Amami Ōshima
Island Largest Amami island with subtropical forests
In the Amami archipelago, Amami Ōshima offers subtropical forests, mangrove estuaries and coral reefs. Visitors come for diving, beach resorts, traditional island crafts and seasonal festivals that preserve Ryukyuan-influenced music and dance.
_closed_by_COVID-19.jpg?width=1200)
Amami Ōshima is a large subtropical island in Kagoshima Prefecture in southern Japan, part of the Amami island group. The island is known for lush forests, mangroves and a surrounding coral reef environment.
Visitors come for coastal scenery, beaches, diving and to see endemic wildlife and subtropical forest habitats. Amami City is the principal town and transport gateway with ferry and air connections to other islands and the Japanese mainland.
Historically the island was incorporated into regional domains and later into modern prefectural administration; traditional Ryukyuan and local island cultures persist alongside postwar development. Conservation efforts focus on protecting native forests and unique animal species.
Amami Ōshima lies in the East China Sea as part of the Ryukyu archipelago, south of Kyushu and north of Okinawa, and is reached by regular ferry and air services.
- Natural values: The island is noted for subtropical forests, coral reefs and endemic species that draw nature-oriented visitors.
What to See #
- Amami City: Amami City, the island's main town and transport hub with ferry and air links and local cultural facilities.
How to Get to Amami Ōshima #
Amami Ōshima is served by Amami Airport (ASJ) with flights from Kagoshima and other regional hubs; ferries also connect the island to Kagoshima and nearby islands, though crossings can be lengthy. From Kagoshima city, ferries may take several hours; flights are faster and seasonally more reliable.
Tips for Visiting Amami Ōshima #
- If visiting for wildlife, hire a local guide who knows the spots for the Amami rabbit and rare birdlife at dawn.
- Ferries to Amami Ōshima from Kagoshima take several hours; check schedules and book ahead in bad weather.
- Pack for humidity and sudden rain; the island is subtropical and showers are frequent year-round.
Best Time to Visit Amami Ōshima #
Spring through autumn offers the best chances to see the island's endemic wildlife, but humidity and rain increase.
Weather & Climate near Amami Ōshima #
Amami Ōshima's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 11°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (2524 mm/year), wettest in June.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (141 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (155 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (183 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 17°C. Heavy rain (243 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 19°C. Heavy rain (304 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (383 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (216 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (220 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (195 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (171 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (184 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
