Amami Oshima
Sub Tropical Pacific Island
At a tropical island paradise of Amami Oshima the cobalt seas and colourful coral are breathtaking. One of the largest elevated coralline islands see the dramatic coastline and lush tropical forests, home to the native Amami rabbit and jay.
Discover Amami Oshima
Attractive Amami has fascinating sub-tropical forests stretching across hills to elegant curves and arches of mangrove forests. A melting pot of the Ryukyu Kingdom culture of the south and the Yamato culture of the north local songs and performances. Shodon Sibaya and local cultural customs include shimauta folk music; hachigatsu odori (a folk dance performed during August of the lunar calendar), and the Honensai harvest festival. The gods were believed to exist in both the seas and the mountains still visible in old roads and coral walls.
In addition to the beautiful beaches explore the artwork of Tanaka Isson, a Nihonga painter who flourished during the Showa period. The Tanaka Isson Memorial Art Museum is dedicated to his life and work. Isson is most famous for his paintings that depict local birds and flowers.
The island is also a key producer of a special type of silk, Tsumugi Silk Pongee. With origins dating back 1,300 years, it is still dyed using locally sourced mud dyes. Tsumugi yarn is meticulously handwoven and takes over six months to develop the durable Pongee fabric.
At Amami Nature Observation Forest walk nature paths stopping at wooded viewing platforms along the way, with splendid views of Tatsugo Bay’s azure ocean waters. The Ose Coast is best for bird watching on the wide spreading tidal flats. Ocean waters of Oshima Strait are hemmed in by beautifully jagged coastlines, perfect for sea bathing, sea kayaking, and diving in clear waters and coral reef. The Sumiyo Mangrove Forest is the second largest mangrove forest in Japan. Take a canoe tour, or at low tide spot mudskippers, soldier, and fiddler crabs.
