Amami or Okinawa—which is right for you?
- May 13
- 2 min read
One of the first questions I ask my guests is, “How did you stumble upon Amami Oshima?” Being in such a remote part of Japan, I’m always interested in how people found the island and what made them decide to come here. Of course, it’s also a great way to start a conversation.
For the most part, many guests tell me they were originally considering Okinawa, but after realizing how developed and touristy it had become, they started looking for somewhere quieter, less known, and with fewer crowds.
The next thing they usually say is, “I’m so glad I came here,” followed by, “I’m surprised there aren’t more tourists here.”
Amami is definitely a place to escape the busy tourist hotspots often associated with Okinawa. And don’t get me wrong, Okinawa is amazing. It has beautiful beaches, culture, food, and history. The difference is that it is far more established as a tourist destination, and naturally that development attracts more hotels, businesses, traffic, and people.
Amami, on the other hand, still feels untouched.
Foreign visitors often compare Amami to Hawaii, but emphasize how Hawaii was in the past, often referring to the 1960s or 70s. Because of its lush green mountains, dense forests, and abundant rivers, it also gets compared to New Zealand. I’ve even had some guests say parts of it remind them of Mexico.
Whatever the comparison, one thing most visitors seem to agree on is that Amami offers a chance to experience subtropical island nature without the heavy crowds found in more mainstream destinations.
If you’re interested in a more immersive experience, feel free to get in touch about one of my private tours on Amami Oshima.
