Explore Amami’s coastline and find your perfect spot in the sun.
Why Amami’s Beaches Are Special
Amami Island is famous for its crystal-clear water and pristine beaches, making it a perfect destination for relaxing, swimming, and enjoying beach activities. Whether you want to sunbathe, go snorkeling, or simply enjoy the ocean breeze, Amami’s beaches offer something for everyone.
Although the island is large, beautiful beaches are scattered across every region. No matter where you stay, you’ll always have easy access to the coastline. This makes Amami a convenient and rewarding beach travel destination.
Many travelers say that Amami feels like Hawaii. But the beaches in Amami are often much quieter and less developed, allowing you to fully relax in a peaceful, natural setting. If you’re looking for a more tranquil beach experience in Japan, Amami’s coastline is hard to beat.
Amami Beach Location Overview
Wondering where the best beaches in Amami are located? Use this interactive map to explore the island’s top beach destinations. From December to April, northern winds are common in Amami. From May to November, the wind generally comes from the south. On days with strong north wind, the east coast facing the Pacific Ocean tends to be calmer and better for swimming. On south wind days, the western beaches along the East China Sea are usually more suitable.
Best Beaches in Amami
Sakibaru Beach
- Access：25 minute by car from Amami Airport
- Highlights：Calm, clear water with powdery white sand
- Ideal For：Swimming, relaxing
- Facilities：Toilets, showers, parking
- Travel Tip：No rental shops nearby – bring your own gear
Uttabaru Beach
- Access: 20 minutes by car from Amami Airport
- Highlights: White sand beach
- Ideal for: Swimming, relaxing
- Facilities: Toilets, showers, parking
- Travel Tip: If you visit on a Sunday or Monday, stop by the local salt shop near the beach. They serve simple but tasty udon noodles.
Kurasaki Beach
- Access: 25 minutes by car from Amami Airport
- Highlights: A picturesque white-sand beach with crystal-clear waters.
- Ideal for: Snorkeling, diving, swiming
- Facilities: Parking is available. No restrooms, no shower on-site.
- Travel Tip: It is located in the Ashitoku area, where many hotels are clustered. This seaside neighborhood is especially popular with international travelers.
Tomori Beach
- Access: 10 minutes by car from Amami Airport. There is a local bus that stops nearby, but it only runs in the early morning and late evening. If you don’t have a car, taking a taxi from the airport is the most convenient option.
- Highlights: Vividly blue that it’s often called the “Blue Angel” for its stunning beauty.
- Ideal for: Walking and relaxing beach time, and photography.
- Facilities: Toilets, showers, parking
- Travel Tip: Swimming is possible, but please be aware that the current can be unexpectedly strong.
Yoan Beach
- Access: Around 10 minutes by car from Amami Airport,
- Highlights: Long stretch of white sand with shallow water and calm waves.
- Ideal for: Safe swimming for families, and relaxing beach time.
- Facilities: Toilets, showers, restaurant, convenience store and parking.
- Travel Tip: Since it’s right in front of a hotel, you can enjoy warm showers, dining at the restaurant, and fun activities during your visit.
Ōhama Beach
- Access: About 15 hour from Naze downtown
- Highlights: A well-maintained public beach
- Ideal for: Picnics, swimming, and watching sunsets.
- Facilities: Toilets, showers, parking, aquarium and a camping site.
- Travel Tip: Famous for its beautiful sunsets. While you can enjoy the view from the beach, the best place to watch the sunset is from the parking area on the hill above.
Kuninao Beach
- Access: About 25 hour from Naze downtown
- Highlights: A beautiful beach combined with the charm of a peaceful local village.
- Ideal for: Swimming, Snorkeling and watching sunsets.
- Facilities: Toilets, showers, and parking
- Travel Tip: For a bit of adventure, take a walk from the beach to Cape Miyakozaki and enjoy the breathtaking views.
Yadori Beach
- Access: About 1 hour by car from Naze downtown, 15 minute by car from Koniya
- Highlights: Wide beach surrounded by turquoise water.
- Ideal for: Swimming, snorkeling and relaxing beach time.
- Facilities: Toilets, showers, and camping site.
- Travel Tip: This beach is calm and pleasant throughout the year. It’s one of the top recommended beaches in the southern part of Amami.
Katoku Beach
- Access: 1hour by car from Naze downtown
- Highlights: Distinctive black sand and wide, open dunes
- Ideal for: Swimming, and relaxing beach time.
- Facilities: Parking, toilets, and shower room
- Travel Tip: Of all the beaches featured here, this one is the most remote and difficult to access.
Which Beach Is Best For You?
| Beach | Access | Best For | Facilities | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sakibaru | Moderate | Relaxing, Swimming | ◯ | Very quiet |
| Uttabaru | Moderate | Relaxing, Swimming | ◯ | Very quiet |
| Kurasaki | Moderate | Relaxing, Swimming, Snorkeling | △ | Popular |
| Tomori | Easy | Swimming | ◯ | Popular |
| Yoan | Easy | Relaxing, Walking, Photography | ◎ | Popular |
| Ohama | Moderate | Relaxing, Swimming | △ | Popular |
| Kuninao | Moderate | Snorkeling, Swimming | ◯ | Popular |
| Yadori | Hard | Snorkeling, Swimming | ◯ | Very quiet |
| Katoku | Very hard | Relaxing, Swimming | △ | Hidden gem |
Tips for Visiting Beaches in Amami
Important Notes for Snorkeling in Amami
Snorkeling gear, including masks and fins, is easy to find at local shops around Amami Island. When purchasing or renting gear, make sure to also get a life jacket. In recent years, there has been a rise in drowning accidents related to snorkeling. Wearing a life jacket is not just a suggestion, but it’s a local requirement.
You might think this advice is excessive, but please understand that serious marine accidents can damage the island’s reputation and impact the lives of local residents. We ask for your cooperation to keep Amami a safe and welcoming destination for everyone.
Sunscreen and Coral Reef Protection
When visiting Amami’s beaches, please be mindful of the sunscreen you use. In recent years, studies have shown that certain chemical ingredients commonly found in sunscreen can harm and even bleach coral reefs. Ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene are especially harmful to marine life, even in small amounts. To help protect Amami’s fragile coral ecosystems, we kindly ask that you use coral-friendly (reef-safe) sunscreen. These products are free from harmful chemicals and are available at many eco-conscious shops and online.
Your small choice can make a big difference in preserving the beauty of the island for future generations.
Respect the Local Communities
Many beaches are directly backed by small villages or local homes. Please avoid walking through residential areas in just your swimsuit, and refrain from taking photos without permission. Being respectful and discreet is key to supporting sustainable tourism in Amami.
Beach Access Can Be Difficult Without a Car
Unless your accommodation is right next to a beach, getting there without a car can be challenging. There are no trains on Amami Island, and buses are limited in both frequency and coverage. If you’re staying in Naze, for example, there are no beaches within easy walking distance.
We strongly recommend taking a taxi or joining a guided tour to reach the best beaches safely and conveniently.
Explore Amami’s Coastline on a Stand-Up Paddle Tour
Plan Your Amami Beach Adventure Wisely
Amami’s beaches are some of the most beautiful and peaceful in Japan. Whether you come to swim, snorkel, or simply relax by the sea, a little planning and local awareness will help make your experience safer and more meaningful. Respect the communities, protect the environment, and enjoy what this island truly has to offer.
If you’re looking to explore even further—by paddleboard, kayak, or on a guided coastal walk—consider joining one of our private nature tours. We’d love to help you discover the quieter, deeper side of Amami.
