Amami Ōshima

What it is

• The fifth largest island in Japan, located between Kagoshima City and Okinawa Island.
• A UNESCO World Natural Heritage site registered in 2021 for its unique biodiversity.
• Part of the Amami Gunto National Park featuring diverse subtropical ecosystems.
• The production center for Amami Oshima Tsumugi, a famous traditional silk textile.

What to see

• The second largest mangrove forest in Japan located along the coastline.
• Mount Yuwan, the highest peak on the island at 694.4 meters.
• The endangered Amami rabbit, which is native to this specific island habitat.
• Setouchi Town, known as the top producer of farmed bluefin tuna in Japan.

Getting there

• Amami Airport provides flight connections via JAL, Skymark, and Peach airlines.
• Ferries connect Naze Port to both Kagoshima and Okinawa for sea travelers.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.