Amami Ōshima

Welcome to Amami Oshima, a jewel of the Ryukyu arc situated approximately halfway between the islands of Kyushu and Okinawa. As you arrive, you might notice that the island possesses a distinct character, a rural and tranquil…

We find ourselves now at the heart of one of the world's most sophisticated textile traditions: Oshima Tsumugi. This fabric is not merely a material but a testament to the patience and ingenuity of the Amami people. …

Beneath the canopy of the Mangrove Primeval Forest, we enter Japan's second-largest mangrove ecosystem. This is a transitional zone where the freshwater of the island's rivers meets the salt of the East China Sea, creating a…

On the northern coast of Tatsugo Town lies a natural phenomenon that has become a symbol of romance and the island's charm: the Heart Rock. This is a tide pool naturally eroded into the shape of a heart, carved out of the rugged…

We now enter the Kinsakubara Forest, a place that feels like a journey back to the Cretaceous period. This is a primeval forest dominated by giant flying spider ferns, known as Hikago-hego, whose umbrella-like fronds create a…

As we transition from the wilderness to the urban heart of the island, we arrive in Nase City, the largest settlement on Amami Oshima. Nase is a vibrant hub where the island’s modern life converges with its traditional roots. …

Our journey brings us to the southern tip of the island, to the town of Setouchi. This area is characterized by a dramatic, indented coastline and the beautiful Oshima Strait. …

As we conclude our journey through Amami Oshima, we are left with a profound sense of the island's unique identity. We have moved from the meticulous artistry of the mud-dyed Tsumugi fabric to the ancient, primeval depths of the…