofu dishes
おうちカフエ島じかん - charming restaurant in a local’s home serving traditional lunch dishes in Tokunoshima
TRAVEL FURTHER
Kagoshima Prefecture:renowned for its onsen, wild islands and delicious food
Yakushima Island: Explore the island that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke
Amami Oshima:the largest of the Amami Islands, lush and tropical
Tokunoshima:a unique island of differing, awe-inspiring landscapes
Okinoerabu-jima
Yoron Island
