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Top 10 Beaches of Amami Oshima

Break out your swimsuits and sunglasses, it is time for some fun in the sun! The coastline of Amami has plenty of sandy beaches to choose from, and you’ll definitely want to spend the whole day there when you see the stunning ocean views.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the best beaches on the island—but there are more depending on the kind of activities you want to do! These beaches are best for casual swimming and snorkeling, so we recommend bringing snorkeling gear or goggles. They are in order by location, not necessarily by ranking!

The summer sun is very strong, so make sure to bring enough sun protection as well. Coral reef-safe sunscreen (available online and in some stores on Amami) is essential for a day at an Amami beach, and rash guards are highly recommended. There is also limited shade at the beach, so a beach umbrella is handy as well.

Let’s dive right in!

1.Tomori

Just 5 minutes by car from Amami Airport, this beach is a great place to stop by first after arriving on the island. Thanks to the shape of the coastline the waves are very calm, perfect for a serene stroll along the beach. It is tempting to get right in once you see this incredible ocean view, but there are some areas where the current is strong, so be cautious while swimming! A lifeguard is stationed on the beach during the summers for this reason.

2.Uttabaru Beach

Uttabaru Beach faces westward and is along a bay, so it is an excellent snorkeling location. This beach is popular with both locals and visitors, and also has great sunsets!

3.Sakibaru Beach

Sakibaru Beach is a bit out of the way, giving it a secluded atmosphere that is perfect for a relaxing day on the beach. Mere meters away from the beach there is coral and rock formations with plenty of fish! There are showers and restrooms, and this beach is about a 20-minute drive from Amami Airport.

4.Kurasaki

This crystal-clear seaside in Tatsugo is perfect for both snorkeling and diving alike, with snorkelers staying close to the beach and the divers heading to the deeper areas. Just 20 minutes away from the airport, Kurasaki Beach is popular with locals as well as visitors.

5.Yoan Beach

Various restaurants and accommodations line this beach that is a 10-minute drive from the airport, so visitors have plenty to enjoy. Rent a jet ski from a nearby resort, eat traditional Amami cuisine, or check out some beach yoga; the possibilities are endless!

6.Ohama Seaside Park

This spot has everything; a fantastic beach, an aquarium, a campsite, a souvenir shop, restaurants, a therapeutic indoor pool, craft activities, and more, all just a 20-minute drive from Naze! You can relax and catch the sunset at the end of a fun-filled day here as well.

Ohama Seaside Park is 1 hour by from Amami Airport.

7.Kuninao Beach

Located in the first village in Yamato when heading west from Naze, Amami City, Kuninao is a quaint area to get a feel for the way Amami locals live their daily life (which includes taking a dip in the incredibly clear ocean!) Kuninao is about a 30-minute drive from the heart of Naze, and a 1-hour and 15-minute drive from Amami Airport.

8.Yadon Beach

Equipped with a shower and restrooms, Yadon Beach in Uken ensures fun for the whole family. Across the sea is the uninhabited island Edatekujima, which is said to be the location where the Habu snake originated. Make sure to bring along snorkeling gear!

Yadon Beach is 2 hours and 15 minutes by car from Amami Airport, and a 1 hr. and 15-minute drive from Koniya, Setouchi.

9.Yadori Beach

A serene beach with a campground nearby, Yadori Beach is located in Setouchi on the southern edge of Amami Oshima. Thanks to the separation of it from larger villages, star-gazers also frequent this beach. It is 1 hr. and 45 minutes by car from the Amami Airport, and a 20-minute drive from Koniya, Setouchi.

10.Kakeromajima

We just couldn’t choose a specific beach from Kakeromajima, an island that is a 20-minute ferry ride from Koniya, Setouchi, so we went with listing the whole island! These beaches truly feel remote and secluded, giving a quiet sense of privacy. Most guesthouses and bed & breakfasts are right on the beach, so we recommend staying in one for a short Kakeroma trip!

Photo Credit: Hitomi Momi

Photo Credit: Yoshihiro Tanaka

These beaches are the most well-known, but there are many more cool spots, of course. Be safe and have fun in the spectacular Amami ocean!