Amami Oshima: a lesser-known place
- Mar 26
- 2 min read
Most people planning a trip to Japan have never heard of Amami Oshima (Amami Island). In fact, most guests I meet say they only discovered it after someone mentioned it, or while scanning a map looking for somewhere remote to explore.
Amami Oshima sits between Kyushu and Okinawa, but it feels quite different from both. It almost feels out of place in Japan with its tropical environment and Jurassic-looking scenery. Small villages sit along the coast and various farms dot the many hills and valleys, while roads wind through dense forest mountains. In many parts of the island there is very little development at all.
One of the island’s largest attractions is its unique natural world. Many species found here do not exist anywhere else on the planet. In 2021, parts of the island were recognised as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage side, a nod at the island’s remarkable biodiversity. From birds to mammals to reptiles and amphibians, the island is home to an impressive range of wildlife.
The island also has a unique history and culture, with traditions that developed in relative isolation over hundreds of years. Beyond its natural world, its cultural world is quite different from Japan, too. From shima uta and kokuto shochu to Oshima tsumugi and hajichi, the differences are not always obvious and most people only get a surface introduction to them. In reality, each has far more depth than most people get to see.
Like anywhere, the island has a lot to offer, but knowing what and when makes all the difference. Things like the tide, wind, and season all matter. The coastline can look completely different depending on the wind and swell, and certain crafts are seasonal or require an introduction. Sometimes rain changes the whole day. And sometimes it isn’t even the place, but the people. More often than not, the best craftsmen and restaurants don’t advertise.
For visitors who do not speak Japanese, having a good local guide can make a big difference, especially if you want to truly understand the island. The right guide can open doors that are otherwise inaccessible, and give you a better sense of the island’s culture and natural environment.
Amami Oshima is a lesser-known place, one that few ever get to visit, and even fewer really get to know.
