Amami Oshima or Okinawa: Which is better? A comprehensive comparison of access, area, sightseeing, activities, and more!

Amami Oshima or Okinawa: Which is better? A comprehensive comparison of access, area, sightseeing, activities, and more!
Update date:
Activity Japan Editorial Department

On this page, we will introduce the remote islands of Kagoshima Prefecture. Amami Oshima "and" Okinawa (including remote islands) "A thorough comparison!

How to get there by plane or ferry, access, travel time, area, culture, fees, activities, etc. We will introduce the charms of each.

" Which is better, Amami Oshima or Okinawa? Let's check out this information for those who are worried about their travel plans.

Which is better, Amami Oshima or Okinawa?

It boasts untouched nature, including a sparkling emerald blue sea. Tropical resort island " Amami Oshima "and" Okinawa " .

While planning your trip, Which is better: Amami Oshima or Okinawa? "I'm sure many people are researching the appeal of each of these.

First of all, Amami Oshima and Okinawa A quick review of the culture and attractions I'll leave it at that.

The culture and tourism appeal of Amami Oshima

Amami Oshima or Okinawa: Which is better? A comprehensive comparison of access, area, sightseeing, activities, and more!

The beautiful nature of the area is represented by the sea known as Amami Blue and the jungle areas such as mangrove forests. Amami Oshima ".

Many endemic species, including the Amami rabbit, live here, fostering a unique ecosystem. Registered as a World Heritage Site on July 26, 2021 It has been done.

Also, Outdoor activity experience tours that make the most of nature It is held frequently and is popular with tourists.

The warm subtropical climate, island culture, local specialties such as brown sugar shochu and Oshima Tsumugi silk, and island cuisine. Full of sightseeing attractions is.

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The charm of Okinawa's culture and tourism

Amami Oshima or Okinawa: Which is better? A comprehensive comparison of access, area, sightseeing, activities, and more!

The undisputed number one popular spot for domestic travel, Okinawa (including remote islands) ".

Owns Naha Kokusai Street In recent years, not only on the main island of Okinawa, Ishigaki Island or Miyakojima , Iriomote Island The popularity of remote islands such as I continue to do so.

The biggest attraction of Okinawa is Enjoy outdoor activities in the emerald blue sea and forest areas Abundance of.

Also, Churaumi Aquarium and Junglia Okinawa Popular tourist spots Okinawa soba and steak Specialty Gourmet The abundance of options is also a factor in the continued popularity of travel.

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Access and Directions to Amami Oshima and Okinawa

Amami Oshima and Okinawa The main ways to access from major cities in Japan are There are two options: plane and ferry There is.

In either case, considering the cost performance in terms of fare and travel time, The most common way to get there is by plane. is.

Amami Oshima and Okinawa Both have direct flights from major domestic cities. We are doing it.

Below are some of the major cities in Japan. Travel time to Amami Oshima and Okinawa We have summarized the following.

Travel time to Amami Oshima and Okinawa

Departure point Amami Oshima Okinawa main island
Haneda Airport Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes Approximately 3 hours
Narita Airport Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes Approximately 3 hours
Kansai Airport Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes
Fukuoka Airport Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes

The above are examples of airports that offer direct flights to Amami Oshima and Okinawa main island.

To Amami Oshima If there are no direct flights to the area, the flight will go via Kagoshima Airport. I will.

It takes about an hour to get from Kagoshima Airport to Amami Oshima. is.

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Area and size of Amami Oshima and Okinawa

Next, Amami Oshima and Okinawa main island Compare the area of Let's try it.

Amami Oshima Approximately 712 square kilometers
Okinawa main island Approximately 1,207 square kilometers

In comparison, it is more beautiful than Amami Oshima. Okinawa Island is nearly twice as large There is.

moreover, Okinawa prefectures also include Ishigaki Island and Miyako Island. This shows how large the area of Okinawa as a whole is.

By the way Amami Oshima is the third largest island in Japan after Okinawa Island and Sado Island. has.

Activities you can enjoy on Amami Oshima and Okinawa

Amami Oshima or Okinawa: Which is better? A comprehensive comparison of access, area, sightseeing, activities, and more!

Amami Oshima and Okinawa Both The common attraction is the wide variety of outdoor activities You can enjoy it.

Popular events allow you to enjoy the sparkling emerald blue sea and lush mangrove jungle areas is.

Below is the latest reservation data from Activity Japan. Popular Activity Experience Tours in Amami Oshima and Okinawa We will introduce you to the following.

POINT!
We expect many reservations and inquiries for each plan on weekends, holidays, and during long holiday seasons such as Golden Week, summer vacation, and Silver Week. We recommend that you check the availability of your schedule and make your reservation early.

Amami Oshima Activity Experience Tour Popularity Ranking

1 rank

[Amami / Northern] Whale Watching (Half-Day Course) Experience the thrill of watching the spectacular whale jumps! Comfortable cruising on a large cruiser ♪

ON SHORE
Amami Oshima Islands and Okinoerabu Island
8,900 yen ~ (tax included)
  • 4.9
  • (4 reviews and experiences)

A special whale watching experience only available on-shore on a large cruiser! Go see humpback whales on a large cruiser that is stable and has little rocking.

2 rank

[Kagoshima, Amami Oshima] A night tour by car exploring the forests where rare Amami wildlife live. Limited to one group per day, solo travelers are welcome! (1-4 people)

Amami Night Guide Service
Amami Oshima Islands and Okinoerabu Island
7,000 yen ~ (tax included)
  • 5.0
  • (97 reviews and experiences)

A night tour exploring the rare wildlife of Amami! Many wildlife species live here, including the Amami rabbit. Limited to one group per day! Solo travelers are also welcome.

3 rank

[Kagoshima / Amami Oshima] Mangrove canoeing Starts at any time to prevent the three Cs (9:00-16:00)

Mangrove Teahouse
Amami Oshima Islands and Okinoerabu Island
2,000 yen ~ (tax included)
  • 4.4
  • (114 reviews and experiences)

Even beginners can feel at ease and enjoy the beautiful mangroves of Amami at a relaxed pace.

4 rank

[Kagoshima/Amami] Special Natural Monument! Amami Midnight Tour to Observe the Rare Amami Rabbit (From January 1, 2025)

Midnight Tour Amami
Amami Oshima Islands and Okinoerabu Island
8,000 yen ~ (tax included)

It's even darker than the night tour! Explore Amami on the midnight tour! You can observe a variety of nocturnal creatures, including the rare Amami rabbit, which only lives on Amami Oshima and Tokunoshima. As a World Heritage Site, restrictions on entry to the night tour have been put in place and reservations are now required. If you apply at the last minute, you may not be able to enter the mountain at the time you wish to.

5 rank

[Kagoshima/Amami Oshima] River Rafting and Mangrove Forest Tour (Morning session starts at 10:00) (Afternoon session starts at 14:00)

Mangrove Teahouse
Amami Oshima Islands and Okinoerabu Island
7,500 yen ~ (tax included)
  • 4.6
  • (11 reviews and experiences)

You will canoe down the 3km upstream of the Yakugachi River, one of Amami Oshima's two major rivers, to the mangrove forest. This plan is perfect for those who want to enjoy canoeing to the fullest. (Morning session) Starts at 10:00 (Afternoon session) Starts at 14:00

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Okinawa Activity Experience Tour Popularity Ranking

1 rank

[Miyakojima/Half-day] Pick-up and drop-off available! Sea turtle snorkeling ★ High probability of encountering sea turtles ★ High-quality service ★ Free photo data

Miyakojima ADVENTURE PiPi
Miyako Island (Irabu Island, Shimoji Island, Kurima Island, Ikema Island)
7,900 circle 6,900 yen ~ (tax included)
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  • 4.9
  • (902 reviews and experiences)

★Over 300,000 participants! A safe and secure tour! ★Recommended for beginners! ★Free transportation to and from Miyakojima and Kurimajima! ★Free photo data and equipment rental♪ ★Swim with sea turtles! ★Participant benefits (coupons for restaurants, etc., information on hidden spots) included! ★Overwhelming satisfaction! [Half-day sea turtle snorkeling!] Sea turtles

2 rank

Whale watching tour departing from Naha with a full refund guarantee ★ #1 whale tour in 2025 reviews ★ Completely non-smoking boat ★ Free photos, transfers, and raincoats ★ Free for children aged 0-5 ★

Marine Club Berry Naha
Naha
6,300 circle 5,000 yen ~ (tax included)
Discount campaign now underway!
  • 4.6
  • (51 reviews and experiences)

★Our whale guide, who explains the ecology and behavior of whales, is extremely popular★Okinawa's largest shop, established 43 years ago! Special tours based on years of experience★"Tours that will please both your kids and your wallet" recommended for family groups★Stamp rally with prizes that kids will love & family-friendly, completely non-smoking boat + free admission for children 0-5 years old★Photos & transportation & raincoats & motion sickness wristbands

3 rank

Same-day reservations welcome! [Okinawa Blue Cave Snorkeling] ★ GoPro photo shoot and free gifts during the tour + free feeding!

Okinawa Diving Shop Sea Mall
Blue Cave, Onna Village
4,000 circle 900 yen ~ (tax included)
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  • 4.7
  • (2501 reviews and experiences)

[Very popular] We also hold the Blue Cave Pukupuku Snorkeling tour, open to people aged 2 to 70! → https://activityjapan.com/publish/plan/18400 Another plan: [All-day unlimited fun in the Blue Cave] Equipment rental service is now open! → https://activityjapan.com/pu

4 rank

[Ishigaki Island/Half-Day] Blue Cave Exploration & Snorkeling ★ You might even see some sea turtles ★ Free transportation, photo data, and equipment rental! Same-day reservations welcome!

Ishigaki Island ADVENTURE PiPi
Ishigaki Island
13,500 circle 6,900 yen ~ (tax included)
Discount campaign now underway!
  • 4.9
  • (1781 reviews and experiences)

★Over 300,000 participants! A safe and secure tour! ★Recommended for beginners! ★Free photo data, equipment rental, and hot showers♪ ★You might even see a sea turtle! ★Participant benefits (coupons for restaurants, etc., information on hidden spots) included! ★Groups welcome! [Blue Cave Exploration & Snorkeling] On the way to the Blue Cave, you can enjoy the view of Ishigaki Island.

5 rank

[Miyakojima/Night] Starry Sky & Jungle Night Tour ★ Natural Planetarium × Rare Tropical Creatures ★ Same-day applications accepted!

Miyakojima ADVENTURE PiPi
Miyako Island (Irabu Island, Shimoji Island, Kurima Island, Ikema Island)
5,900 circle 4,900 yen ~ (tax included)
Discount campaign now underway!
  • 4.9
  • (506 reviews and experiences)

★Over 300,000 participants! A safe and secure tour! ★Recommended for beginners! ★Meet nocturnal creatures unique to the tropics! ★If the weather is good, you can also enjoy the natural planetarium! ★Participants receive special benefits (coupons that can be used at restaurants, etc., information on hidden spots)! ★Overwhelming satisfaction! Head out to Miyakojima at night and experience the creatures and creatures unique to the subtropics.

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Which is cheaper, Amami Oshima or Okinawa?

" Amami Oshima and Okinawa Which is cheaper? I'm sure many people are researching travel expenses, such as:

of course, Varies greatly depending on travel plans Therefore, it is difficult to say which is cheaper.

The island is small Prices for hotels and food on Amami Oshima are low, making it easy to keep travel costs down. is located.

on the other hand Okinawa has a large number of low-cost carriers and budget travel tour packages. So you can choose a cheaper plan.

just, There are many leisure facilities and popular tourist destinations on Okinawa's main island, so spending may be more frequent. There is.

Whether it's Amami Oshima or Okinawa A budget-friendly travel schedule The key point is to establish

Similarities between Amami Oshima and Okinawa

Amami Oshima or Okinawa: Which is better? A comprehensive comparison of access, area, sightseeing, activities, and more!

In Japan A common thread: tropical resort islands have Amami Oshima and Okinawa .

That's all for now. The charms of Amami Oshima and Okinawa I think you understand now.

Amami Oshima and Okinawa The similarities are that they have beautiful natural scenery, such as the sea and forest areas. .

Also, The island has its own unique culture, dialect, gourmet food and local specialties. This is also one of the similarities between the two.

Amami Oshima and Okinawa are separate administrative divisions, Both islands are full of charm is.

Families, couples, friends, etc. Japan's world-famous tropical resort island Enjoy your trip.

*The content of this article is current as of August 2025.

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