🌺 Kakeroma Island – The Hidden Gem of Amami
Kakeroma Island is one of the Amami Islands in Kagoshima Prefecture, located just southwest of Amami Oshima. Despite being a remote island, it’s surprisingly easy to access—and that accessibility is part of its magic. Just a short ferry ride away, you’ll find yourself immersed in untouched nature and timeless island life.
Amami Oshima is already peaceful, but Kakeroma is even more serene—quiet, slow-paced, and delightfully free of touristy flash. Its greatest charm lies in what it doesn’t offer: noise, crowds, or artificial stimulation. Instead, Kakeroma gives you the luxury of doing nothing. Visit once, and you’ll never forget it—you might even find yourself longing to return. (^^♪
🌴 Basic Information
Location: Setouchi Town, Oshima-gun, Kagoshima Prefecture
Access: About 20 minutes by ferry or sea taxi from Koniya Port on Amami Oshima
👉 Tip: I recommend the sea taxi! It’s a unique local experience you won’t forget.
🚗 Best Ways to Enjoy Kakeroma
Rent a car or moped: The island is compact enough to explore in a day.
Do nothing on the beach: Simply lie back and let the island’s quietness sink in.
Connect with the locals: Stay at a guesthouse, chat at a restaurant, or stroll through a village.
Wander on foot: Each village has its own character—exploring them reveals the soul of the island.
⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind
No convenience stores and limited supermarkets: Stock up on Amami Oshima before your visit.
Few gas stations: Be mindful of your fuel level.
Patchy signal: A downside? Not really. It’s perfect for a digital detox. Embrace the disconnection!
🌀 7 Core Charms of Kakeroma Island
- 🌿 Explore the “Island Village Culture”
Kakeroma has over 20 small villages, each with its own charm:
Kedomi Village: A nostalgic fishing village where boats return in the evening.
Kanyu Village: Tucked beyond a steep slope, it feels like a secret corner of the island.
Seso Village: The gateway to Kakeroma, with hidden shops and peaceful guesthouses.
🕊 Tip: Take a slow walk in the early morning or evening. You might catch island grandmas and grandpas tending to daily life—a glimpse of the island’s true rhythm.
- 🚶♀️ Walk to “Saneku Blue”
Skip the car and walk to Saneku Beach. You’ll pass sugarcane fields, wildflowers, and even abandoned villages—like stepping into another era.
Just before the beach lies a haunting relic:
Former Kakeroma Elementary Saneku Branch School, where blackboards and desks still remain. A nostalgic, photogenic stop.
- 🕊 Trace Wartime History
Remnants of WWII are quietly scattered across the island:
Nominoura: A hidden port that once housed suicide boats (“Shinyo”).
Shodon: Moss-covered ruins of air-raid shelters and ammunition storage.
🧭 Tip: If you talk to a local, they might offer to guide you around—just ask kindly and respectfully.
- 💃 Traditional Festivals & Nenbutsu Dances
In autumn, small villages hold traditional events—not for tourists, but for the community. However, if you stay and build relationships, you might be lucky enough to be invited.
Most notable:
Shodon Shibaya (November): A rare traditional performance that even researchers come to study. It’s recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- ✨ A Starry Sky Where Time Stops
At night, Kakeroma goes truly dark. With little to no artificial lighting, it offers a sky filled with stars—a rare treasure in the modern world.
Top stargazing spots:
Sedake, Tokuhama, and the cliffs near Ankyaba
You may also catch a glimpse of sea fireflies glowing gently in the water—a quiet magic you’ll remember forever.
- 🌊 Visitors Who Never Leave
Kakeroma has a way of pulling people in. Many visitors come back again and again… and some never leave.
●Some start helping at local guesthouses
●Others buy and renovate old houses
●Some artist becoming an apprentice fishermen etc.
🏡 Many guesthouses are run by former travelers who fell in love with the island. Their stories—and their warm hospitality—add so much to your experience.
💭 Final Thoughts
Kakeroma Island isn’t flashy. It doesn’t try hard to impress like any other tourist attraction does. But for those who value stillness, sincerity, and simplicity, it may be one of Japan’s last true hidden paradises.
If you’re lucky enough to visit, don’t just take photos—take your time. Walk slowly. Smile at a neighbor. Watch the sea change colors. Let the island’s gentle silence teach you something new.
And don’t be surprised if you find yourself already dreaming of your return.
