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Koshikijima Islands

Koshikijima Islands

Beautifully floating in the East China Sea to the west of the Satsuma Peninsula, the "Koshikijima Archipelago" consists of three main islands—Kamikoshiki, Nakakoshiki, and Shimokoshiki—with the entire area designated as a quasi-national park, offering a hidden paradise rich in dynamic, untouched coastal scenery. The ultimate hallmark here is its academically invaluable geological art sculpted by nature, featuring towering vertical cliffs over 200 meters high layering precious strata dating back about 80 million years to periods like the Cretaceous, alongside the globally rare "Nagame no Hama" gravel bar. Connected entirely by beautiful grand bridges in 2020, it is immensely popular among...

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Honohoshi Beach

Honohoshi Beach

Situated at the southernmost tip of Amami Oshima in Setouchi Town, "Honohoshi Beach" is a highly unique, wild scenic coast that breaks away from conventional sandy shores, pounded by fierce, dynamic waves of the Pacific Ocean. The standout hallmark here is that the entire shoreline is blanketed in massive, rounded stones called "Tamaisi," beautifully polished over long stretches of time by raw waves. The awe-inspiring phenomenon where waves wash in and out, causing countless stones to rub together and echo a thunderous sound like an ancient percussion instrument, is pure power that utterly awes international tourists. Bordered by sharp sea...

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Kakeromajima

Floating just a stone's throw away across the Oshima Strait from the southern tip of Amami Oshima, "Kakeromajima Island" is the ultimate hidden resort island embraced by pristine, beautiful subtropical nature and a sea boasting a mysterious depth of blue known as "Kakeroma Blue." Within the calm bays surrounding the island spread gorgeous emerald-green coral reefs with outstanding visibility, offering world-class diving, sea kayaking, and snorkeling. The island strongly retains its unique ancient "Shima (village) culture," and the rustic streetscapes of villages where giant banyan trees stand tall are pure nostalgia. It is a paradise where you can completely forget...

Kagoshima
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Napoleon Rock

Towering offshore from the rugged, sheer coastal cliffs of Shimokoshiki Island within the Koshikijima Archipelago, the "Napoleon Rock" is a miraculous, giant odd rock formation rising about 127 meters high out of the raw waves of the East China Sea. Just as its name suggests, its silhouette seen from the side looks astonishingly identical to the facial profile of the French Emperor "Napoleon," standing as a humorous and overwhelming masterpiece of natural artistry that continuously astounds adventurers worldwide. The contrast between the sheer cliffs layering precious Cretaceous strata and the deep blue ocean is exceptionally photogenic, and the view looking...

Kagoshima
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Toroki Falls

Situated in the southern part of Yakushima, "Toroki Falls" is a miraculous, highly unique coastal waterfall where pure water flowing from the island's lush primeval forest plunges "directly into the ocean (Pacific Ocean)," one of only two such occurrences in all of Japan. Though featuring a compact drop of about 6 meters, the sight of it dynamically pouring white water spray into the azure sea while carving through red granite cliffs is a magnificent display of natural artistry. From the beautifully developed observation deck on the opposite bank, a premium angled view captures the rough rock face of Mt. Mochomu...

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Chikura no Iwaya

Chikura no Iwaya

Situated in Minamitane Town on Tanegashima Island, "Chikura no Iwaya" is the island's unique, magnificent sea cave, beautifully sculpted out of a granite cliff over unimaginable stretches of time by fierce waves of the Pacific Ocean. Its absolute highlight is that visitors can step inside the cave exclusively for about two hours before and after low tide, revealing a vast, otherworldly underground space rumored to be wide enough to "seat a thousand people." Gazing out from the darkness of the cave toward the endlessly transparent, emerald-green sea and white sands framed by the rocky openings is exceptionally photogenic, deeply captivating...

Kagoshima
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Saso Falls

Quietly tucked away in the deep, folded mountains of Kakeroma Island, "Shinoho Falls" is a peerless, off-the-beaten-path primeval waterfall where pure mountain water gracefully flows down like a delicate white curtain through a canopy of untouched, subtropical forest. Among Amami Oshima and Kakeroma Island, a permanent waterfall cascading with such dynamic water flow is incredibly rare, serving as a hidden sanctuary quietly loved by nature-minded international travelers and hikers. The air surrounding the plunge pool is remarkably pure, and the space filled with abundant negative ions and cool air deeply purifies your mind and body in an instant. Completely free...

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Ayamaru Cape

Situated at the northeasternmost tip of Amami Oshima, "Cape Ayamaru" is the island's premier, most gorgeous, and prestigious coastal scenic destination, offering unobstructed views of a vast, sweeping panorama of the Pacific Ocean. Looking down from the observatory built atop a gentle hill, an overwhelmingly colorful panorama unfolds below with emerald-green and cobalt blue seas shaped by shallow coral reefs (reefs), thoroughly captivating travelers from around the globe. Below the cape, a natural swimming pool utilizing seawater and a beautiful walking path are developed, allowing visitors to stroll while absorbing the refreshing sea breeze with their whole body. Escaping urban...

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Minatabanari

Situated on the northern part of Yoron Island, "Minatabanari (Minata Hanari)" is a small, uninhabited remote island covered in pristine, subtropical trees, lying directly in front of the gorgeous Minata Beach. Located just a few hundred meters from the shoreline, it is a hidden nature spot that sparks a spirit of adventure, as visitors can walk across the shallow coral reef at low tide, or easily approach via sea kayak or SUP. The surrounding sea boasts a breathtaking, graduating emerald-green clarity; slipping just beneath the surface reveals a snorkeling paradise welcomed by vibrant tropical fish. Free from the clutter of...

Kagoshima
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Akune Oshima

Floating about 3 kilometers off the coast of Akune City, "Akune Oshima" is a small, uninhabited island spanning about 4 kilometers in circumference, serving as a gorgeous paradise of white sand and lush pine forests floating in the East China Sea. The entire island is designated as part of a national park, and its beautiful beach, selected among Japan's Top 100 Swimming Beaches, boasts exceptional water clarity; snorkeling and sea kayaking in the emerald-green sea are immensely popular among international visitors. Furthermore, approximately 150 wild Mage deer (wild deer) live peacefully on the island, providing a deeply relaxing scene where...

Kagoshima
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Tebiro Beach

Situated in Tatsugo Town on Amami Oshima, "Tebiro Beach" is a gorgeous, scenic destination where a beautiful emerald-green sea and white sands spread, drawing beach lovers and international travelers from around the globe. Due to the shape of the offshore reef (coral reef), this coast experiences exceptionally high-quality, stable waves year-round, widely renowned as one of Japan's premier "surfing sanctuaries" loved by professional and amateur surfers alike. The surrounding area features stylish surf shops, cafes, and guest houses, exuding a welcoming, refreshing local surf culture. Retaining the rich bounty of an untouched sea, it serves as an excellent hideaway for...

Kagoshima
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Yokogawa Gorge

Hidden away in the northwestern part of Yakushima, "Yoggo Valley" is a peerless, off-the-beaten-path primeval ravine where crystal-clear mountain water flowing from the World Natural Heritage peaks and massive granite boulders harmoniously blend. Sculpted to smooth perfections over countless years by the river's flow, the sight of the pure water gracefully and sometimes violently cascading over giant rocky sheets is a breathtaking masterpiece of natural artistry. Boasting exceptional transparency where you can clearly see the patterns of stones on the riverbed, water activities and relaxing near beautiful natural pools are immensely popular among international visitors. Enveloped in deep forest silence...

Kagoshima
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Takezaki Beach

Situated in Minamitane Town on Tanegashima Island, "Takezaki Beach" is a tropical island paradise beach with powdery white sands and an emerald-green sea, extending right in front of the "Tanegashima Space Center," acclaimed as the world's most beautiful rocket launch site. The shoreline is bordered by dynamic sea cliffs and uniquely shaped rock formations carved out over countless years by wave erosion, making the extraordinary landscape incredibly photogenic. Because high-quality, high-level waves break consistently throughout the year, it is also a hidden sanctuary longed for by serious surfers worldwide. It is a mystical space where humanity's cosmic romance at the...

Kagoshima
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Setsuda Tategami-iwa

Setsuda Tategami-iwa

Situated in Kasari Town, Amami City on Amami Oshima, "Setta Tatsugami Rock" is a mystical, giant boulder standing completely alone in a peaceful, shallow emerald-green sea, directly in front of an exceptionally transparent beach. Deeply revered by islanders since ancient times, traditional Amami beliefs hold that this sacred rock serves as a landmark for gods arriving from "Neriya Kanaya," a paradise beyond the sea, wrapping visitors in a profound sense of awe and spiritual energy the moment they approach. The contrast between the blue sky, color-graduating sea, and the powerfully standing boulder is highly photogenic. Free from the clutter of...

Kagoshima
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Yakushima Lighthouse

Yakushima Lighthouse

Standing on Cape Nagata at the northwesternmost tip of Yakushima, jutting into the East China Sea, "Yakushima Lighthouse" is a beautiful, chalk-white modern historic architectural marvel that has protected maritime safety for over 120 years since its first lighting in 1897. The contrast between the endlessly spreading, vast azure ocean and the pure white lighthouse is breathtakingly gorgeous, serving as a premier photo spot for international tourists. On clear days, a grand panorama opens up, offering views of Kuchinoerabu Island floating on the distant sea and the beautiful silhouette of the Satsuma Peninsula. Surrounded by pristine, untouched wilderness where wild...

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Inakahama

Located in the northwestern part of Yakushima, "Inaka-hama Beach" (Nagata Inaka-hama) is a stunning, scenic coast where a vast blue ocean and a beautiful granite-sand beach stretching about 1 kilometer harmoniously blend. It is globally renowned as Japan's premier nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles, registered under the Ramsar Convention, which deeply awes visiting international nature lovers. The contrast between the white sand dunes, dynamic waves of the East China Sea, and the surrounding lush greenery is exceptionally photogenic. Escaping over-tourism, this quiet space serves as a sacred sanctuary where visitors can leisurely enjoy a pristine island pace while listening...

Kagoshima
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Tomori Beach

Boasting outstanding accessibility at just a 10-minute drive from Amami Airport, "Tomori Beach" is Amami Oshima's premier, most gorgeous, and prestigious scenic coast, also acclaimed as "Ayamaru Blue" due to its breathtaking transparency and beautiful coloration gradient. The contrast between the white sandy beach and the ocean—which continuously shifts its colors from emerald green to cobalt blue—radiates a traditional beauty akin to a masterpiece of Japanese painting. Within the shallow reef (coral reef) swim hundreds of species of vibrant tropical fish, including anemonefish, allowing visitors to enjoy world-class snorkeling just by stepping into the water from the beach. It is...

Kagoshima
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Miyakozaki Sasanto

Miyakozaki Sasanto

Jutting out from Tatsugo Town on Amami Oshima, "Cape Miyakozaki," also known as "Sasanto," is a stunning coastal scenic destination whose appeal lies in an overwhelming sense of freedom, with a sweeping, grand ocean view of the East China Sea spreading out before you. Walking along the trail leading to the tip of the cape, the trees blocking the view disappear, revealing an extraordinary, unique landscape entirely carpeted in a gorgeous grassland of short bamboo called Ryukyu-chiku. The contrast woven by the blue sky, green bamboo carpet, and ultramarine ocean is incredibly photogenic, earning high praise from international hikers. Feeling...

Kagoshima
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Kakeromajima Tokuhama

Kakeromajima Tokuhama

Located in the eastern part of Kakeroma Island, "Tokuhama" is a quiet, scenic coast preserving pristine, primitive nature, with an outstandingly transparent, gorgeous emerald-green sea spreading right before your eyes. The white sandy shore is dotted with massive, uniquely shaped rock formations sculpted by raw waves, creating an exceptionally photogenic, extraordinary landscape. Furthermore, widely recognized as a filming location for nostalgic movies, it exudes a beautifully wistful atmosphere. Because the inner side of the reef (coral reef) is remarkably calm, it offers top-tier snorkeling to observe vibrant tropical fish. Free from commercial tourism, this quiet space serves as an excellent...

Kagoshima
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Yakushima Anbo River

Yakushima Anbo River

Gently flowing through the eastern part of Yakushima, the "Anbo River" is one of the island's premier river activity destinations, beautifully harmonizing a lush primeval forest with crystal-clear water flowing from the rich mountains of the World Natural Heritage site. The absolute highlight here is a river kayaking or SUP tour that even beginners can experience safely and securely, highly praised by international tourists. Paddling quietly along a green V-shaped valley while listening to the soothing murmur of the water and the chirping of wild birds amidst outstanding clarity—where you can clearly see every stone on the riverbed—is pure exhilaration....

Kagoshima
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Oshima Strait

Beautifully lying between Amami Oshima and Kakeroma Island, the "Oshima Strait" is a premier marine scenic destination representing the Amami Gunto National Park, featuring a dynamic, intricately indented rias coastline and an emerald-green sea boasting outstanding transparency. Because it serves as a remarkably calm natural harbor, active global visitors are drawn here year-round to enjoy top-tier sea kayaking, SUP, diving, and snorkeling. Beneath the surface thrives a diverse ecosystem of over 200 species of vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish, with glass-bottom boat tours also being highly popular. The contrast woven between the surrounding beautiful mountains and the azure sea...

Kagoshima
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Mangrove Park

Located in the central part of Amami Oshima, the "Mangrove Park (Kuroshio no Mori Mangrove Park)" boasts the second-largest expansive scale in Japan, serving as a highly popular ecotourism hub where visitors can experience with their whole body the virgin mangrove forest that formed the core of the World Natural Heritage site. The signature draw here is a mystical jungle waterway exploration tour quietly navigated via canoe or kayak, where the environment continuously alters its expression based on the ebb and flow of the tide. Gliding over endlessly transparent, pure waters while closely observing rare tropical plants and precious creatures...

Kagoshima
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Nishikomi

Situated at the westernmost tip of Amami Oshima in Setouchi Town, "Nishikomi" is an ultimate, hidden sanctuary where a pristine, rustic "Shima (village) culture" and great nature still beautifully breathe. The absolute highlight from here is one of the world's most beautiful sunsets as it quietly sinks behind the "Sanren Tatsugami (Three Connected Sacred Rocks)," a line of odd rocks extending straight into the vast East China Sea, a holy and overwhelming panorama that deeply moves global travelers. The village retains magnificent adan (screw pine) trees acting as traditional windbreaks alongside stone walls, echoing a beautifully nostalgic island pace. Entirely...

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Yurigahama

Appearing in the middle of the sea about 1.5 kilometers off the coast of Okaneku Beach to the east of Yoron Island "exclusively during low tides of spring tides" from spring to summer, "Yurigahama" is a miraculous, "phantom white sand bar" longed for by beach lovers worldwide. Surrounded by an endlessly transparent, emerald-green sea akin to crystal glass, the beauty of the pure white sand ripples feels like the last terrestrial paradise on Earth. A romantic legend claims that picking up as many "star sand" grains (star-shaped sand) as your age brings good fortune, making it immensely popular among international...

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