🐚 Kurasaki Beach (Tatsugo Town, Amami Oshima)
Located in Tatsugo Town in the northern part of Amami Oshima, Kurasaki Beach is known for having some of the clearest waters on the island. With its soft white sand and emerald-green sea, the scenery feels like a true tropical paradise.
A coral reef lies just off the shore, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling. Even beginners and children can enjoy seeing colorful fish and coral up close without going deeper, thanks to the shallow, calm waters.
Whether you’re looking to relax or enjoy the ocean actively, Kurasaki Beach has something for everyone. And with relatively few visitors, it retains a peaceful, hidden-gem atmosphere.
🌴 Highlights
- Crystal-clear water, like a natural aquarium
- Shallow and calm — safe for snorkeling beginners and children
- Quiet and relaxing, with a private beach feel
- Parking available
- Nearby accommodations and cafes make it perfect for a longer stay
📍 Access
- About 20–25 minutes by car from Amami Airport
- Lodging and cafes are available nearby, making it easy to enjoy a full day or overnight trip
🌊 Honohoshi Beach – Art Created by Nature
While many beaches in Amami are known for their calm, shallow waters and soft white sand, Honohoshi Beach, located in Setouchi Town in the southeast of Amami Oshima, offers a completely different kind of beauty. With its rugged charm and mysterious atmosphere, this unique beach carries with it the stories and spiritual mystique of the island.
🪨 A Beach of Whispering Stones
Instead of sand, the shore is covered in smooth, round pebbles—a rare sight. Over the years, the relentless waves of the Pacific Ocean have polished these stones, giving them their distinct shape and texture. As the waves roll in, the pebbles tumble and clatter together, creating a gentle, rhythmic sound that feels both soothing and mesmerizing.
It’s a sound you could listen to forever. Honestly, there’s no other beach quite like it—one of my personal favorites. I never get tired of visiting.
🌿 Dramatic Natural Scenery
Towering cliffs and lush subtropical greenery form a breathtaking backdrop to the beach. The contrast between the vivid blue ocean and the grey pebbled shore is simply stunning. On a clear day, the view looks like a natural open-air art gallery. You’ll find yourself reaching for your camera again and again—and still wanting more.
🚫 No Swimming, But So Much to Experience
Due to its strong waves and rocky shore, swimming is strictly not allowed at Honohoshi Beach—but that’s part of what makes it so special. The crashing waves, rolling stones, and dramatic scenery are perfect for photography, peaceful walks, or just soaking in the powerful energy of nature.
It’s a striking contrast to the tranquil, crystal-clear beaches found elsewhere in Amami—and absolutely worth a visit.
📍 Access
- Location: Sokari, Setouchi Town, Oshima District, Kagoshima Prefecture
- By Car: Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes from Amami Airport, or 25 minutes from Koniya.
🌊 What You Should Know Before Visiting Honohoshi Beach
Honohoshi Beach, located in Amami Oshima, is gaining popularity through word of mouth thanks to its one-of-a-kind landscape and mystical atmosphere. This unique beach, covered in smooth round boulders and surrounded by dramatic cliffs, is now considered a must-visit destination on the island.
Based on my personal experience, here are some important things you should know before you go:
⚠️ Don’t Take the Boulders! Fines Apply
As soon as you leave the parking area, you’ll see a sign warning visitors not to take any stones or boulders from the beach. Removing them is prohibited by local ordinance and could result in fines or penalties.
There’s also an old local legend that says taking stones from Honohoshi brings bad luck. Honestly, it’s a little scary—like some kind of curse!
Since Amami Oshima is a designated World Heritage Site, taking boulders also risks damaging its natural heritage. Please respect the environment and leave everything as you found it. It’s totally fine to touch or sit on the stones—just don’t take them home.
👟 Avoid Flip-Flops — Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trust me—flip-flops or heels are a bad idea here. My husband is a local and even he finds it tough to walk on the boulders with sandals. So if you’re visiting as a tourist, be extra careful.
The stones are uneven and can shift under your feet. Sneakers or hiking shoes are highly recommended to avoid slips or injuries.
🐍 Watch Out for Snakes (Habu)
Honohoshi Beach is known to be a habitat for habu, a type of venomous snake. You’ll see warning signs along the road.
To stay safe:
- Stick to the main paths
- Avoid walking through bushes
- Do not visit at night
Just being a little cautious can keep you safe.
🌊 Visit Around Low Tide for the Best View
The best time to visit Honohoshi Beach is during low tide. At high tide, the signature boulders are partially submerged, and the scenery becomes much flatter.
Check the Amami tide table (available via the Japan Meteorological Agency) and try to visit within four hours before or after low tide to experience the beach at its most impressive.
🌞 Morning to Early Afternoon Is Ideal
To enjoy the beach’s full beauty, go in the morning or early afternoon. The contrast between the blue sky, the sea, and the gray stones is most striking during the day—plus, the lighting is perfect for photography.
Getting there earlier also helps you avoid the crowds.
🧴 Be Prepared for Intense Heat in Summer
In midsummer, Honohoshi Beach gets extremely hot. The boulders absorb the heat, and they can actually burn your hands if you touch them.
Make sure to bring:
- Plenty of drinking water
- Sunglasses (the glare off the stones can be intense)
- A hat or sunshade (there’s no natural shade)
- Sunscreen
Heat protection and hydration are essential here.
🏖️ Combine Your Visit with Yadori Beach
Just next to Honohoshi is Yadori Beach, a beautiful white-sand beach that’s calm and perfect for swimming—the complete opposite of Honohoshi.
Most people spend 1–2 hours at Honohoshi in the morning, then move on to Yadori Beach to swim and relax before lunch. It’s a great way to enjoy the contrast between the two locations in one day.
🍽️ Few Dining Options Nearby
There aren’t many restaurants close to Honohoshi Beach. There is a high-end resort, The Scene, at Yadori Beach that has a restaurant, but it’s often only available to hotel guests.
So be sure to:
- Bring snacks or a packed lunch from a convenience store
- Or head to Setouchi Town (about 15 minutes by car) for more dining choices
✅ Summary
Honohoshi Beach is one of Amami Oshima’s most iconic natural spots. Its dramatic boulder-covered shoreline is a rare sight and a truly unforgettable experience.
Although it’s located far from Amami Airport and the more developed northern areas, it’s absolutely worth the journey.
Visit during low tide for the best view, and be sure to listen to the enchanting sound of the stones rolling in the surf. It’s a magical, one-of-a-kind moment.
Before you go, remember:
- Don’t take any stones
- Wear sturdy shoes
- Watch out for snakes
- Stay hydrated and protected from the sun
Enjoy this natural wonder responsibly, and you’ll leave with memories—and photos—that will stay with you forever.
