What is the charm of Tokunoshima, one of the islands in the Amami Archipelago? How to get there and sightseeing spots are also introduced!
Tokunoshima," also known as the island of longevity
Tokunoshima is one of the Amami Islands, located between the Kagoshima mainland and Okinawa, and is more southerly than Amami Oshima.
It has a circumference of about 89 kilometers, an area of about 247 km2, and a population of about 21,568 (as of May 2023).
The main industries on the island are agriculture and animal husbandry, especiallyBullfighting with a history of about 500 yearsis known.
Once recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.Many are over 100 years old.It is also called the "Island of Longevity" because of this.
The mountainous areas of Tokunoshima are covered with subtropical evergreen forests,endangered speciesIn the country'sspecial natural monumentbe (formal, literary)Ryukyu rabbitIt is home to many rare plants and animals, including
In July 2021, the island, along with Amami Oshima Island, will be designated as a "National Park" in recognition of the fact that it is home to endangered species and endemic species that are rare and endangered worldwide.Registered as a World Natural Heritage siteThe first time the company was founded, it was in the process of being reorganized into a new company.
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How to get to Tokunoshima
Tokunoshima has no direct flights from major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka,Access by plane or ferry via Kagoshima or Amami OshimaCan be done.
Both airplanes and ferries are easily accessible, but check flight status during typhoon season.
Tokunoshima Airport (nicknamed Tokunoshima Koho Airport) is located in Amagi Town, close to Hetono Port (where ferries from Kagoshima arrive).
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How to get to Tokunoshima by Airplane
It is possible to access Tokunoshima by direct airplane flights,From Kagoshima and Amami Airports onlyThe first two are the following.
The shortest way is to fly from Amami Oshima, although the number of flights is limited.
For details on access from Kagoshima Airport and Amami Airport, please see below.
Airline name: JAL (Japan Airlines)
Number of flights: 4 flights per day
Time required: approx. 1 hour to approx. 1 hour and 20 minutes
◆From Amami Airport
Airline name: JAC (JAL Group)
Number of flights: 2 flights per day
Time required: approx. 35 min.
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How to get to Tokunoshima by ferry
Ferry access to Tokunoshima from Kagoshima2 linesThere are
The route from Kagoshima Main Port (North Pier) and Kagoshima Shinko Port, which are both located on Tokunoshima Island.Different ports of arrivalTherefore, caution should be exercised.
The operator from Kagoshima Main Port (North Pier) is Amami Kaiun,5 flights a week (closed on Saturdays and Sundays)The airline is in operation.
Via Kikai Island, Amami Oshima and other Amami IslandsHiratono Port on the west side of TokunoshimaEntered port atI will do so.
Departure time from Kagoshima: 17:30 in the evening
Arrival time in Tokunoshima: 12:20 p.m. the next day
Time required: approx. 19 hours
There are two options for taking a ferry from Amami Oshima: from Nase Port in the center of the city or from Koniya Port in the south.
Name of shipping company: Amami Kaiun
Departure time from Nase: 7:30 in the morning
Arrival time in Tokunoshima: 12:20 in the afternoon
Travel time: approx. 4 hours 50 minutes
◆From Koniya Port
Name of shipping company: Amami Kaiun
Departure time from Kouniya: 10:00 in the morning
Kagoshima arrival time: 12:20 in the afternoon
Travel time: approx. 2 hours and 20 minutes
From Koniya Port, it takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes to board the boat, but from Nase Port, it takes about 4 hours and 50 minutes, including the time to stop at Koniya.
Therefore, if you wish to reach Tokunoshima by ferry from Naze Port, the shortest way is to use the method described below to reach Kametoku Port.
The company operating the service from Kagoshima Shinko Port is jointly operated by Maruei Ferry and Malix Line.
The number of flights is3 to 4 flights per weekIn , a flight bound for Naha on the Okinawa main island made a port call at the Amami Islands, and in TokunoshimaGedeok Harbor on the east side of the islandEntered port atI will do so.
Departure time from Kagoshima: 18:00 in the evening
Arrival time in Tokunoshima: 9:10 the next morning
Time required: about 15 hours
See below for details when departing from Nase Port on Amami Oshima. It does not stop at Koniya Port.
Boarding time is shorter than the aforementioned methods, but the departure time is early in the morning, so it is not recommended for those who are not good at getting up early.
Operating company name: Maruei Ferry and Marix Line (joint operation)
Departure time from Nase: 5:50 in the morning
Arrival time in Tokunoshima: 9:10 in the morning
Travel time: approx. 3 hr. 20 min.
Boat travel is more susceptible to weather conditions than air travel,Tends to be cancelled especially during typhoon season and winter season when northerly winds are strong.There are
Therefore, if you want to be sure of getting to Tokunoshima, we recommend that you choose to fly.
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Transportation within Tokunoshima
Buses are infrequent.In Tokunoshima, there areThere are no cabs in the area.Therefore, renting a car is probably the most convenient way to get around.
Car rental companies such as Toyota, Orix, and Times are clustered around the airport and Hiradono area.
Also, for reference, a round-the-island trip by rental car takes about 3 hours nonstop.
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If you take a cab,Wait at the airport or portYou can take a ride to a hotel or store or to the one you are doingNeed to request a car allocationThere are
Buses are available from the airport to Kamezu.6 to 8 flights per dayHiradono - Isen Town Hall - Kamezu is3 to 4 flights per dayIt is only running.
Renting a car is still the best way to efficiently explore Tokunoshima in the limited time available.
Is Tokunoshima famous for bullfighting?
Tokunoshima is,More than 500 years of historyThe city is famous for its "bullfights," and many tourists from all over the country visit every year to see the bullfights.
The cows on the island areApprox. 400 headIn the morning and evening, you will see cows walking on the beach and other places.
Before the competition, you may see cattle training, such as hitting their heads against tires.
Along with bullfighting
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History of Bullfighting in Tokunoshima
Bullfighting on Tokunoshima was originally,Cattle fight each other over territory in farming operations.It started with the initiation ofIt is said to have been the only entertainment for the islanders during the Edo period (1603-1867), and it became widespread.
After World War II, Tokunoshima Island wasTokunoshima Bullfighting Associationwas established and operated by charging an admission fee.
Furthermore, in 1967, Tokunoshima Town, Amagi Town, and Isen TownBullfighting Associationwas organized, bringing together the associations of these three towns.Tokunoshima Bullfighting FederationThe project developed into a
Currently, bullfighting tournaments are held in Japan on Uwajima Island in Ehime Prefecture and Oki Island in Shimane Prefecture, but the bullfighting on Tokunoshima is one of theThe "Hottest! Bullfighting Tournament."It is said.
Bullfighting Events in Tokunoshima
The most famous bullfighting event in Tokunoshima is the All-Island Tournament.Three times a year in January, May, and OctoberThe entire island is crowded with people at the
Other tournaments are held approximately 20 times a year, but the highest title in bullfighting is the "All-Island Ichi Yokozuna".
The giant cows, weighing about one ton, collide with each other in a ring with a diameter of about 20 meters.full impactI would say that this is the case.
The match,The cow that runs away loses.and can be decided in a few dozen seconds or can continue to fight endlessly for about 30 minutes or more.
The largest bullring on the island, Tokunoshima Nakusami Kan
Source:Tokunoshima Tourism Federation
Tokunoshima Nukusamikan is the largest bullring on the island, located in Isen-cho.
It is an all-weather bullring with a roof, and visitors can tour the dome even when there are no matches.
If the timing is right,You may be able to see cows practicing and practice matches.It may be.
The Tokunoshima Mukusami Kan also has an exhibition room that introduces the history of bullfighting, making it a must-see spot for bullfighting fans.
3 Spectacular Spots on Tokunoshima
Bullfighting is not the only attraction on Tokunoshima!
Here are three recommended scenic spots on Tokunoshima, so let's take a closer look at them together.
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(1) Dog gate cover
Inu no Joubutai (Inu's Gate Cover), one of the most scenic spots on Tokunoshima, faces the East China Sea and is a terrain of cliffs and caves stretching about 1 km along the coral reef coastline.
A rock that looks like a sword or a rock with two holes in it.Spectacle RockThe area is dotted with oddly shaped rocks that resemble ancient ruins.
The view from the observation deck just a short walk from the parking lot is spectacular, and if you are lucky, from December to April.humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)You may be able to see the
(2) Baby's Prince Beach
Aze Prince Beach, located in the northeastern part of Tokunoshima, is a 1.5-kilometer stretch of white sand beach surrounded by coral reefs.
1972.The then Crown Prince and Princess Michiko visitedThe name is derived from the fact that the
Ideal for swimming, snorkeling and other marine sportsYou will be able to enjoy the crystal clear Tokunoshima blue sea at
However, the beach is made of finely crushed coral, so walking barefoot may cause pain.
Therefore, if possible, prepare flip-flops or marine shoes.
The park is also equipped with changing rooms, shower rooms, and restrooms, so you can play with peace of mind.
Cape Inutabu
Cape Inutabu, located in the southwestern part of the island, is a series of uplifted limestone sea cliffs.Amami Ten ScenesOne of the
The rounded arc of the horizon can be seen, and on a clear day, you can see Mt. Nezagata, a mountain that looks like a pregnant woman seen from the window of an airplane during takeoffs and landings.
Near the tip of the cape stands a cenotaph for the "Kamikaze Warfare Fleet Deceased" of the Yamato Fleet, centering on the battleship Yamato, which sank offshore in April 1945 during a waterborne suicide mission to Okinawa.
on the charms of Tokunoshima.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The charm of Tokunoshima is its pristine nature and unique culture. The island's natural environment, with its clear waters, beautiful beaches, and lush forests, allows visitors to enjoy a relaxing island time. The unique traditions, such as bullfighting culture, are also an attraction unique to Tokunoshima.
Tokunoshima Island was registered as a World Natural Heritage site in 2021, along with Amami Oshima and other islands. The rich ecosystems inhabited by rare creatures such as the Amami rabbit are highly valued, and the island is recognized as an area with a globally precious natural environment.
Tokunoshima is famous for its natural scenery, including Inu no Jofuta (Inu's Gate Cover), Mushiro Seashore, and Kanamizaki Sycamore Tunnel. Many spots where visitors can enjoy powerful cliffs and sea views are also popular photo destinations.
Bullfighting culture has flourished on Tokunoshima since ancient times, and competitions are still held as a traditional event on the island. Another attraction of Tokunoshima is that it still retains a culture rooted in the local community, such as island songs and traditional events.
Tokunoshima is recommended for those who want to enjoy nature at a leisurely pace and experience the unique culture of the remote islands. Because the island is not overly touristy, it is suitable for those who want to enjoy a relaxing island trip in a quiet environment.
On Tokunoshima, it is recommended to rent a car and drive around the island to explore the ocean and natural scenery. You can enjoy a relaxing time on the island while strolling along the beach, taking in the view from the observatory, and sampling the local cuisine.
summary
We hope you enjoyed this report on the charms of Tokunoshima.
Tokunoshima is famous for its longevity and bullfighting, but you also found photogenic spots such as Inu no Monobaba and Cape Inutabu very attractive.
Tokunoshima is the shortest access from Amami Oshima, so if you have enough time, you may enjoy sightseeing both on Amami Oshima and Tokunoshima!
We hope you will use this article to plan a memorable trip to Tokunoshima.
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