The highest point of the sacred island of Miyajima is Mount Misen (弥山) at 535 meters (1755 ft.). At the very top of the mountain is an observatory, called Mount Misen Observatory, with a stunning view over Hiroshima Bay. Mount Misen has been a sacred location for centuries. It is said that the Buddhist monk …
Mount Misen on Miyajima has for centuries attracted humans. The mountain has been considered sacred since at least the 9th century, and today remains a very important mountain for the shrines and temples in the area. There are multiple hiking trails, of different difficulties, on and around Mount Misen. Mount Misen isn’t a very high …
Kabira Bay is a stunningly beautiful bay and beach area in Ishigaki, Okinawa, worthy of the front page of a travel magazine. The bay and beach is known as one of the most beautiful in all of Okinawa, but also for it’s Glass Bottom Boat Tours which allow visitors to watch corals and fish in …
Cape Zanpa, sometimes called Cape Zampa, is a rocky cape with a 30 meter tall lighthouse. The cape, which is located about midway between Naha and Nago on Okinawa Main Island, is a popular destination due to the great views from the lighthouse, the unique rock formations surrounding it and the nice beaches. Hotels in …
Cape Sata, in Kagoshima Prefecture, is the southern-most tip of Kyushu and so the southern-most point of Mainland Japan. It is a stunningly beautiful cape consisting of jagged rocks and cliffs covered in lush green trees, and a classical white lighthouse overlooking the sea. There are great views over the ocean towards Yakushima. It is …
Cape Manzamo (万座毛), also known as Cape Manza, is a distinctive rock formation located near Onna Village on Okinawa Island. It is a highly popular location among tourists visiting Okinawa. It is said that Cape Manzamo was given its name after Shō Kei, the king of the Ryukyu Kingdom visited the area in the 1700’s. …
Amami is home to Japans second largest mangrove forest, the Amami Mangrove Primeval Forest. The park is located on the eastern coast of Amami Oshima, and can be explored by canoe or boat. Guided tours are available from both the Mangrove Park and the nearby Mangrove Chaya. Sumiyo Mangrove Forest, which is the official name …
Cape Kasarizaki (笠利崎) is the northern-most point of Amami Oshima. Kasarizaki lighthouse, which sits majestically at the top the hill, has historically played an important role for navigation in the area. There are great views over the sea and the beautiful hills and white beaches of the island. Known among locals as Yo Misaki, Kasarizaki …
The Heart Rock on Amami Oshima is a tidal pool, shaped like a heart. The spot has been popular for years, and is known as a power spot. It is a highly popular location for couples and good friends to take photos together. Located near the narrowest point on Amami Oshima is Amami’s Heart Rock. …
Amami Islands, or Amami-guntō as the archipelago is official named, is a beautiful group of islands, located about mid-way between Kyusuhu and Okinawa. Amami is part of the Ryukyu Islands, just like Okinawa, but it is technically a part of Kagoshima Prefecture in Kyushu. The climate, nature and landscape has many similarities with Okinawa, including …
