A one-way trip for a moped costs 3,450 yen. Let’s go to Amami Oshima, a remote island in Kagoshima Prefecture, a World Natural Heritage site that you should visit at least once in your life! “Practical Edition” / Touring spots you want to visit by motorcycle

Amami Oshima is a rainy place. How can you enjoy a trip in good weather?

Domori Beach faces the Pacific Ocean. The sea is the emerald green that is unique to Amami Oshima. The size of the sand particles, the size of the stones, and the appearance of the rock surface vary depending on the location on the beach.

Mangroves leading to the beach where Amami Oshima’s tourist attraction, Heart Rock, is located.

In the “Basic Knowledge” section, we reported on the features and attractions of Amami Oshima in a digest format. Here, we will introduce specific points for traveling on Amami Oshima, such as how to tour the island and the costs involved.

Amami Oshima has a subtropical climate, and the weather is changeable throughout the year, with a lot of rain. The rainy season begins around mid-May and ends between late June and early July. This period is characterized by an extremely high probability of rain.

If you are a student or have some flexibility in choosing your travel dates, be sure to check the weather forecast for the next three years on the online “Amami Oshima Weather Forecast.” If you narrow your search to the days with a clear weather forecast for the next three years, statistically speaking, your chances of enjoying good weather will increase.

If you want to drive your car around Amami Oshima, take the ferry.

Near Naze Port, which is a shipping terminal.

For those who want to ride their beloved car around Amami Oshima, the standard method is to use a ferry that departs from Kagoshima, which can transport motorcycles as well (Note 1).

Example: If you use Maruei Ferry (A” Line)… Route: Kagoshima New Port to Naze Port (Travel time: about 11 hours)

Fares and charges (one way) from February 1, 2025 to April 30, 2025

: First class: 23,050 yen / First class: 18,440 yen / Second class: 9,220 yen.

Motorcycle transportation fees: Moped (50cc) → 3,450 yen / Motorcycle → 4,330 yen.

※注1：関東＆関西～九州に就航中の客船（バイクも一緒に輸送可能）
→ 関東～九州のフェリー航路...神奈川県横須賀市～新門司港（福岡県）　●東京九州フェリー　https://tqf.co.jp/
→ 関西～鹿児島のフェリー航路...さんふらわあターミナル（大阪） 第2ターミナル（大阪南港コスモフェリーターミナル）～志布志（鹿児島）港　●商船三井さんふらわあ　https://www.ferry-sunflower.co.jp/

Cheap flights available! Touring method using airplanes and rental bikes

A shot from inside the plane just before landing at Amami Airport. Tomori Beach can be seen below.

A bus route map covering the island’s main routes. From the tourist guide map distributed free of charge at Amami Oshima Airport and other locations.

For those who think, “It’s okay if you don’t have your own car!” or “I have a motorcycle license but don’t own a car,” you can fly to Amami Oshima (Note 2) and take a bus or taxi from Amami Airport to Naze, the city where Amami City Hall and the island’s busiest shopping district are located. The bus fare from Amami Airport to Naze is 1,100 yen. When traveling around famous places by bus, which generally runs frequently, there are also one-day bus passes available (1-day adult pass: 2,400 yen / 2-day adult pass: 3,600 yen / 3-day adult pass: 3,600 yen). *All prices are current as of May 2025.

Shima Bus　https://shimabus.co.jp/

There are several bike shops in the city of Naze where you can easily rent bikes (search for “Amami Oshima” and “rental bikes”). The rental fee is

→Motorcycle (50cc): 2,000 to 2,500 yen per day

→Motorcycle: 3,000 to 8,000 yen per day (varies depending on engine displacement)

If your main purpose is touring, we recommend bringing your own familiar helmet, gloves, riding jacket, rainwear, etc. If you are only planning to use a rental bike, be sure to inquire in advance about whether helmets and gloves are available for rental.

※注2：筆者は成田空港発・往復航空券（ピーチ航空）＋ホテル2泊付き（リゾートホテル／食事なし）の2泊3日格安ツアーを利用して奄美大島を訪問。金額は1万6800円。筆者の経験上、この価格はオフシーズンならではのバーゲンセール。このツアーは出発日から約2ヶ月前に発見して予約したもの。常日頃から各旅行会社や格安航空会社のサイトをチェックしていれば、高確率でお得な格安ツアーや格安航空券がゲットできるはず。

This is a scene from touring the northern part of Amami Oshima on a 50cc moped. There are several motorcycle rental shops in the city of Naze, and as long as you have a driver’s license, you can easily use them. Search for the keywords “Amami Oshima, rental motorcycle”!

For those who prioritize cost-effectiveness, choose a plane and a rental bike. For those who prefer a more relaxed trip, choose your own car and a ferry trip.

Airports with direct flights to Amami Oshima include Haneda Airport (Tokyo), Narita Airport (Chiba Prefecture), Itami Airport (Hyogo Prefecture) , Kansai Airport (Osaka Prefecture), and Fukuoka Airport (Fukuoka Prefecture).

The low-cost airline I used this time, Peach Aviation, has direct flights from Narita Airport and Kansai Airport. For people living in the Kanto and Kinki regions, this is a very convenient and affordable route. *All information is current as of May 2025.

As mentioned above, depending on where you live, using a plane and a rental bike is a very cost-effective way to enjoy a condensed tour. For people who find it difficult to take long vacations, traveling by plane is especially beneficial as it significantly reduces travel time to your destination.

For those who live in the Kagoshima area, or those who have the time and money, a ferry trip is also an attractive option, allowing you to spend a relaxing time with your beloved car. Enjoy a wonderful tour of Amami Oshima that suits your budget, schedule, preferences, and lifestyle.

Here are the key points for touring Amami Oshima!

On Prefectural Route 82, a coastal road with a great view that leads to Kasarizaki Lighthouse, the northernmost point of Amami Oshima.

・The distance around Amami Oshima is approximately 460 km. If you travel by motorcycle (excluding 50cc mopeds), it takes about two hours to travel from the north to the south one way. Even a simple round trip takes four to five hours. There are only regular roads, no expressways.

To cycle around the island by motorbike, if you travel at 40km/h, it will take just under 10 hours. If you want to see all the famous tourist spots, you’ll want to stay for at least two nights and three days.

・Main roads are basically one lane in each direction, except in urban areas and uphill lanes. They are no different from well-maintained roads in the mainland, and the pavement is in good condition, making them very easy to drive on.

・Amami Oshima has towering mountains with its back to the sea, and many roads with continuous slopes. For long trips around the island, a 50cc moped might be too tough for a man like me who is over 50 and has lost his energy and stamina.

– People who want to travel short distances within the island or ride long distances at a leisurely pace. Also, if you are confident in your energy and stamina, a 50cc is fine. However, if you want to ride smoothly and without stress, you should choose a 125cc moped of Class 2 or higher.

Unlike Okinawa’s main island and some of its outlying islands, Amami Oshima has not been developed into a resort by foreign capital or major mainland companies, and there are very few chain restaurants or major convenience stores even in the city. You can be sure that there are almost no convenience stores, especially in the suburbs (there are only a few Family Marts on the entire island). Therefore, it is better to buy anything you need in advance.

・With the exception of Naze city (where paid parking is available), most tourist spots have free parking lots. Motorbikes and cars must be parked in designated areas.

・Amami Oshima offers a variety of outdoor activities, both in the sea and rivers, regardless of the season, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and mangrove canoeing. If you sign up for a tour on a travel site on your smartphone, you can receive on-site safety training and even rent the necessary gear, such as wetsuits. Why not try these activities as well, depending on your time and budget?

The road leads to Kinsakubaru, a World Heritage Site.

Must-visit spots for touring Amami Oshima!

①Tomori Beach

Tomori Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on Amami Oshima, with beautiful white sand and emerald green waters. It is located close to Amami Oshima. Free parking available.

②Ayamaru Cape Tourist Park

A cape jutting out into the Pacific Ocean, north of Tomori Coast. It is one of the Ten Views of Amami and the New 100 Views of Kagoshima. It is said to have been named after the rounded topography, which resembles a “mari” (ball) woven in a brocade pattern. There are many facilities and leisure spots within the spacious grounds. ◎Free parking available

③The turtle who makes dreams come true

Located at the northernmost tip of Amami Oshima, this large stone statue is shaped like a turtle. It is said that if visitors make a wish and touch the turtle, their wish will come true. There is also a lighthouse on the summit. ◎Free parking available

④Heart Rock

Heart Rock. On the day of the visit, the bottom of the heart was buried in sand. What a shame…

Amami Oshima’s Heart Rock is a heart-shaped tide pool that appears only at low tide, located near the sandy beach and rocks on the coast. It is also popular as a power spot for love. ◎Free parking available

⑤Kurazaki Coast

Within the Amami Crater, known as the first meteorite crater discovered in Japan, this coast is said to be the most beautiful, with a fantastic color of the sea. The waves are calm, and in the summer it is crowded with tourists who enjoy camping and swimming. It is also a popular area for scuba diving and snorkeling. △No free parking

⑥ Amami City Ohama Seaside Park

A beautiful park located about 20 minutes by car or motorbike from downtown Naze. Ohama Beach has blue waters and white sand, and on clear days you can enjoy the spectacular sunset over the East China Sea. The park also has flowers that are unique to Amami Oshima. The building is modeled after a historical cultural structure on Amami Oshima, the “Takakura” (high storehouse), with high pillars to allow for good ventilation and prevent humidity. It is home to the Amami Maritime Museum and more. ◎Free parking available

⑦Kuninao Beach

There are many charming narrow alleys in the Kuninao village.

Honda’s electric motorcycles are used as postal delivery vehicles.

Located in Kuninao village in Yamato village, this famous beach is often used for television filming. With blue water and white sand, the beach offers spectacular sunsets on clear days. The village, bustling with beachgoers in the summer, is filled with unique single-story and low-rise accommodations and shops. It is also known as a nesting ground for sea turtles.

8. Kinsakubaru

Among the mountains of Amami Oshima, Kinsakubaru is home to many natural subtropical broadleaf trees. Subtropical plants such as the giant rhododendron staghorn fern are reminiscent of an ancient forest. It is also home to rare creatures such as the blue jay and the tree lizard, which are nationally designated natural monuments.
*Note: To visit this area, you must arrange for and be accompanied by a certified eco-tour guide.

Must-try foods to try when touring Amami Oshima! Gourmet/Shopping Edition

Chicken rice, a local dish representative of Amami Oshima

Torihan is a local dish representative of the Amami region, consisting of shredded chicken, dried shiitake mushrooms, shredded egg, and shredded seaweed placed on white rice and served with chicken stock. On Amami Oshima, it is often served not only at specialty restaurants and eateries, but also at izakayas (Japanese pubs).

Big II (Two)

Big II (Two) is located about 20 minutes northeast by motorbike or car from downtown Naze, and is a comprehensive market that is an absolute must-visit when talking about Amami Oshima. The store has both a home improvement center and a supermarket on one floor, and is frequented by locals as well as tourists. You’ll have fun just walking around the store, with motorcycle supplies, various chemicals, seafood that can only be found on Amami Oshima, local sake, souvenirs, and more. Be sure to stop by when you visit Amami Oshima!

There are also many recommended hotels for accommodation! Take a stroll around Naze, the downtown area of Amami Oshima

Nagatabashi Market, located in the center of Naze, features a retro exterior that has remained unchanged since the post-war period. It is a deep place with ramen shops, cafes, izakayas, and more.

Naze (Amami City) is the center and downtown of Amami Oshima, where shopping arcades, hotels, gourmet restaurants, sweets shops, izakayas, souvenir shops and more are all gathered. The unique townscape, unlike any other, exudes the down-to-earth atmosphere of Amami Oshima. If you visit Amami Oshima, be sure to take a stroll around!