Amami Oshima

A Hidden Tropical Paradise in Kagoshima

When people think of “Japan,” they almost assuredly conjure up mental images of hyper-modern Tokyo or traditional Kyoto. Unbeknownst to most overseas visitors, Japan is actually home to a number of killer beaches. Of course, many of these are located down to the south surrounding the islands of Okinawa (some of which I have actually covered before in this article). During the colder months of the year this concentration of coastline means everyone seeking an escape from the frigid winter will flock to a single prefecture. While shoreline retreats rarely become overcrowded, you’re certainly not going to have the beach all to yourself. This can be a bit of a deal breaker for those looking to disconnect from the daily concerns and bliss out by the ocean.

Luckily for the beachgoers out there, there’s an alternative. Enter Kagoshima Prefecture’s little known Amami Oshima. This isle is the largest of all the land masses that encompass the Satsunan Island chain that runs between Kyushu and the Okinawan islands. Though it is geographically to its southern neighbor of Okinawa, Amami Oshima is technically part of Kagoshima Prefecture. In fact, the island has been ever since the mighty Shimazu clan brought it to heel in 1611. Home to a number of beaches that dot its coastline, Amami Oshima shelters many white sand coves which sport clear…