Kakeromajima: For Nature Lovers and Small Town Travelers
One of the smaller and lesser known of the Amami Islands, Kakeromajima – often called simply Kakeroma by islanders – is the closest island to Amami Ōshima, being just a short ferry ride away, yet rich with unforgettable scenery.
Kakeromajima, marked in red, shown together with neighbouring Amami Oshima
Kakeroma is a long, narrow island which runs parallel to Amami's southwestern coast, creating a body of water called the Ōshima Strait. A sister island to Amami in more than just proximity, the two islands share remarkable terrain. Both offer rugged hills and wealth of coral reefs and beaches graced with stunning turquoise water.
Cloudy morning skies over the coastal hamlet of Hyō, immediately north of ferry hub Seso.
Far more remote than Amami to the north, its small population of just ~1600, scattered across more than a dozen settlements, means that Kakeroma’s dynamic natural environment dominates almost the entire area of the island. Its remoteness and size make for an unforgettable adventure, and a must-visit for anyone interested in Japan’s island outback.
View from a water taxi on the Ōshima Strait. Amami is on the left; Kakeroma is on the right.
Transportation is only possible from Amami, by ferry or water taxi from crossing the Ōshima Strait from the town of Koniya. Two ports on Kakeroma – Ikenma and Seso – offer arrivals and departures, allowing you to land at one, explore the island, and return from the other. Buses do run on the island, but only a few of each route run per day, so renting a vehicle is the best way to experience the island’s vast landscapes.
Nishiamuro 西阿室
One of Kakeroma’s larger towns, Nishiamuro faces west, making it a popular destination for watching the sunset. Like most of Kakeroma’s towns, it offers charming streets and beautiful ocean views against a backdrop of lush mountains.
It boasts accommodations and restaurants, making it an excellent home base for multi-day adventures on the island, while also offering a wealth of charm and interesting spots to make it a great stop on a day trip.
Itsukushima Shrine 厳島神社
On the outer edge of the village, a steep climb upward leads to Itsukushima Shrine. The torii gate standing at its entrance is a relic in of itself, having been built in 1939. Climbing up to the top reveals the main building and a beautiful view of the town from above.
Nishiamuro Catholic Church
Itsukushima Shrine is not the only spiritual site in the area, however: in the middle of town stands Nishiamuro Catholic Church, the only Christian church on Kakeroma.
Serene and filled with charm, the church interior is open to visitors. It is also notable for housing a Maria Kannon – a sculpture of the Virgin Mary made to resemble the Buddhist deity Kannon, but worshipped as a Christian idol. This form of secret worship emerged during the ban on Christianity by the Tokugawa Shogunate during the Edo Period (1615-1867).
The sculpture found here was brought to the island by Ikeda Masayuki, a soldier who returned to Japan in 1943 after serving in China. It is said to be one of only four of its kind in the country.
Adachi (阿多地)
Meanwhile, less than half an hour north of Nishiamuro lies the hamlet of Adachi. Tucked away between tall hills, like most of Kakeroma’s towns, Adachi is distinct for its beautiful, liminal atmosphere of peace and solitude.
Said to have a population of 0 as of 2024, this collection of homes and other buildings stands as if frozen in time. Its stillness is only broken by the occasional passing car, as a public road still runs through it. This road, however, makes the hamlet highly accessible by car, making it easy to visit and enjoy its encapsulating atmosphere.
What’s more, the beach just outside of town faces west, offering the same beautiful sunsets, and a coast you can have all to yourself.
Kakeroma offers a wealth of incredible sights and experiences spread across its wide area and tall mountain ranges. Remote and idyllic, the towns and people of the island are waiting for you to discover them.
The island's only waterfall visible by roadside, Kanyu Falls (嘉入の滝) is a short drive from Hyō.
Equally striking is the island’s wealth of military history, with dozens of former Japanese military installations, which draw from decades of history and recall the story of Japan's Imperial era. In Part 2, we’ll dive into this rich past, and explore breathtaking historical sites you can visit on the island.
