Are you planning your first trip to Amami Oshima Island?
If so, you may be wondering:
- What activities should I do?
- What experiences best capture Amami’s unique charm?
This guide highlights the top 10 activities & things that first-time travelers should not miss, from nature adventures and wildlife encounters to cultural experiences and local cuisine. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, these suggestions will help you create unforgettable memories on Amami Oshima Island.
1. Mangrove Forest Kayaking
Amami’s mangrove forests are one of the island’s signature landscapes.
Glide gently through peaceful waterways surrounded by lush greenery. It’s perfect for beginners and nature lovers alike. Kayaking here is scenic year-round and requires no advanced skills, making it an ideal first activity on the island.
2. Night Wildlife Safari
Amami’s wildlife comes alive after dark. On a guided night tour, you have a chance to see endemic species like the Amami rabbit and other fascinating nocturnal animals. The island broke away from the Asian continent millions of years ago, becoming a sanctuary where rare and ancient wildlife species have continued to survive to this day.
Because the roads and forests can be tricky at night, a guided tour ensures safety while increasing your chances of sightings. By entering the forest with an experienced guide skilled at finding wildlife, you’ll be able to spot elusive animals and learn surprising details about their behavior and ecology.
3. SUP
Amami’s crystal-clear blue sea is perfect for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).
Even if you’ve never tried it before, guided tours use stable boards and start with beginner instruction so everyone can enjoy it. When ocean conditions aren’t ideal, paddling through mangroves is a great alternative.
4. Explore Waterfalls
Amami Oshima is a mountainous island with abundant rainfall, which has created many small waterfalls throughout its forests.
Scattered across the island, these waterfalls offer quiet places to take a break, enjoy a short walk, and experience the island’s natural environment at a relaxed pace.
5. Explore Local Villages
Amami’s charm isn’t only in its landscapes but also in its villages. Stroll through quaint settlements like Kuninao Village, stroll under towering Fukugi windbreak trees, and discover quiet coastal views that feel like stepping back in time.
After walking roughly 3 kilometers from the village, you’ll reach Miyakozaki Cape, a windswept cape blanketed in bamboo grass. It’s a perfect destination for a quiet, scenic walk surrounded by nature.
6. Surfing Adventure
For those seeking a more active challenge, surfing is available for beginners and experienced riders alike. Local surf schools offer lessons tailored to your skill level, guiding you safely into the water. You’ll catch an amazing wave in Amami’s beautiful ocean!
7. Snorkeling & Diving
The coastal waters around Amami Oshima are known for their high visibility, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life, including sea turtles if you’re lucky. Whether it’s shore snorkeling or a diving excursion, exploring beneath the surface is a highlight for ocean lovers.
8. Whale Watching
From January to April, humpback whales migrate to the waters near Amami Oshima. Join a whale-watching boat tour for a chance to see these magnificent creatures breach and play.
For the more adventurous, whale swim experiences allow snorkelers to observe whales in the water (with strict respect for animal welfare).
9. Traditional Textile Experience
Amami’s traditional textile, Oshima Tsumugi, has a history of over 1300 years. Join a workshop to learn about the time intensive mud dyeing and weaving process, and even create your own small piece to take home — like a scarf or woven cloth.
10. Savor Amami’s Local Cuisine
When it comes to the most famous local dish on Amami Oshima, nothing represents the island better than Keihan (chicken rice).
Originally, Keihan was a luxurious dish prepared during the Edo period to entertain officials of the Satsuma Domain. Today, it has become a beloved home-style comfort food enjoyed by local families. If you visit Amami Oshima, this is a dish you absolutely must try at least once.
Beyond Keihan, Amami offers a wide variety of unique local foods, including:
- Abura Somen – stir-fried somen noodles with vegetables and pork
- Pork Miso – slow-cooked pork seasoned with miso
- Shima Tofu – traditional island-style firm tofu
- Wan-hone – simmered pork with tender cartilage
- Goat soup – a bold traditional dish
- Fresh local seafood
Nature, Culture & Adventure Await
Amami Oshima isn’t like other tropical destinations. It’s a place where lush forests, pristine waters, wildlife, and tradition come together in perfect balance. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, marine lover, or cultural explorer, this island has something special for you.
If you feel overwhelmed choosing activities, start with mangrove kayaking, night wildlife tours, or traditional craft experiences. These offer a well-rounded taste of Amami’s essence.
