Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
tually around every bend of the road there's another beach and another scenic vista. Two of
the finest views of endless ocean and uncrowded beaches may be found just north of the air-
port, from Cape Ayamaru (
あやまる岬
; Ayamaru-misaki) to Cape Kasari (
笠利崎
or
用岬
);
Kasari-zaki or Yō-misaki), at the northernmost tip of the island.
On account of its unique topography, the northern Ayamaru-zaki cape is almost always windy and is a
top spot for paragliders.
It almost does not matter where you may stop and explore the coast on this isolated end
of the island for you will find a good beach at every turn. In fact, just below the airport, where
you can watch the planes come and go, you'll find as beautiful and untrammeled a beach as
any you might see anywhere on Ōshima.
Amami-Ōshima truly has something for just about everyone. Although for those not ac-
customed to the Ryukyu Islands it may seem small, it's not. Driving the northern one-third
end of the island above Nazé and stopping along the way for a dip, a hike or to take a photo
will take a whole day. A grand circle of the north, usually following the coast, will easily run
80 miles (128 kilometers) or more. If you take even a few of the side roads, you'll put 95 or
110 miles (152 or 176 kilometers) on your car's odometer.
Casually exploring by car the southern two-thirds of the island will take longer. Following
the coast and primarily driving a circle route will easily occupy two days and cover some
125-155 miles (200-248 kilometers). Again, if you branch out on to just a few of the interior
roads, you'll drive over 188 miles (300 kilometers). Although there are no major highways
and the roads can be relatively narrow in places, they are well maintained and safe. All that's
required is some moderation in speed, especially if it's been raining, for then they are slick.
