🌿 1. Untouched Nature
🌱 Mangrove Forests of Amami Oshima – A Paradise on the Water, Shrouded in Natural Mystery
🔍 Where Is It?
Located in Sumiyo Town on Amami Oshima, the Kuroshio no Mori Mangrove Park serves as the hub for mangrove tourism. It’s about a 1-hour drive from Amami Airport.
🌳 Key Features
🏞 Japan’s Second Largest Mangrove Forest
- Covers a vast area of approximately 71 hectares
- Grows in tidal flats and brackish water — where freshwater and seawater mix
🌲 Dominant Plant Species
- Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and Kandelia candel
- These mangroves thrive in tropical to subtropical climates and are known for their distinctive root systems
🌊 Ever-Changing Landscape
- At low tide, wide mudflats emerge
- At high tide, hidden waterways appear, transforming the forest into a quiet, mystical world
✨ If you’re hoping to see a particular scene, check the tide schedule in advance!
🚣♀️ Things to Do
🛶 Canoe Tours – A Must-Do Experience!
- Perfect for beginners — the canoes are stable and safe
- Friendly guides share fascinating info about the local plants and animals
- Paddle deeper into the forest and find yourself in a peaceful maze created by nature
- Immerse yourself in the sounds of birds, the rustling wind, and the earthy scent of the forest
🐦 Wildlife You Might See
- Fiddler crabs, mudskippers, and other tidal creatures
- Birds: kingfishers, herons, snipes — and if you’re lucky, the rare and protected Amami woodcock, a natural monument!
📸 Photogenic Spots
- The green-lined waterways make for stunning photos
- Morning and evening light adds a magical, soft glow to the scenery
🧭 Tips for Travelers
🌊 Check Tide Times
→ The experience can vary significantly depending on the tide, so plan ahead and book in advance.
👕 What to Wear & Bring
- Comfortable, casual clothes
- Shoes that can get wet or muddy (marine shoes or sandals)
- In summer: a hat, insect repellent, and water are essential
🚗 Access
Kuroshio no Mori Mangrove Park
📍 478 Ishihara, Sumiyo-cho, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture 894-1205
🗣 Visitor’s Voice
“It felt like gliding through a jungle. A truly luxurious moment to be alone with nature in absolute silence.”
🌳 Kinsakubaru Primeval Forest – Walking in the “Green Heart” of Amami Oshima
🌿 What Is Kinsakubaru Like?
Kinsakubaru Primeval Forest is a rare and protected natural area located in the central part of Amami Oshima.
Thick with subtropical vegetation, it feels as though you’ve stepped into a forgotten, ancient world.
Many unique species of plants and animals live here — it’s often called a “living museum of nature.”
📍 Location & Access
- About 30–40 minutes by car from Amami Airport
- Note: To protect the environment, private vehicles are not allowed
- Visitors must join a certified eco-tour with a local guide (reservations required)
🌲 Highlights of the Forest
🌿 Giant Tree Ferns
Massive and prehistoric-looking, these ferns give the forest a Jurassic vibe — you might half-expect a dinosaur to appear!
🌳 Subtropical Broadleaf Forest
Dense, green, and cool year-round. Moss-covered fallen trees and moist, earthy air give the forest a sense of quiet vitality.
🦔 Endemic Species
The forest is home to rare creatures found only in Amami, such as the Amami rabbit and the blue-and-white jay (Luri-kakesu).
🐦 Flora & Fauna You Might Encounter
- Birds: Blue-and-white jay, Japanese bush warbler, Ryukyu scops owl
- Insects: Amami-native beetles, butterflies, and seasonal fireflies
- Plants: Ferns, orchids, mosses, and countless more
Every step offers a new discovery in this vibrant “forest of life.”
Even visitors who aren’t usually into nature often find themselves captivated by Kinsakubaru’s magical atmosphere.
🚶♀️ About the Eco-Tours
Kinsakubaru is only accessible via guided eco-tours.
Tours last about 1.5 to 2 hours, with expert guides explaining the forest’s geology, biodiversity, and cultural significance.
Trails are generally well-maintained, but can be muddy. Wear comfortable shoes — waterproof sneakers or rain boots are recommended.
☀️ When to Visit
- Open year-round — always lush and green
- Spring to summer: Wildlife is more active — personally, I think this is the best season!
- After rain: The forest becomes misty and magical, but be careful of slippery paths
🧭 Traveler Tips
- Bring insect repellent, especially in summer
- Avoid perfume or strong scents — it helps protect the ecosystem and doesn’t bother wildlife
- Long sleeves and pants are ideal for comfort and mosquito protection
- Embrace the silence — it’s part of the beauty of being present in nature
🗣 Visitor Comment
“It felt like stepping into a forest where time had stopped. The silence, the air, the feeling of being alone with nature — it was truly luxurious.”
