You may be one of many people who have had a renewed appreciation for family ties due to increased time at home during the pandemic. As a good way to show your appreciation to your family members, how about a plan for a mother and a daughter trip to enjoy an onsen and delicious food? Kagoshima is a perfect destination for such a trip. For your next journey, how about inviting your mother or daughter to visit Kagoshima with you?
Course 1: Enjoy the world natural heritage site! Four days in Amami Oshima and Tokunoshima Islands.
This course allows you to fully enjoy the Amami Islands, parts of which were registered as UNESCO world natural heritage sites in July 2021. Enjoy the attractive islands and refresh yourself in the wilderness!
Day 1
Haneda Airport or Narita Airport
↓ By air
Amami Airport
↓ By car
Cape Ayamaru
After renting a car, let’s head to Cape Ayamaru near the airport. This spot has been selected as one of the “Ten Most Beautiful Places in Amami” and the “New 100 Landscapes of Kagoshima.” Take in the grand panoramic view of the landscape.
Address
682 Suno, Kasari-cho, Amami City
Oshima-tsumugi Mura
This place offers an Oshima-tsumugi factory tour, a hand-woven fabric that is one of the main specialties of Amami Oshima, as well as hands-on experience of mud dyeing.
Pretty scrunchies made with Oshima-tsumugi will make a great souvenir for your mother/daughter!
Address
1945 Akaogi, Tatsugo-cho, Oshima County
Business hours
9:00–17:00
Regular holiday
Closed on the New Year holidays (Dec. 31 to Jan.1)
Opened in July 2022 alongside the Mangrove Park, this exhibition facility offers a simulation experience of the great world heritage forest.
Address
467-1 Ishihara, Sumiyo-cho, Amami City
Business hours
9:00–17:00 (admission until 16:30)
Regular holiday
Closed on Thursdays (except for holiday Thursdays), and New Year holidays (Dec. 29 to Jan. 3)
Kinsakubaru Primeval Forest Tour
Explore the subtropical forest with an eco-tour guide. It is recommended to sign up for this tour together with the mangrove canoeing.
You won’t have to worry about anything because the guide leads you at your own pace!
Tokunoshima Nakusami-kan
Tokunoshima Island preserves the bullfighting culture with a history of more than 400 years. It is the largest bullfighting arena on the island. If you visit this place on a day without bullfighting, you can still learn about the history in the materials exhibition room.
Address
626 Metegu, Isen-cho, Oshima County
Innojofuta
One of the greatest view spots on Tokunoshima! This area has strange-shaped rocks and striking cliffs, which were created from elevated coral reefs by erosion over time. The “megane-iwa” rock, which looks like a pair of eyeglasses, is a must-see.
Address
Kaneku, Amagi-cho, Oshima County
Night Tour
Let’s join the night tour with a certified guide to explore Tokunoshima in the dark. If you are lucky, you may be able to catch sight of rare animals and plants, such as Amami rabbits, which are a national natural treasure.
Hotel Lexton Tokunoshima
Get a plenty of rest for the last day of your trip.
Address
7459 Kametsu, Tokunoshima-cho, Oshima County
Aze Prince Beach
The combination of the pure white sand beach stretching for about 1.5 km and the cobalt-blue ocean creates this magnificent view. This beach was named for then Crown Prince Akihito and Princess Michiko’s visit in 1972.
Take a nice photo with your mother with the blue ocean of Tokunoshima in the background for a memento!
Address
Aze, Tokunoshima-cho, Oshima County
Kanamisaki Sago Palm Tunnel
The cluster of about 300 to 350-year-old sago palm trees has created this narrow pathway through a tunnel-like arch stretching for about 200 meters. As an ending point for your 4-day trip, take a good last look at the tropical landscape.
Address
Kanami, Tokunoshima-cho, Oshima County
Recommended lunch stop! Gibier café Tougura
Enjoy Gibier dishes and local food made by local amachan (mothers) while taking in the ocean view.
I was born in Kagoshima Prefecture and have lived in different parts of Kyushu. A lover of food, sake, and hot springs in Kyushu, my goal is to become a “Sen-nin” (hot spring master), the highest rank for those who accomplish the “Tour of the Eighty-eight Hot Springs in Kyushu.” I hope to convey the fascinating aspects of Japan while featuring my beloved homeland Kyushu!