
Amami Oshima (奄美大島) is a large island located in Kagoshima Prefecture. It is known for its natural beauty and rich culture, blending Japanese and Ryukyuan traditions.
The island is home to diverse flora and fauna, including a variety of endemic species that are not found anywhere else in the world. Popular activities on the island include hiking, swimming, snorkeling, diving, and exploring the local cuisine and crafts.
Amami Oshima is also known for its traditional textile industry, with local artisans producing intricate woven fabrics called tsumugi and kasuri. The island is also famous for its shochu, a distilled spirit made from sugarcane.
If you’re interested in visiting Amami Oshima, the best time to go is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and pleasant. However, it’s important to note that the island can be affected by typhoons during the summer months, so be sure to check the weather forecast before making any travel plans.
Attractions in Amami Oshima

Nearby Attractions

Getting there
By Air
From Tokyo (Haneda Airport):
- Flight time: about 2 hours 15 minutes
- 1 flight per day
From Osaka (Itami Airport):
- Flight time: about 1 hour 40 minutes
- 1 flight per day
From Osaka (Kansai International Airport):
- Flight time: about 1 hour 50 minutes
- 1 flight per day
From Fukuoka Airport:
- Flight time: about 1 hour 10 minutes
- 1 flight per day
From Kagoshima Airport:
- Flight time: about 55 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes
- 10 flights per day (8 by JAL, 2 by SKY)
By Ferry
From Kagoshima New Port to Amami Oshima (Naze Port):
- Travel time: about 11 hours
- 1 departure per day
- Fare: approximately 9,220 yen to 18,440 yen
Important Notes
- It takes over an hour to get from Kagoshima Airport to the ferry terminal, so please consider this when planning your itinerary.
- Marue Ferry and A-Line (Marix Line) operate on alternate days. Services and fares are similar, but they depart from different terminals in Kagoshima City.