Okinoerabujima Island (Japanese: 沖永良部島) is positioned among Amami Ōshima and Okinawa Island. It belongs to the Amami Islands situated approximately 60 kilometers north of Okinawa. The Amami Islands are composed of 8 inhabited islands, which lie between Kagoshima Prefecture and Okinawa Island. These islands include Amami Ōshima, Kakeromajima, Ukejima, Yoroshima, Kikaijima, Tokunoshima, Okinoerabujima, and Yoronjima.
Okinoerabujima is referred to as one of the islands far off the Amami Islands. Here, you can enjoy the enormous expanse of clean blue sea and sky, the staggering daylight, and the purple soil and stumble upon the friendly, cozy-hearted, and pleasant islanders. While administratively part of Kagoshima Prefecture, it's far geographically closer to Okinawa Prefecture, making it historically considered the northernmost island of the Ryukyu Islands. As a result, a unique combination of Ryukyuan and Satsuma cultures has emerged.
Okinoerabujima Map
| Name | Okinoerabujima Island (Japanese: 沖永良部島) |
| Country | Japan |
| Prefecture | Kagoshima |
| Coordinates | 27°22′08″N 128°34′00″E |
| Area | 93.63 km2 (36.15 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC +9 |
| Population | 13,767 |
| Airport | Okinoerabu Airport (OKE) |
How to Get to Okinoerabujima
It is pretty standard to take a flight from various parts of Japan to Kagoshima Airport or Naha Airport in Okinawa and then continue to Okinoerabujima. The shortest flight duration is approximately one hour.
However, for those looking to save money, even though it takes longer, you can opt to fly to Okinawa and then take a ferry from Naha Port. This option takes around 7 hours.
Things to Do on Okinoerabujima
ワンジョビーチ (Wanjo Beach)
This is the specified seashore of Wadomari Town, wherein the white sandy beaches are assessed superbly by the emerald-inexperienced sea. The seashore has a shallow intensity, making it ideal for swimming and attracting many swimmers throughout the summer season. Complete with showers, restrooms, and changing rooms, it's far a perfect spot for families to revel in a snug stay, regardless of young youngsters.
The seawater takes on a extra vibrant blue hue during excessive tide, so we advise checking the day by day tide ranges and tides earlier than making plans a swimming excursion.
フーチャ(Fucha)
Due to the entire geological composition of Okinoerabujima being protected with the aid of coral-originated limestone, the island boasts several breathtaking and top-notch landscapes fashioned by the erosion susceptibility of limestone.
One of the terrific representatives of this natural splendor is the tidal cave. It is a cave formed via the relentless erosion of coastal cliffs by means of the crashing waves. During severe weather situations, together with typhoons or robust winds, the waves inside the cave can surge up to heights ranging from 20 to 70 meters. Moreover, when rogue waves strike, the spectacle of waves crashing against the cliffs creates an enchanting sight specific to Okinoerabujima.
However, it's far crucial to work with caution, as a fall in this vicinity can bring about extreme accidents. Please keep this in mind and be careful.
笠石海浜公園 (Kasaishi Beach Park)
At Kasaishi Beach Park, visitors can revel in subtropical vegetation all through the year. The park features a statement deck that gives a panoramic view of the entire area, wherein one can appreciate the assessment between the blue ocean, coral reefs, and lush vegetation from its highest floor.
From mid-April to early May, the fields inside the park are embellished with blooming "ERABU LILY" lilies, growing a mind-blowing sight similar to a pristine white carpet. The flowering time of the lilies varies slightly depending on the variety, allowing visitors to appreciate one-of-a-kind kinds of lilies depending on the time of their visit.
Every 12 months, many island residents participate in planting lily bulbs at Kasaiishi Beach Park. In October 2020, they carried out a Guinness World Record for "maximum bulbs planted in a single hour." An overall of 15,690 bulbs were planted in the field, etching their names into the annals of the Guinness World Records. The name "Kasaiishi Beach Park" is said to originate from the odd rock formations beneath the park, fashioned via the erosion of the waves. Depending on the topography, those rocks resemble a "straw hat" or "kasai" in Japanese.
住吉港 (Sumiyoshi Port)
Sumiyoshi Port is a picturesque harbor with remarkably high transparency, allowing one even to see the sandy seabed. It is renowned as a prime fishing spot, attracting local anglers who flock here daily. Additionally, the port offers breathtaking views of stunning sunsets.
Depending on the season, this harbor is occasionally utilized as a diving port, which adds to its versatility and allure.
屋子母ビーチ (Yakomo Beach)
Yakomo Beach is a renowned Wadomari town-designated swimming beach featuring a pristine white sandy shore and a coral reef nestled among the rocks. On clear days, one can catch a glimpse of the horizon, connecting the islands of Toshima and Okinawa Main Island.
The Yakomo Beach is equipped with showers and restrooms, and restaurants along the coast are offering the delectable "Kagoshima-style udon noodles," a local specialty. As a result, during the summer season, the beach becomes a bustling haven for families seeking seaside enjoyment.
世之主の城跡 (Tomb of Yononushi)
This is the tomb of the 15th-century island lord, "Yononushi Ganashi." Unlike the tombs located in different regions of Japan, this tomb is carved into the rock face, making it a traditionally good-sized cultural heritage.
Considering that not all residents of Okinoerabujima possessed such grand tombs, you'll be able to most effectively believe the titanic strength and greatness that Yononushi Ganashi held for the duration of that point. It clearly reflects the significance of his influence on the local community.
田皆岬 (Tamina Cape)
Tamina Cape is located inside the northwest of Okinoerabujima, jutting out into the East China Sea with a cliff reaching approximately 51 meters in height. From the threshold, you can actually genuinely study the characteristic of limestone's susceptibility to water erosion because the rock face seems as even though it may fall apart at any moment.
By the manner, it's miles said that if one looks down from the cliff, there may be a chance of spotting the sleek swimming figure of a sea turtle in the ocean! However, please exercise warning as the location can be pretty slippery.
昇龍洞 (Shoryudo Limestone Cave)
Within the world of limestone caves on Okinoerabujima, the biggest and most famed is the Shoryudo Limestone Cave. Designated as a natural monument of the prefecture, this cave stretches a total length of 3,500 meters with 600 meters open to the general public.
One of the highlights of the cave is the wonderful Stalactite of Flowing Flowers, boasting the most essential scale in all of Japan. It is a wide-ranging spectacle that could best be witnessed here.
The use of lights within the cave enhances the precise functions of the stalactites creating a charming show. Why not take a leisurely walk through this captivating and genuinely mysterious cave illuminated by the play of mild?
Best Time to Visit Okinoerabujima
The annual expected temperature on Okinoerabujima is 22°C with a median water temperature of 23°C. Whether on land or at sea, it's far a heat and satisfactory vicinity. Thus, it is considered an excellent season to go to at any time.
To be precise, no matter whether it is sunny, rainy, or cloudy weather, you'll experience the joys of cave exploration at any time. Summer is mainly famous as it presents a refreshing escape from the heat outdoors. Autumn, wintry weather, and spring provide comfortable and tranquil moments, making it pretty endorsed for those looking for relaxation or disliking the warmth of summer.
While the summer season is traditionally considered the prime season for the southern islands, the top-of-the-line time for traveling is from overdue March to mid-April and from past due October to mid-November. Spring brings approximately a lovely warm temperature and rejuvenation, even as autumn offers comfort from the summer warmness, accompanied by means of a first-rate climate and a serene atmosphere. This period promises a truly enjoyable enjoy.
