What to know
Amami Oshima is home to Japan's second-largest mangrove forest, after Iriomote Island in Okinawa. The mangroves cluster along the island's central east coast, and visitors can explore them on guided kayak tours. High tide opens up more of the smaller river channels, but kayaking is enjoyable even at low tide.
Several operators run kayak tours, but those at Mangrove Park are especially convenient as they require no advance booking. Tours last about an hour, winding through the river network and mangroves with a guide. Besides kayaking, the park offers a shop, cafe, observation deck, and a "ground golf" course. About half a kilometer down the road, Mangrove Chaya provides another kayak experience.
The mangrove forests lie roughly midway between Amami City and Setouchi along the main road. By car, it's just over an hour from Amami Airport, or 30 minutes from downtown Amami City or Setouchi. Buses between Amami City and Setouchi run every 1–2 hours; get off at Mangrove Park-mae (マングローブパーク前). The bus ride takes about 40 minutes and costs around 1000 yen one way.
How to get to and around Amami Oshima
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 9:00 to 18:00; kayak tours start every 90 minutes from 10:00 to 16:00
- Closed
- January 1
- Admission
- 500 yen (~$3.2) (park entry) plus 1500 yen (~$9.6) for kayak tours
- English name
- Mangrove Park
- Original name
- Mangrove Forest
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.