Let's get in touch with the history and culture of Amami Oshima! Introducing popular sightseeing spots where you can learn about history and culture.
About the History of Amami Oshima
Amami Oshima Island is located roughly halfway between the Kagoshima and Okinawa main islands,Under the rule of the Ryukyu Kingdom since the 15th centuryIt was located in
In 1609, it was incorporated into Satsuma during the invasion of Ryukyu by the Satsuma clan, and since then,Satsuma clan rule continued until the end of the Edo period.This is the background of the project.
It was incorporated into Kagoshima Prefecture during the Meiji era,Occupied by the U.S. after World War IIIt is,Returned to Japan in 1953The first time the company was founded, it was in the process of being reorganized into a new company.
Against this background,Fusion of Ryukyuan and Satsuma culturesDo,Unique CultureAmami Oshima is the island that has built the
In this issue, we will discuss the history and culture of Amami Oshima in detail, as well as introduce some recommended sightseeing spots!
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Registered as World Natural Heritage in 2021
Amami Oshima is,Registered as a World Natural Heritage site in July 2021.The island was
The pristine nature of this rustic resort still retains its old-fashioned scenery, but the clear, beautiful waters are a source of inspiration for many.
The Galapagos of the Orient.The island is home to so many uniquely evolved plants and animals that it is no wonder that it is registered as a Natural World Heritage site.
In 2021, when the island was registered as a World Natural Heritage site, Amami Oshima's endemic animals, the100th anniversary year since the "Amami rabbit" was designated as a natural monument.It was.
On Amami Oshima Island, Amami Owl Rabbit souvenirs and night tours to observe its ecology are popular.
Other sights that can be experienced only on beautiful Amami Oshima include subtropical broadleaf forests, jungles with ferns, and beautiful coral reefs with sea turtles and tropical fish living there.
About the culture of Amami Oshima
Here are some details about the culture of Amami Oshima.
The charm of Amami Oshima is that there are many ways to enjoy the ocean, mountains, and other outdoor activities.
If you are interested in the culture of Amami Oshima, you may gain a better understanding by talking directly to the islanders.
Culture of Amami OshimaExperience the
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Traditional Culture Experience (Dyeing and Oshima Tsumugi Wearing)
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Traditional Industry - Oshima Tsumugi
One of the oldest traditional industries of Amami Oshima can be said to be Oshima tsumugi.
In silk fabrics, where Amami Oshima Island is the birthplace,Traditional Japanese crafts with a history of approximately 1,300 yearsAmami Oshima Tsumugi is a traditional craft that takes a lot of time and effort to produce. Amami Oshima Tsumugi is a traditional craft that takes a lot of time and effort to produce by several craftsmen.
One of the world's three major textilesAs a result, the fabric is still popular all over the world.
There are few successors, and the number of craftsmen who perform the drawing, fastening, and dyeing processes is decreasing.
On Amami Oshima Island,Workshops to experience dyeing and weavingThere is also a lot going on.
This is a great opportunity to take advantage of your trip to experience the historic Oshima silk process.
Making original souvenirsI also recommend it forPopular as a free research project for children's summer vacationIt is.
Other traditional industries include sugarcane production and brown sugar shochu production.
If you go around the island, you can easily find sugar cane fields, and there is also a place where you can observe brown sugar shochu production!
Why not visit and experience the traditional industries of Amami Oshima up close?
Festival-Amami Festival
There are various festivals on Amami Oshima, and one of the most famous festivals is the Amami Matsuri.
The Amami Festival is held for four daysfirework(s) displayIt is the largest festival on the island, and is held in the first half of August every year.
boat raceand ... andJankyabo Sumo TournamentThe festival is crowded with people every day, including many tourists, but tourists are especially looking forward to it,dance performance held in AugustI am sure you will.
August Odori is a dance held in August of the lunar calendar to pray for a good harvest.
There are various kinds of dances, and you can feel the history and atmosphere of Amami Oshima!
In addition to thisfertility festivaland ... andSetsuda Mankaiand other festivals are held in each village.
It would be interesting to plan a trip around the timing of the festival.
Shima Uta (Folk Song)
There are many island songs (folk songs) passed down from generation to generation on Amami Oshima Island.
Many of the island songs have lyrics based on labor songs and folklore handed down from village to village, and many of them are emotionally moving.
Improvised song play is a unique island song of Amami Oshimaand the lyrics are spun on the spot into an island song.
You can listen to shima-uta on shima-uta tours and workshops, but the Amami OshimaIt can be heard in pubs and other places.is well known.
Why not visit an izakaya where you can listen to island songs at night during your trip and enjoy delicious local sake and local cuisine?
local cuisine
Local cuisine and soul food of Amami Oshima include chicken rice, goat soup, pickled papaya, and abura somen noodles.
especiallyChicken riceis such a popular soul food that it is said there is no one who dislikes it among the islanders.
Basically, rice, broiled egg, shiitake mushrooms, chicken, and chicken soup in a hittsu are laid out and eaten as you like.
As a condiment,Pickled papayaRed ginger, nori, green onion, andmandarin orange peelPlease enjoy it the way you want to eat it.
In addition, goats were used as food in the old days on Amami Oshima Island, and there are still remnants of this in the island today.Goat soup and goat meat steaksand others are available in a variety of places.
Some may not like it because of its unique peculiarities, but those who like its peculiarities may become a big fan.
For dessert,Goat milk soft serve ice creamYou can also try this one.
Other specialty foods include aosa, island rakkyo, and elabuchi (colorful fish), and snacks such as andagui and brown sugar sweets and kasha mochi (mugwort rice cakes)!
You can feel the history and culture of Amami Oshima!
10 recommended sightseeing spots
Here are some sightseeing spots where you can feel the history and culture of Amami Oshima.
Plan B when it rainsIt is also recommended that this information be used as a
Since you are on a trip, don't stay in a hotel, but visit facilities where you can experience the charms of Amami Oshima.
Yumeori no SatoTry mud dyeing!
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Amami Park
Amami Park" is,A facility where visitors can learn about the nature, history, and culture of Amami Oshima through exhibition panels and videos.It is.
Panoramic view of the coast including Amami AirportObservatory with a spectacular viewDon't miss out as there are also
The second floor is a restaurant where you can enjoy local cuisine and a souvenir shop is also located, so you can take your time and relax.A great place to pick up souvenirs.It is.
Tanaka Isson Memorial Museum of Art
Source:Kagoshima Tourism Federation
The Tanaka Isson Memorial Museum of Art is located in Amami Park.
An unfortunate genius painter fascinated by the nature of Amami OshimaThe exhibition features paintings of Amami Oshima in each of the four seasons by Tanaka Isson.
It is rich in color and depicts the unique flora and fauna of Amami Oshima,Recommended for nature lovers.It is.
Yumeori no Sato
Yumeori no Sato is a hands-on Oshima silk theme park where visitors can learn about the history and culture of Oshima silk through a variety of workshops.
Kimono dressing experience, mud and indigo dyeing experience, weaving experienceSightseeing to get a closer look at Oshima silk is especially popular, and even beginners will be able to participate easily.
As a way to create memories of your trip, you can wear Oshima silk and have your picture taken,One-of-a-kind souvenirs can be created.This is a popular place to visit because of the
You may also be able to find bargains on products that are not available in the market or reasonably priced.
Oshima Tsumugi Village
Oshima Tsumugi Village is a tourist facility with an Oshima Tsumugi production factory.
It is a facility where you can tour the factory and experience dyeing,Popular as a place to have fun even in the rainThere are
Mud-dyeing, indigo-dyeing, turmeric-dyeing, weaving, and dressing experienceThe feature of this program is that you can learn in earnest about the
Also,Popular as a photo spot because of its tourist garden.is a perfect place to take pictures wearing Oshima silk.
Ruins of the former Army Tean Ammunition Depot
The "Former Army Tean Ammunition Depot Ruins" is a war site still remaining on Amami-Oshima Island.
During the war, a large amount of ammunition was stored without the knowledge of the village residents.
It was very well constructed for its time andJust observing the structure is a valuable experience.It may become a
The structure is designed to withstand high humidity, and is a magnificent structure that shows it was an important facility in Japan.
Walking through the ruins of the battle,History of Japan and Amami OshimaLet's feel the
Address: Teian, Setouchi Town, Oshima County, Kagoshima Prefecture
Opening hours: You can enter any time of the day, but visit during daylight hours as it is dangerous.
Access: 1 hour and 45 minutes by car from Amami Airport
Parking: No
Site of Saigo Nanshu's exile
The "Saigou Nanshu Urutakuato (Saigou Nanshu Exile Site)" is the site of the exile of Saigou Nanshu, a Japanese Buddhist monk who was exiled from his native land,House built by Saigo Takamori for his son Kikujiro.It is known as the land that Takamori Saigo personally selected on foot.
Saigo Takamori was hiding out in Amami from 1859 to 1861, but he stayed at this mansion for only about two months.
The present residence was rebuilt in the Meiji era, but the moat remains as it was in those days, and at the entrance is a stone monument with an inscription by Kaishu Katsu.
Inside the mansion, materials on Takamori Saigo are on display.Autographs and other writings can be seen.Because of the,A place to visit as a history buff.It is one of the
Address: 166-1, Ryugo, Ryugo Town, Oshima County, Kagoshima Prefecture
Business hours: 10:00-17:00
Access: 30 minutes by car from Amami Airport
Parking: Yes
Ruins of Saigo Pine and Landing Site of O Saigo
One of the most popular trips to places associated with Takamori Saigo is the Saigomatsu Ruins and the Landing Site of Old Saigo.
This is the boat used by Saigo Takamori to tie up his boat when he landed on Amami Oshima Island.Pine tree sitewill be.
At the time, it was a large tree over 100 years old, but in 2011 it was diagnosed as standing dead and is now being cut down.
There is a store called "Nishigomatsu Honpo" on the same site,Sweets made from homemade brown sugarand ... andsugar cane juiceis available for purchase.
Saigo Takamori was distressed by the politics and system that exploited the islanders for brown sugar, and he worked to improve the treatment of the Amami people.
Address: 886 Kuba, Ryugo Town, Oshima County, Kagoshima Prefecture
Business hours: 9:00-18:00
Access: 25 minutes by car from Amami Airport
Parking: Yes
Amami City Amami Museum
Source:Amami City Hall
The Amami City Amami Museum is a place where visitors can learn about the nature, history and culture of Amami Oshima.Islanders also useThe company is doing so.
The museum exhibits in detail the seasonal changes and traditional events of the subtropical zone.
Not only Japanese cultureRyukyuan culture from the period of Ryukyu Kingdom rule is also on display.The Amami Oshima Island is a place where you can learn about a little-known aspect of Amami Oshima.
Also, the history of Amami Oshima returned to Japan and its culture when it was ruled by another country,You may acquire knowledge that you cannot learn in school.It may be.
Address: 517 Nagahama-cho, Naze, Amami-shi, Kagoshima, Japan
Business hours: 9:00-17:00
Access: 50 minutes by car from Amami Airport
Parking: Yes
Amami City Museum of History and Folklore
Amami City Museum of History and Folklore" is a facility under the theme of "History and Culture of Amami: Footprints of the Kuroshio Current," where visitors can learn about the history of Amami Oshima through archaeological, natural, and folklore materials.
The history of the lifestyle of the people of Amami Oshima and the cultural exchange that took place between the South Island and Kyushu during the Jomon period,Learn about Amami Oshima in different periods of time.I recommend it because of the following reasons
There are two permanent exhibits, and the Archaeological Materials Gallery is,30,000 years of Amami Oshima history in ruins and artifactsThe feature is that it unravels the
The Folk Materials Exhibition Room provides a peek into the history of islanders' lives with displays of farming tools and daily necessities used before World War II.
Address: 670 Oaza Suno, Kasari-cho, Amami-shi, Kagoshima Prefecture
Business hours: 9:00-17:00
Access: 10 minutes by car from Amami Airport
Parking: Yes
Chinese pavilion housing imperial treasures and historical artifacts (in Heian Palace)
Source:Kagoshima Tourism Federation
The Ryugakukan was built using pine trees that were cut down at the site of the Saigo pine tree and the landing site of O Saigo.Wooden statue of Takamori Saigo and Aikanais on display at the museum.
The library on the 1st floor has books on the history and culture of Amami Oshima, and the local museum on the 2nd floor has books on the history and culture of Amami Oshima.Exhibition where visitors can learn about the trajectory of Saigo TakamoriThe following is a summary of the results of the study.
The museum has also held an exhibition of the Taiga Drama of Takamori Saigo, and there are many books and other materials related to the drama!
Visitors interested in the history of Takamori Saigo are encouraged to visit the museum, as it is compact but offers a full range of exhibits.
Address: 968-1, Seru, Ryugo Town, Oshima County, Kagoshima Prefecture
Business hours: 9:00-22:00
Access: 20 minutes by car from Amami Airport
Parking: Yes
If you want to go around the sights!
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Amami Oshima is the third largest island in Japan after Okinawa Island and Sadogashima, but public transportation is not well developed.Rental car required.It is!
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It is recommended that you reserve a rental car before you forget to do so with your tour.
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on the history of Amami Oshima
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Amami Oshima Island has long developed under the influence of Ryukyuan and Japanese culture. In the Middle Ages, the island was ruled by the Kingdom of Ryukyu, and after the invasion of Ryukyu by the Satsuma Clan in 1609, the island was placed under the rule of the Satsuma Clan, and has had a unique history.
Amami Oshima Island was once under the influence of the Ryukyu Kingdom, but after 1609 it came under the rule of the Satsuma Clan (present Kagoshima Prefecture). Because of this historical background, Amami still retains a unique culture that is a mixture of Japanese and Ryukyuan cultures.
Yes, sugarcane cultivation and brown sugar production became important industries in Amami Oshima during the time of the Satsuma clan. Brown sugar was sometimes paid as tribute and has had a great influence on the history and economy of Amami.
After World War II, Amami Oshima was under the administration of the United States, but returned to Japan on December 25, 1953. This day is known as "Amami Return to Japan Day," and commemorative events are held even today.
Amami Oshima Island has facilities where visitors can learn about history and culture. The local museum and the historical museum exhibit the culture, lifestyle, and traditional crafts of Amami, allowing visitors to learn about the history of the island.
The culture of Amami Oshima is characterized by a mixture of influences from mainland Japan and Ryukyuan culture. The unique culture of the island, including island songs, Oshima silk, and traditional events, has been handed down to this day, and one can feel the depth of its history and culture.
summary
In this issue, we introduced the history and culture of Amami Oshima.
If you see a sightseeing spot that interests you, please visit it.
If you have the opportunity to interact with the local islanders, we also recommend that you ask them a lot of questions.
Experience the history and culture of Amami Oshima to learn more about its charms.
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