16.July.2025
Kikaijima is an island located to the east of northern Amami Oshima. A unique island made of raised coral reefs, it is a great location for a weekend trip off of Amami Oshima. With a circumference of approximately 48.6 km (30.2 miles) and a population of around 6,000 people, it is a rather small island. However, this small island is bursting with culture and adventure you can experience for yourself!
You can travel to Kikaijima from Amami Oshima via ferry or plane. The ferry takes approximately two hours and the flight only ten minutes! Please note that different ferry companies travel on different days, so you will need to research which, if any, ferries will be traveling to Kikaijima on your planned travel dates.
As mentioned earlier, the island is made of raised coral reefs. This means the highest point of the island is actually made up of the oldest coral. You can see the layers of history from Tebarubanta viewpoint.
Besides checking out the tourist spots, be sure to sign up for activities as well! I really enjoyed trying out stand up paddleboarding at Sugira Beach–a man-made ocean pool created using dynamite! Its rounded shape makes for a calm, beginner-friendly swimming area.
The island cuisine includes specialities such as goat meat dishes and yakogai sea snails (Turbo marmoratus). You can also try your hand at sanding your own yakogai shell accessory at Lunar Sera.
Finally, be sure to check out the local music scene at Sabani. For such a small island it is jam packed with friendly locals and fun adventures to be had. If you find yourself wanting to check out some of the other islands of the Amami Archipelago, this nearby treasure trove is a great place to start!
