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.
Amami Ōshima at a Glance#
Address: Amami Ōshima, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan
About Amami Ōshima#
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 11° - 16° | 14° | 141 mm | overcast | 74% | 5.7 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.4h |
| February | Acceptable | 11° - 17° | 14° | 155 mm | overcast | 76% | 5.5 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.1h |
| March | Acceptable | 13° - 19° | 16° | 183 mm | overcast | 75% | 5.2 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.9h |
| April | Good | 17° - 22° | 19° | 243 mm | overcast | 78% | 4.9 m/s | 1.4 high | 12.7h |
| May | Good | 19° - 24° | 22° | 304 mm | overcast | 82% | 4.7 m/s | 1.7 very high | 13.4h |
| June | Good | 23° - 28° | 25° | 383 mm | overcast | 89% | 3.9 m/s | 1.8 very high | 13.8h |
| July | Very Good | 25° - 30° | 32° | 216 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 5.0 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 13.6h |
| August | Very Good | 25° - 30° | 31° | 220 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 4.9 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.0h |
| September | Very Good | 24° - 29° | 26° | 195 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.5 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Good | 21° - 26° | 23° | 171 mm | overcast | 76% | 4.9 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.4h |
| November | Acceptable | 17° - 22° | 19° | 184 mm | overcast | 75% | 5.1 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.6h |
| December | Acceptable | 13° - 18° | 16° | 129 mm | overcast | 74% | 5.4 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.2h |
