Yakushima, Amami Oshima, and Tokunoshima are World Heritage Sites in Kagoshima. What are the highlights of each island?

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Written by Soga Masayoshi

Clear streams flowing through the forests of the World Heritage Site Yakushima

Kagoshima Prefecture is home to 28 inhabited islands, making it one of the most remote islands in Japan. The islands, scattered throughout the prefecture's vast area of approximately 600 km, vary in climate from temperate to subtropical, and in nature and culture.
In this issue, we will introduce some of the highlights of Yakushima, Amami-Oshima, and Tokuno-shima, which are registered as World Natural Heritage sites.

Yakushima Island has the highest annual rainfall in Japan. The island is blessed with water, with "35 days of rain per month”.

Yakushima Island is located about 60km south of the Osumi Peninsula. Approximately 12,000 people live on this small island, which has a circumference of 130 km and can be circled in about three hours by car. In the center of the island are a series of 1,800-meter-high mountains, including Kyushu's highest peak, 1936m high Miyanoura-dake, which rises steeply out of the sea, giving the island the nickname "Alps on the Ocean”.

Yakushima's unique ecosystem is particularly noteworthy in its nature. Between 0m and 2,000m above sea level, the climate ranges from subtropical to subarctic, comparable to that of Hokkaido. Approximately 1,900 species of plants that grow in subtropical and cool-temperate zones live there. This vertical distribution is unique in the world. The island is said to be a miniature of the Japanese archipelago.

Yakushima is also known for its abundant rainfall. The annual rainfall is an astonishingly high 4,500 mm on the plains (Tokyo receives about 1,600 mm) and 8,000 to 10,000 mm in the mountainous areas. It is sometimes said that it rains 35 days a month. The rain creates countless valleys and brings an abundance of water to the island.

Yakushima Island, where abundant rain nurtures a variety of plants, is home to more than 600 species of mosses
Yakushima Island, where abundant rain nurtures a variety of plants, is home to more than 600 species of mosses

The best way to learn about the nature of Yakushima is to walk in the forest. You may have heard of Yakusugi cedars, but they are older than 1,000 years old. On Yakushima Island, even cedar trees several hundred years old are still considered young trees and are called kosugi.

The most representative Yakusugi cedar is the Jomon cedar. Although there are several theories, it is believed to be between 2,000 and 7,200 years old, making it the oldest and largest of the Yakusugi cedar trees currently known. The 25-meter tall, 16-meter circumference giant tree, which has been exposed to the harsh natural environment but has spread its roots into the earth, has an overwhelmingly divine appearance. It is the king of the forest that everyone should visit at least once.

Jomon Cedars, the highlight of eco-tour in Yakushima. Styled like the king of the forest
Jomon Cedars, the highlight of eco-tour in Yakushima. Styled like the king of the forest

Seeing the Jomon cedars is not so easy. The road to the cedars is a 10-hour round-trip trek that includes a serious mountain trail. Climbing gear such as rain gear and portable toilets are also a must. The Jomon cedars are a moving sight to behold after overcoming such hardships. On the way to the cedars, there are many other interesting sights, such as Wilson's stump, which is said to make love come true, and the 3,000 year old Daio cedar.

Wilson Stump, a stump estimated to be 2,000 years old
Wilson Stump, a stump estimated to be 2,000 years old

Those who think that trekking is too strenuous for them can rest assured, as “Yakusugiland” offers easy 30-minute and 50-minute trekking courses, and Shiratani-unsui Gorge, which is said to have served as the motif for the movie Princess Mononoke, is dotted with spots where even those who are not confident in their physical strength can get in touch with the nature of Yakushima.

Yakusugiland has a well-maintained promenade for easy strolling
Yakusugiland has a well-maintained promenade for easy strolling

Although you can visit the island on your own, we recommend that you go with an eco-tour guide who will explain the origins of the island from various aspects, including its natural environment, history, and culture. You will be able to learn more about the endemic species and other plants, which will further deepen your knowledge.

Amami Oshima, a place of ecological diversity and traditional culture

Located approximately 380 km south of Kagoshima City, Amami Oshima is the largest island in the Amami Archipelago, with a population of approximately 60,000 people living on an island with a circumference of approximately 461 km. In July 2021, the island was designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site along with Tokunoshima, northern Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island.
The natural feature of Amami Oshima is its biological diversity. The plants and animals that survived the separation from the continent long ago have evolved uniquely and nurtured their own ecosystems. The Amami black rabbit and the Lidth's jay are typical examples. Both species are endemic only to Amami Oshima and Tokunoshima.

The natural environment of Amami Oshima, both forest and ocean, is truly rich
The natural environment of Amami Oshima, both forest and ocean, is truly rich

To feel the richness of Amami's nature, visit Kinsakubaru, an area of subtropical virgin forest. As you approach the mountain, the road becomes unpaved and rattles along a gravel road. In the past, visitors were free to enter the mountain, but entry has been restricted since 2019 due to concerns about the increasing number of tourists and the destruction of vegetation. Amami City recommends that visitors be accompanied by a certified eco-tour guide.

The mountain path is lined with many plants on both sides, and birds can be heard chirping from time to time. The guide will tell you the names and ecology of the plants, which makes it even more interesting. The number of visitors is limited, so make reservations early during the high season!

A forest with subtropical vegetation that looks like it could be full of dinosaurs
A forest with subtropical vegetation that looks like it could be full of dinosaurs

Exploring the mangrove forest, the second largest in Japan after Iriomote Island, is also recommended. The mangrove forest is located in Sumiyo-cho in the central part of Amami Oshima. It is an area rich in nature, with 94% of the town covered by mountain forests. The watershed is home to an endemic species of ayu (sweetfish). Smaller than mainland ayu and with a slightly different dorsal fin shape, it has already become extinct in Okinawa and can now only be found on Amami Oshima. The mangrove forests are definitely worth exploring by canoe. “Kuroshio no Mori Mangrove Park” offers one-hour canoeing tours for those who are not confident about their physical strength, small children, and the elderly.

Explore mangrove forests, home to a variety of organisms, by canoe
Explore mangrove forests, home to a variety of organisms, by canoe

Kuroshio no Mori Mangrove Park

Address
478 Sumiyochoishihara, Amami City, Kagoshima
Telephone
0997-56-3355
Business Hours
9:30am-6:00pm
Closed
Irregular holidays
Fee
Canoeing 2000 yen for adults, 1800 yen for elementary and junior high school students
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)

The unique culture of Amami Oshima is also a fun part of traveling around the island. First, let's touch Oshima tsumugi, one of the world's three major textiles.
At Oshima tsumugi Village in Ryugo Town, the birthplace of Oshima Tsumugi, visitors can observe the production process of Oshima Tsumugi and experience weaving and mud dyeing. Flexible, lightweight, and strong, Oshima tsumugi has been used for daily wear in the past. The manufacturing process is very complicated and intricate. After a month-long process of dyeing sharinbai (indian hawthorns) 80 times and mud dyeing for 5 times, the threads are woven on a loom. It takes about 40 to 50 days to weave one skein. Oshima tsumugi, which is the product of painstaking labor, is a traditional craft that Amami is proud to offer to the world. If you visit the island, you should definitely try it for yourself.

Oshima tsumugi is a traditional culture of Amami. Weaving intricate patterns
Oshima tsumugi is a traditional culture of Amami. Weaving intricate patterns

Speaking of Amami, we must not forget the island songs. Each village on the island has songs that have been passed down from generation to generation. The songs are about feelings arising from nature and daily life. There are also traditions such as "song play," in which men and women convey their hearts to each other. Be sure to visit a folk song bar in Nase and listen to the island songs live. After eating the local cuisine, the live performance starts with the accompaniment of sanshin (a three-stringed instrument). At the end of the show, the audience joins in and everyone sings and dances together.

Enjoy live island songs at Gintei, a folk izakaya in Nase!
Enjoy live island songs at Gintei, a folk izakaya in Nase!

Gintei

Address
6-2 Nazekanekucho, Amami City, Kagoshima
Telephone
0997-52-9646
Business Hours
6:00pm-10:00pm
Closed
Irregular holidays

Chicken rice is a must-try when you visit Amami Oshima. It is a local dish representative of Amami, consisting of rice topped with chicken, green onion, egg, and other ingredients, and served with chicken broth. The chicken rice was originally created in the Edo period (1603-1867) as a high-class dish to entertain officials of the feudal domain. In 1946, the proprietress of "Ganso Chicken Rice Minato-ya" created the present style, and it is said to have spread to many places.
Chicken rice served with plenty of tasty broth is truly the soul food of Amami. The gentle flavor is full of nourishment, and you will never get tired of it no matter how many times you eat it.

The chicken rice, a typical local dish that represents Amami. Enjoy it by topping it with a hearty chicken broth.
The chicken rice, a typical local dish that represents Amami. Enjoy it by topping it with a hearty chicken broth.

Ganso Chicken Rice Minato-ya

Address
81 Nazekanekucho, Amami City, Kagoshima
Telephone
0997-63-0023
Business hours
11:30 - close when sold out
Closed
Irregular holidays
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)

Experience the spirit of unity on Tokunoshima, an island of longevity and fertility

Tokunoshima Island is located approximately 468 km south of Kagoshima City and has a circumference of 89 km. Tokunoshima consists of three towns, Tokunoshima Town, Isen Town, and Amagi Town, and approximately 22,000 people live there. The main industries are agriculture, such as sugarcane and fruit tree cultivation, and fishing. Parts of the island that still retain a rustic atmosphere are home to valuable ecosystems, including the Amami black rabbit, and were registered as a World Heritage site in 2021.

Tokunoshima is also famous for its bullfighting. Bullfighting, called "nakusami," was the only entertainment for the islanders, who were tormented by the painful collection of annual tribute, which was called "sugar hell”. Even today, a major bullfighting tournament is held several times a year, attracting more than 3,000 fans from the island and beyond.

Fighting bull stroll along the beach. It is a peaceful scene different from that of the fighting
Fighting bull stroll along the beach. It is a peaceful scene different from that of the fighting

If you want to know more about bullfighting, visit the Tokunoshima Nakusami Kan. It is the largest bullfighting arena on the island and has a "Bullfighting Museum" with exhibits of information on bullfighting. Visitors can learn more about bullfighting, including its history, types of bull horns, and the rules of the game.

"Tokunoshima Nakusami Kan" where bullfighting tournaments are held several times a year
"Tokunoshima Nakusami Kan" where bullfighting tournaments are held several times a year

Tokunoshima Nakusami Kan (Bullfighting Museum)

Address
626 Metegu, Isencho, Oshimagun, Kagoshima
Telephone
0997-86-2093
Business Hours
8:30am-5:15pm
Closed
Irregular holidays
Admission
200yen

Tokunoshima Island is famous for its longevity and fertility. It has long been known for its many energetic elderly people over 100 years old, represented by Shigechiyo Izumi and Kamato Hongo. In addition, according to the national total fertility rate for cities, towns, and villages announced in 2016, Isen ranked first in Japan with a fertility rate of 2.81, while Tokunoshima and Amagi are also among the top 10 islands with healthy children and elderly people. There are many theories as to the reasons for the longevity and high birth rate, but one is said to be the mild climate.

Balanced foods such as protein, vegetables, and seaweed are also the secret to longevity
Balanced foods such as protein, vegetables, and seaweed are also the secret to longevity

The secret of longevity is also said to be the abundance of primary industries such as agriculture and fishing, physical exercise in nature, brown sugar and other mineral-rich foods that are good for the body, and a culture in which people interact with each other in a friendly atmosphere through bullfights and island songs.
One of the reasons for the high birth rate is the custom of helping each other in the community. Some islanders say that they are able to raise many children because they have parents, siblings, neighbors, and others who support them in raising their children. The islanders call this spirit of mutual support the "spirit of unity," and it is what makes Tokunoshima so appealing.

If visitors want to experience the spirit of unity, the easiest way is to stay at a Guest House where they can experience island life. The warm hospitality of the inn's fathers and mothers will allow you to feel the kindness that embraces the island. In the evening, enjoy simple local cuisine with a glass of brown sugar shochu. There are also home-stays that offer farming and fishing experiences, so we recommend experiencing island life for yourself.

Guest House "Sacchanchi ". Even travelers can experience the warmth of island life.
Guest House "Sacchanchi ". Even travelers can experience the warmth of island life.

Tour the scenic attractions of Tokunoshima

Tokunoshima is also known for its dynamic topography and unique scenery. One of the island's most spectacular spots is Innojofuta. The cliffs and oddly shaped rocks that stretch along the coastline facing the East China Sea are overwhelming natural formations created by wind and rain over a long period of time. Megane Rock (Glasses Rock) is located down the promenade from the parking lot. The two cavities formed by uplifted coral are indeed like glasses.

Megane Rock at Innojofuta. Amazing formations created by nature
Megane Rock at Innojofuta. Amazing formations created by nature

A tunnel of cycad trees, some 300 to 350 years old, in the village of Kanami in the northeastern part of the island. Originally planted to protect against northerly wind storms, the sycamores have over the years become a natural archway. The tunnel is approximately 250 m long, and after exiting the tunnel, visitors will find the Kanamizaki Observatory overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea.

Mysterious atmosphere of the sycamore tunnel at Cape Kanami
Mysterious atmosphere of the sycamore tunnel at Cape Kanami

Mushiroze has a dynamic landscape of giant rocks. On an island with many uplifted coral reefs and Ryukyu limestone formations, the scenery of strange granite rocks creates an otherworldly atmosphere. In winter, the dynamic splashing of the waves is a powerful sight. Sharinbai, used for dyeing Oshima silk, grows wild in the surrounding area.

Mushiroze rapids lined with rugged granite
Mushiroze rapids lined with rugged granite

Yakushima, Amami Oshima, and Tokunoshima each have different charms. Why not visit an island that interests you?

Soga Masayoshi

Author

Working at Travel Publishing

Soga Masayoshi

I am from Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Born and raised by the sea, I like to spend time on the weekends enjoying outdoor activities like beach soccer and camping.