A virgin mangrove forest and emerald green sea. Amami Oshima Island, located in the south of Kagoshima Prefecture, is a place of great nature.
In this article, we have compiled information on sightseeing spots, restaurants, accommodations and other places to visit on a bicycle trip to Amami Oshima.
The average temperature in Amami Oshima is 16.6 degrees Celsius in December and 14.4 degrees Celsius in January, which is relatively warm, making it a perfect place for a winter trip.
It is also possible to rent bicycles to explore the island. Why don’t you take a look at this article and go on your next vacation to a tropical paradise?
Contents
- Tourist Information on Amami Oshima｜How far and how difficult is it to cycle around the island?
- How to get to Amami Oshima
- 【Eat】Places to Eat in Amami Oshima Island to Visit by Bicycle
- 【Stay】Accommodations on Amami Oshima Island to Visit by Bicycle
- A Wonderful Bicycle Trip to Amami Oshima, a Tropical Paradise
Tourist Information on Amami Oshima｜How far and how difficult is it to cycle around the island?
| Area | About 712.4㎢ |
| Population | about 68,000 |
| Highest elevation | approx. 694m |
Amami Oshima is an island located about 380km south of Kagoshima City. It has a total area of about 712㎢, which is the second largest among Japan’s remote islands after Okinawa Island and Sado Island.
Most of the island is forested, with mangroves and wadatsuminoki (Nothapodytes foetida, called “Sea god tree” in Amami Island) growing in the area. The Amami rabbit (Pentalagus furnessi), an endemic species of the Amami region, is designated as a special natural monument of Japan.
Since it is a very large island, it would be difficult to explore the entire area in one day even if you rent a car. If you are traveling by bicycle, we recommend that you spend at least three days and two nights to explore the island in detail.
How to get to Amami Oshima
Amami Oshima can be reached by air or by ferry.
In the case of air travel, it takes about 2 hours from Haneda Airport to Amami Oshima. By ferry, it takes about 11 hours from Kagoshima New Port to Amami Oshima.
Please refer to the following table for the time required for the main air and sea routes.
| Departure point | Approximate time required | |
| Flight | Tokyo (Narita Airport) | Approx. 2 to 3 hours |
| Tokyo (Haneda Airport) | Approx. 1 – 2 hours 25 minutes | |
| Osaka (Kansai Airport) | Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes – 1 hour 55 minutes | |
| Fukuoka (Fukuoka Airport) | Approx. 1 hour 20 minutes | |
| Kagoshima (Kagoshima Airport) | Approx. 1hour | |
| Ferry | Ferry Kobe Port | Approx. 31 hours |
| Port of Osaka | Approx. 28 hours | |
| Kagoshima New Port | Approx. 11 hours |
Referene）EXPLORE AMAMI
List of Bicycle Rental Facilities in Amami Oshima
Rental bicycles are available on Amami Oshima Island. Refer to the table below to check which facilities are available.
| Name | Nearest station/facility | Type of vehicle |
| Showaso | Michinoshima Kotsu Bus Shinai Kindergarten stop | City |
| Uchiyama Shoji Head Office | Nagatabashi stop on the Shima Bus | City |
| Weekly Apartment Kariyushi | Nagatabashi stop on the Shima Bus | City |
| Hotel Big Marine Amami | Nase Shinko | Minivelo |
| GOLDEN MILE HOSTEL | Shima Bus Minatomachi Waiting Area stop | Minivelo |
| Santaro-no-Sato | Shima Bus Sun Amami bus stop Sports | Sport type / Kids type |
| Kawamoto Bicycle Company | 15-minute walk from Nase Shinko | City |
| Ueno Cycle Shokai | 7-minute drive from Nase Shinko | City |
| Amami Oshima Resort Hotel Coral Palms | 5 minutes by car from Amami Oshima Airport | City |
| Amami LONG BEACH | Approx. 15-minute walk from Shima Bus Stop | e-bike |
| Kita Oshima Honda Sales | Approx. 6-minute drive from Amami Airport | City / MTB |
| Amanico Guide Service Shop | Approx. 6-minute drive from Naze Port | Minivelo / MTB |
| Amami Port Tower Hotel | Naze Port | City |
| Amami Airport | Amami Airport | City |
A Must-See for Cyclists! Amami Oshima Challenge Cycling
The “Amami Oshima Challenge Cycling” is a cycling event that has been held since 2008. It is not a race, but a ride at one’s own pace along a predetermined course.
| Name of the event | 2021 Amami Oshima Challenge Cycling |
| Date | Sunday, December 12, 2021 |
| Course | ・Amami Oshima Round-the-World Course [210km] ・Amami Half Course [130km] ・Amami Seaside Course [60km] |
| Registration Period | August 6, 2021 (Fri) – October 29, 2021 (Fri) |
The popular “Round-Amami-Oshima Course” is 210km long, one of the longest in Japan. For those who are less confident about their fitness, shorter courses of 130km and 60km are also available.
Usually held in December, it is the perfect way to end the cycling season. At the rest stops along the course, Amami Oshima’s specialties will be served.
【See】Sightseeing Spots in Amami Oshima Island to Visit by Bicycle
Ayamaru Cape Sightseeing Park
Ayamaru Cape is a cape located in Kasari Town at the northern tip of Amami Oshima Island.
It is said that the name “Ayamaru” was given to the cape because its round shape resembles a “mari” woven with twill.
It is one of the most beautiful spots on Amami Oshima Island, and the panoramic view from the observatory is breathtaking. The coral reefs, cycads, and other subtropical scenery can be enjoyed.
The area around the cape is a park with many facilities such as playground equipment, ground golf, and a swimming beach, etc. In 2018, a tourist information center and a café were opened, and the area has become even more popular.
Materia Waterfall
The Matelia Waterfall is located in Yamato Village in the central part of Amami Oshima Island.
It is a mysterious waterfall located in the grounds of Amami Forest Park, and has been loved by local people and travelers since ancient times.
The name “Materia” comes from Amami dialect, meaning a waterfall basin where the sun shines. In fact, if you visit during the day, you will be able to see the beautiful sparkling water.
It is a cool and refreshing spot to relax after a long trip.
Amami Park
Amami Park is a tourist facility located near Amami Airport.
It was opened in 2001 on the site of the former runway.
The main facilities in the park are “Amami-no-Sato” and “Tanaka Isson Memorial Museum of Art”.
Amami-no-Sato is an exhibition facility that conveys the nature, history and culture of the local area. A number of elaborate large-scale models reproduce the traditional life of Amami.
Tanaka Isson Memorial Art Museum exhibits the works of Japanese painter Tanaka Isson, who moved to Amami Oshima at the age of 50, and the colorful world he created can be viewed here.
Kuroshio Forest Mangrove Park
Kuroshio Forest Mangrove Park is a comprehensive park located along Route 58 in the center of Amami Oshima Island.
The entire area is covered with virgin mangrove forests and is designated as a Special Protection Area of the National Park. From the observatory in the park, you can look down on the dense growth of the trees.
【Eat】Places to Eat in Amami Oshima Island to Visit by Bicycle
Amami Kyora Umi Koubou
Amami Kyora Umi Koubou is a café located in Kasari Town in the northeastern part of Amami Oshima Island. It has a great location facing the sea and serves pizza and pasta made from island ingredients.
After enjoying your lunch, be sure to buy some brown sugar, a specialty of the island. This is because Kyora Umi Kobo is a brown sugar specialty store. They handle everything from sugar cane production to harvesting and manufacturing.
The carefully selected brown sugar is so fragrant that it is exported to France, the home of sweets. In addition to pure brown sugar, they also sell brown sugar chocolates, brown sugar sponge cakes, and other products.
Local cuisine: Chicken Rice Hisakura
Located along Route 58, “Local Dish Chicken Rice Hisakura” is a restaurant serving chicken rice, a local dish of Amami Oshima Island.
The authentic chicken rice is made with chicken, broiled egg, shiitake mushroom and pickled papaya as ingredients. It is served with hot rice and chicken soup.
Among the many restaurants on the island, Hisakura’s chicken rice is proudly handmade. There is a poultry farm near the restaurant where about 3,000 free range local chickens are raised.
The chickens, which are carefully fed from the start, are full of flavor. The rich yet refreshing soup is a must-try.
La Fonte
La Fonte is a gelato store. It opened in 2011 under the direct management of Izumi Farm, located in northern Amami Oshima.
There are a total of 10 flavors lined up in the showcase. Some of the flavors are changed seasonally, so no matter how many times you visit, you will always find something new.
Passion fruit, mango, and other fruits are of course homemade. The brown sugar and sea salt used as seasonings are also made by hand with the respective producers.
The ingredients of Amami Oshima are concentrated in this superb sweet.
【Stay】Accommodations on Amami Oshima Island to Visit by Bicycle
Imo-re Amami Homestay Village
Imo-re Amami Homestay Village is a lodging facility located to the east of Nase City. There are three different types of cabins in the building, and you can choose one according to the number of people and the way you want to enjoy your stay.
In addition, there is a glamping tent outside that is limited to one group per day. This air-conditioned tent can accommodate up to four people, making it ideal for groups or families.
BBQ is provided in all plans, so you can enjoy BBQ without having to bring anything. You will be able to spend a lively night in a quiet place surrounded by the sea and mountains.
Denpaku Amami Hotel
Denpaku Amami Hotel is located in the northeastern part of the island in Kasari Town.
The hotel is located in “Maugun Plaza”, which used to be a supermarket. It was redeveloped into a complex including a hotel in order not to let the interaction between people cease.
The interiors of the rooms are simple, but there is a cafeteria and a market for local products on the first floor. There is also a facility for the elderly, where you can enjoy interacting with the local people.
Amami Forestpolis ＆Campsite
Amami Forestopolis & Campsite is a forest park located in Yamato Village in the central part of Amami Oshima Island. 20 hectares in size, it is equipped with athletic facilities and walking trails.
The park’s campground has a variety of bungalows and camp sites of various sizes. In addition to relatively affordable accommodation, bedding and BBQ equipment can be rented.
Night tours are also available as an option. This is a great chance to observe rare wildlife, such as the endangered Amami rabbit, up close and personal.
Reference:https://www.kagoshima-kankou.com/for/attractions/10257
A Wonderful Bicycle Trip to Amami Oshima, a Tropical Paradise
The circumference of Amami Oshima Island is about 460km, and it takes at least three days and two nights to go around the island by bicycle. It is best to plan your trip with as much time as possible in case of trouble.
In addition to enjoying the spectacular scenery, another attraction of this trip is the opportunity to interact with the local people. Feel the unique culture of the tropics firsthand.
●Kagoshima Official Tourism Website-Area Guide- Amami Oshima Island●
