Access Amami

Airplane

For Amami

Other Amami Archipelago Islands

Ferry

For Kagoshima, Other Amami Archipelago Islands, Okinawa

For Tokara Islands

For Kakeromajima

For Ukejima, Yorojima

Bus & Taxi

In addition to rental cars, there are various bus lines and taxi companies that operate on Amami Oshima. The Shima Bus company operates the main line that goes from Amami Airport to Naze, Amami City and then further south to Setouchi, which is the line that has the most frequently arriving busses. There are other bus lines, but there are not as many busses that run on these routes. Some tourism locations can be accessed by bus, but please bear in mind that transportation by bus takes more time than by car. The Shima Bus busses only accept cash payment (with \1,000 yen bills or smaller coins), but bus passes can be purchased at the Amami Airport or at the Shima Bus Main Office in Naze, Amami City. Taxis are situated directly beside the Arrivals Exit of Amami Airport, and can be reserved by phone (in Japanese); please ask an employee at your accommodation or consult with an information desk if any problems arise.

Bus

Taxi

Rental Car

Due to the mountainous landscape, a car is ideal transportation for those who are planning to visit more areas of the island. Most companies have an online reservation system, but many reservations can be done over the phone (most likely in Japanese only). Many companies have a limited number of cars available, so it is recommended that rental car reservations be made in advance.

Driving in Japan requires either a Japanese driver’s license or another form of license, depending on the country of which your license is valid in. Please see the following links from the Japan Automobile Federation for more information.

Information about driver’s licenses:
https://english.jaf.or.jp/driving-in-japan/drive-in-japan

Information about traffic rules and more:
https://english.jaf.or.jp/safe-driving/traffic-rules-in-japan

Rental Car