Sights

These beautiful tropical islands with their emerald blue sea, gorgeous coral reefs, and many sub-tropica plants and animals make them a popular destination. In the Summer, many tourists from all over Japan visit and enjoy marine sports.

Tanegashima is where the first firearms entered Japan from Poirtugal. The island has a large rocket base in Japan which was constructed by the National Space Development Agency (NASDA). The island is also known as the one of the best surfing spots among surfers.

Yakushima was given the honor of begin named Japan's first World cultural and Natural heritage site in 1993. Over1300 types of plants and 3000 species of animals inhabit-Yakushima. Its beautiful scenery of mountains with the Kyushu's highest mountain Minanouradake is called the "Alps of the Ocean". Yakushima is popular spot for hikers. The giant Yaku cedar "Jomon-sugi" which is believed to be 7200 years old is well-known. Recently eco tour is getting popular.

Kikaijima, abeautiful coral island is called the "Island of coral". You can see walls of coral which were built to protect the houses from typhoons.

The island is blessed with the cobalt blue sea, colorful coral, tropical plants and flowers. As many island's special animals and plants, the island is called as "Oriental Garapagos Island". The island is famous for its traditional textile "Oshima Tsumugi Silk". The textile is mainly used for kimono materials, ties, hand bags. Amami Oshima is a mecca for marine sports ike wind surfing and scuba diving.

Island of bull fighting and beautiful sea. Bull fights are a traditional form of entertainment on the island which has over 600 years history. Many sport events like triathlon and diving festival are held throughout the year.

Okinoerabu which is called the "Island of Flowers and Limestone Caves" is a beautiful and peaceful island. Over 300 limestone caves can be found here. Visitors to these ancient caves discover the natural beauty and mysteries which have spawned many of the legends and stories surrounding these natural treasures.

Yoron is a small but the first class resort island about 22 km in circumsference surrounded by coral reefs and beach. Diving tnthusiasts and marine sport lovers alike flock to this island to enjoy all types of water sports. In Summer, many tourists from all over Japan this resort island as Oriental Mikonos (Greece).

Non touristic but beautiful islands remain local life and natures are seen in both islands in Miyama and Toshima.
Mishima islands consists of 3 islands: Kuroshima, Ioujima and Takeshima. Ioujima which consist half land is active volcano is dynamic. Try natural hotspring located on the foot of volcan and the ocean view in front.


Toshima islands consists of 12 islands including 5 desirt islands. Only transportation to islands are ferry as sama as Mishima islands. Therefore, many splendid nature which is called "Japan's last mysterious regions" and local costoms are remains in islands. There are some special folk art performances and festivals.