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Explore Amami Oshima: Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Subtropical Island

Nicole Potter04 mins

Discover Amami Oshima: A Hidden Gem in Japan

Start your journey on Amami Oshima, a breathtaking island located in Japan’s Amami archipelago. This destination promises an unforgettable experience, showcasing its rich culture, nature, and culinary treasures.

Experience the Culture and Festivals

Amami Oshima is home to vibrant traditions and festivals. One of the most notable is the Good Harvest Festival. During this event, locals participate in the traditional “Tsunakiri” ritual, which involves cutting a rope as a sign of good fortune. Such festivals highlight the island’s unique connection to its agricultural roots.

Culinary Delights

  • Keihan: This popular dish is a comforting mix of rice infused with soup, topped with shredded chicken, delicate egg strips, and shiitake mushrooms. Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in this local delicacy!
  • Fresh Produce: Amami’s fertile soil and diverse climate yield a variety of fruits and vegetables. Visitors can enjoy fresh, locally-sourced produce from orange groves and vegetable gardens scattered throughout the island.

Natural Beauty and Wildlife

The island’s landscapes are nothing short of spectacular. With its pristine beaches, lush greenery, and rich marine life, Amami Oshima offers countless opportunities for nature enthusiasts. Tropical fish abound in the waters surrounding the island, and the beaches serve as vital nesting grounds for sea turtles.

A remote corner of Japan: The beautiful rugged coastline of Amami Oshima.
Amami Oshima: One of eight islands in the Amami archipelago, Oshima (“Big Island”) offers travelers a unique experience unlike anything else they’ll find in Japan.
Good Harvest Festival: A man tries to cut the rope during a 'Tsunakiri' ritual as a part of Amami Oshima's Good Harvest Festival.
Good Harvest Festival: A man tries to cut the rope during a “Tsunakiri” ritual as a part of Amami Oshima’s Good Harvest Festival.
Yanigawa Street: Amami's remote position far from the mainland has helped preserve the island's endemic identity. Today, two dialects of the Amami language are still spoken in Amami Oshima.
Yanigawa Street: Amami’s remote position far from the mainland has helped preserve the island’s endemic identity. Today, two dialects of the Amami language are still spoken in Amami Oshima.
Fresh fruits: Amami's combination of plentiful nature, fertile soil and history of trade has created a bounty of culinary creativity.
Fresh fruits: Amami’s combination of plentiful nature, fertile soil, and history of trade has created a bounty of culinary creativity. From orange groves halfway up a mountain to vegetable patches in the middle of town, there’s no shortage of places to sample the island’s harvests.
Local wildlife: An abundance of life can be found in the waters surrounding the archipelago. Tropical fish can be spotted swimming just off the coast and beaches provide nesting grounds for sea turtles.
Local wildlife: An abundance of life can be found in the waters surrounding the archipelago. Tropical fish can be spotted swimming just off the coast and beaches provide nesting grounds for sea turtles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Amami Oshima stands out as a unique destination rich in culture, nature, and culinary treasures. A visit to this extraordinary island will leave you with lasting memories and a profound appreciation for its beauty. Therefore, make it a point to explore everything Amami Oshima has to offer on your next journey to Japan!

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