Come July, Amami Oshima may very well be the newest UNESCO natural World Heritage Site. Located in Kagoshima prefecture, just north of Okinawa Island, Amami Oshima is home to lush subtropical interior forests, dense mangroves, white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and unique but endangered wildlife that the local community is doing its best to conserve and protect. Unlike Japan’s famous cities and sites, this island is a tropical natural haven – the perfect venue for a relaxed outdoor escape to nature. 

In terms of wildlife, Amami Oshima’s endemic animals include the black Amami rabbit, Amami’s Jay, Red Kingfisher, Amami Woodcock, and the Amami Thrush. Under the sea, there are local pufferfish renowned for its mating ritual which involves male pufferfish creating elaborate crop circle-like patterns to attract a mate. The island also sees humpback whales from January to April, and turtles laying their eggs in the summer. Amami has boundless sites of natural beauty, including stunning waterfalls and extensive mangroves. In fact, it has the second largest mangrove forest in Japan, ideal for kayaking. 

Aside from connecting you with nature, Amami also offers culturally rich experiences in the form of music, festivals, artwork and handicrafts. Oshima Tsumugi weaving is one of them, a traditional artform in which one of the world’s greatest textiles, silk pongee, is woven. 

Here at Miru Amami, you will not only be able to witness Amami Oshima’s beauty right from your very own private villas, but we’ll also ensure that you experience the island like a local – offering you the best kept secrets from where to go, what to do, and what to eat. While we await UNESCO’s final decision at the end of this month, we recommend booking your trip to Amami Oshima – starting with luxury accommodation at Miru Amami.