Explore the stunning beaches of Amami Oshima’s southern region, offering a unique blend of natural beauty. While the island’s northern coastline is appealing, the scenic gems dotted along the south are a must-see during your trip to Amami Island. Enjoy a leisurely drive through picturesque landscapes, meandering roads that cut through lofty hills, and serene coastal vistas. Read more to discover ideal beach retreat by venturing to the tranquil shores of the south.

Ohama Seaside Park (Ohama Beach)

Amami City Ohama Seaside Park is an idyllic beach locale in the centre of Amami Oshima. It offers a spectacular view of a pristine white sand coastline and emerald green sea. This park has been recognized as one of Japan’s Top 100 Beaches and Japan’s Top 55 Bathing Beaches. At the Amami Marine Exhibition Hall, you can come into contact with sea creatures from the surrounding waters and enjoy snacks at the shop. Additionally, there is a campsite where you can enjoy BBQ, making it an ideal spot for an exciting day-long excursion.

On the beach are pavilions reminiscent of Takakura, a traditional Amami building, allowing you to immerse yourself in the quaint scenery. Ohama is also renowned as a nesting site for sea turtles, offering a chance to witness these wonders of nature from June to September.

The seaside park is a space in harmony with nature, providing a pleasant experience for visitors. Here, you can discover a variety of plants endemic to Amami Island, including subtropical species like pandanus, and enjoy bird watching. The expansive lawn is perfect for engaging in various outdoor activities and leisure pursuits.

Amami City Ohama Seaside Park faces the East China Sea and is an excellent spot for watching the sunset. On clear summer days, the striking contrast between the red sun and the blue sky creates a breathtaking scenery which you can admire as the soothing sound of the crashing ocean waves lulls you into a state of tranquillity.  

■ Basic information
Parking: Yes
Toilet: Yes (Coin locker available)
Shower: Yes
Approximately 60 minutes by car from the airport
Approximately 50 minutes by car from Miru Amami

Kuninao Beach in Yamato Village

Kuninao Beach in Yamato Village is a stunning beach known for its pristine white sands of crushed coral, vibrant coral reefs and mesmerising sunsets. Popular among locals and tourists, this beach is perfect for enjoying nature alongside various activities like stand-up paddling, sea kayaking, and snorkelling.

Situated within Kuninao Village, the beach has amenities, including a park, a parking lot with restrooms and showers, restaurants, and guest houses. The beach is also a hub for sea turtle conservation, with community-wide initiatives such as seminars on sea turtle nesting and the installation of red streetlights to avoid disrupting the turtles. Nesting starts around May, and you might witness baby turtles hatching around July.

■ Basic information
Parking: Yes
Toilet: Yes
Shower: Yes
Approximately 70 minutes by car from the airport
Approximately 60 minutes by car from Miru Amami

Taen Beach in Uken Village

Taen is a stunning beach with clear emerald-green waters located in front of Edatekushima. Year-round, people can be seen fishing from the shallow breakwater. Beneath the gentle waves lies a crystal-clear ocean floor, home to magnificent coral reefs and vibrant fish, offering an exceptional experience for snorkelers. In winter, the beach is also popular for surfing.

Near the administration building, you’ll find barbecue and shower facilities. Despite its appeal, it remains a lesser-known gem where you can relax and soak in the ambience of Amami Island away from the crowds. Beach facilities and lifeguard services are available only from Marine Day in July until the end of September. 

■ Basic information
Parking: Yes
Toilet: Yes
Shower: Yes
Approximately 120 minutes by car from the airport
Approximately 110 minutes by car from Miru Amami

Yadon Beach in Uken Village

Yadon Beach at the western end of Uken Village, is surrounded by the stunning coral reefs of Yakeuchi Bay. This marine paradise teems with vibrant tropical fish, and the pristine white sand beach provides a gratifying experience.

It is renowned as a secluded beach where you can experience the grandeur of Amami’s unspoiled natural beauty.

While it may be far from the airport, the tranquillity and natural beauty make it a worthwhile destination. Enjoy a blissful experience as time slows down, surrounded by unspoiled natural surroundings.

You’ll also find a parking lot, gazebo, toilets, and showers conveniently situated just a stone’s throw away from the beach.

■ Basic information
Parking: Yes
Toilet: Yes
Shower: Yes
Approximately 130 minutes by car from the airport
Approximately 120 minutes by car from Miru Amami
It is known as a secluded beach with untouched nature.

Honohoshi Coastline

Honohoshi Coastline offers a unique atmosphere on Amami Oshima. Along this coast, which gazes upon the Pacific Ocean, lie smooth, rounded cobblestones sculpted by strong waves. As these waves break upon the shore, the stones tumble and interact, producing the calming melodies of “kara kara” and “koro koro” that echo along the shore.

The relentless crashing waves and splashing water create a refreshing atmosphere. In the middle of this coastline lies a significant gap in the reef, occasionally adorned by a rainbow.

In Amami Oshima, stones are believed to harbour spirits, with those along the Honohoshi coast thought to possess exceptional powers. Legend says it’s prohibited to take these stones home, as they are said to bring bad luck. 

While not recommended for swimming, this shoreline entices visitors with its wild waves and stunning landscape. It is believed that listening to the enigmatic sounds of the rounded stones has a purifying and soothing effect on the heart.

The spacious park features an arbour, making it an ideal spot to unwind while soaking in the awe-inspiring natural beauty.

■ Basic information
Parking: Yes
Toilet: Yes
Shower: none
Approximately 110 minutes by car from the airport
Approximately 100 minutes by car from Miru Amami

Yadori Beach in Setouchi Town

Yadori Beach sits at the southernmost point of Amami Oshima, with Kakeroma Island visible across the Oshima Strait. The coastline is adorned with expansive banyan trees and windbreaks, casting a refreshing shade over the arc of pristine white sand. Facilities such as shower rooms, toilets, a kitchen, and a rest area are conveniently located nearby, creating an ideal setting for a range of outdoor activities.

Kakeroma Island is located on the Pacific Ocean side, so it is blessed with relatively calm waves. The Oshima Strait, with its abundant shallow coral formations, offers snorkelers a chance to marvel at diverse marine life. As dusk settles, guests are treated to a captivating panorama that captures the essence of the island’s beauty.

■Basic information
Parking: Yes
Toilet: Yes
Shower: Yes
Approximately 110 minutes by car from the airport
Approximately 100 minutes by car from Miru Amami

Amami Oshima is adorned with stunning beaches famously known as “Amami Blue.” Ranking as Japan’s third-largest island, it spans an area equivalent to 80% of Okinawa’s main island. Despite its size, the island retains much of its natural allure, with untouched mountains and unspoiled coastlines. Explore the wonders of Amami Oshima, a designated World Natural Heritage Site acclaimed for its biodiversity and natural splendour.