Weather, clothing, and recommended activities in January on Amami Oshima Island!

 

What is January in Amami Oshima?

January on Amami Oshima, which has a subtropical climate, is often rainy and cloudy, but the temperature is higher than on the mainland,Recommended for those looking for a winter getaway.It is.

Also, except for the beginning of the year, it is a season when there are not so many tourists,Travel costs can be reducedNot only will you be able to enjoy a relaxing time away from the crowds and stresses of the city, but you will also be able to enjoy a relaxing time away from the crowds and stresses of the city.

At Amami Tours, too, in January...whale watchingandA Walk Through the Kinzakuhara Primitive Forest, ,Night TourThis is the month when we receive the most reservations. Even if you don't go in the water, you can still enjoy the unique winter scenery.

In this issue, we will take a closer look at January on Amami Oshima Island, and we hope you will make your travel plans with reference to the events and recommended sightseeing spots in January☆.

Recommended for a trip to Amami Oshima in January!
Click here for popular whale-watching tours↓

Click here for whale-watching tours on Amami Oshima

 

Weather (temperature and precipitation) in January in Amami Oshima

January on Amami Oshima has a unique winter climate,north windtends to be strongly rainy and cloudy, and temperatures tend to be cooler.

Although it is difficult to enter the ocean with only a bathing suit, many people actually enjoy snorkeling and diving with a thick wetsuit because the winter sea is so clear and beautiful.

Below is a summary comparing the average temperatures and precipitation in Tokyo and Amami (Naze) based on the Japan Meteorological Agency’s long-term averages (1991–2020). Please use this as a reference.

While the average temperature is about 10°C higher than in Tokyo, the amount of precipitation isAbout three times as muchThat's right. Although there will be some sunny spells, it's a good idea to have a plan for rainy days as well.

Even in January, the sea temperature isAround 21–22°C(Based on the Japan Meteorological Agency's normal values), this is the time of year when the ocean feels warmer than the air.

↓Click here for Amami Oshima recommended tours.

 

Recommended January Clothing and Personal Belongings on Amami Oshima Island

As mentioned above, the average temperature in January on Amami Oshima is around 15 degrees Celsius,Autumn-like temperatures on the mainlandIt can be said that

Basically, long sleeves and long pants are recommended, and a hoodie, jacket, or other covering to protect against the north wind will be comfortable.

The best thing to bring in January, when the weather is more rainy and unstable, is a compact poncho or folding umbrella.

For those who are cold, a scarf or stole is helpful to protect against the northern wind.

 

Main events in January around Amami Oshima Island

Various events will be held around Amami Oshima in January.

In addition to major events, weekend marches are also popular.

Here are some typical events, so please check them out in advance and enjoy Amami Oshima to the fullest.

Recommended for a trip to Amami Oshima in January!
Click here for popular whale-watching tours↓

Click here for whale-watching tours on Amami Oshima

 

Tsumugi no Hi no Tsudoi

Amami Oshima is,the world's three great textilesKnown asOshima tsumugi weaveAlthough the place is famous for itsJanuary 5 every yearThe “Tsumugi Day Gathering,” held on “Tsumugi Day,” is an event based on the concept of having all Amami Oshima residents wear tsumugi.

Fun events for tourists such as a pongee pongee parade, commemorative photo shoots, street performances, shima-uta, August dances, and services of free-flowing sake and zenzai are held in the shopping district.

Please feel free to participate in this free event to deepen your understanding of the history of Amami Oshima and Oshima Tsumugi.

 

Tokunoshima Bullfighting Tournament

The Tokunoshima bullfighting tournament is famous as one of the most popular bullfights in Japan because of the spectacle of the bulls clashing with each other and the cheering competition among the cheering crowds.

Since the contestants range from small cows to cows over one ton,outstandingly powerfulThe event is the first of its kind in the world.

Every yearJanuary 1–3A New Year’s tournament is held there, and in 2026, approximately 3,000 people gathered daily at the Tokunoshima Kusami Hall (Isen Town). If you’re traveling to the Amami Islands at the start of the year, why not make a detour to Tokunoshima?

Additionally, the Lunar New Year event “Setsuda Mankai” (a prefecturally designated intangible folk cultural property) is expected to take place around February 7, 2027, during the Lunar New Year.

 

Recommended January Activities in Amami Oshima

To make your trip to Amami Oshima even more memorable, we recommend taking part in activities that let you fully enjoy nature!

Two of the top five are Whale-watching tours, and two are tours of the Kanasakuhara Primeval Forest. Here, we’ll introduce four popular activities on Amami Oshima in January.

If you find an activity that interests you, please incorporate it into your travel plans for Amami Oshima!

↓Click here to read the article.

 

mangrove canoe

It is said that the best way to appreciate the pristine mangrove forests on Amami Oshima Island, where untouched nature remains, is by canoe!

Anyone can easily ride the boat and wear a life jacket,Beginners are also welcome.You can participate in the event as a member.

Not only can you enjoy the atmosphere as if you were exploring the jungle, but you can also observe living creatures at low tide.Children will love it!activity.

Combine this with a walk through the Kinzakuhara Primary Forest and some snorkeling, and you’ll have a full day of fun!

↓Click here for recommended mangrove canoe tours.

↓Learn more about mangrove canoeing

 

Walking in Kanezakuhara Wilderness Forest

For a walk in the Kinsakubaru Wilderness Forest,Location of Godzilla the movieIn this activity, participants learn about the ecology of plants and animals with a local guide while trekking through the Kinsaku Primeval Forest, which is now a national park.

KnowledgeableCertified Eco Tour GuideYou can enjoy observing rare plants and animals while feeling the nature of Amami Oshima because you are with the

Together with an extraordinary experience like exploring the jungle,Forest Bathing HealingThe biggest attraction is that there are also

↓Click here for recommended walking tours of the Kinsaku Wilderness Forest.

↓Learn more about the Kinsaku Plains Wilderness Forest

 

whale watching

Humpback whales can be found in the waters off Amami Oshima.Reproduction and ParentingThey come here for that reason. They usually start appearing around late December, andJanuary through March is the peak seasonThat's right. Last season (2025–2026), the first confirmed case was reported on December 16, and the number of tour participants reached a record high of approximately 9,950.

Amami Tours offers 12 winter-only whale-watching tour packages, with a total of over 200 customer reviews. Among them,No. 17This is a popular tour with 78 reviews and a rating of 4.9.

According to Amami Tours' reservation data, the closer it gets to the tour date, the more often tours are fully booked and we are unable to accommodate guests. If you plan to participate in January or February,Approximately one month agoIt's a good idea to make a reservation in advance.

full impactThis is a chance to observe the ecology of the whales and the warmth of the whales raising their young, so check it out before your trip.

↓Click here for recommended whale watching tours.

↓Learn more about whale watching

 

Night Tour

A night tour in a jeep to explore nocturnal animals is a popular and thrilling activity.

Amami Oshimaendemic speciesIn the country'snatural monumentIt is also designated asRyukyu rabbitA chance to meet the

Low light sourceThe stars are beautiful.Night tours with astronomical observation are also popular, as they are visible to the public at night.

These are recommended activities that everyone—from adults to children—can enjoy. Many people travel alone to Amami in the winter, andNo. 90interpoint (interword separation)No. 91school (e.g. of ikebana)Participation from 1 person is OKIt is.

↓Click here for recommended night tours.

↓Learn more about ↓Night Tours

 

Recommended sightseeing spots in January on Amami Oshima Island

Amami Oshima has a strong image of summer, but if you take the time to go sightseeing in winter, when there are fewer tourists, you may discover a new charm of Amami Oshima.

Here are five recommended tourist attractions.

Please take a look at all the sightseeing spots where you can experience nature with all your senses.

↓Enjoy Amami Oshima with a high degree of freedom!
Popular free plan with chartered guide

Click here for popular free plans for Amami Oshima Island

No. 79interpoint (interword separation)No. 80You can book a private tour for as few as one person.

 

Ayamaru Cape Tourist Park

Located at the northernmost tip of Amami Oshima, "Ayamaru Cape Tourist Park" is a sightseeing spot characterized by a cape jutting out into the Pacific Ocean.

Amami Ten ScenesYou can enjoy the spectacular view, which has been selected as one of the best places in the world to visit, and there is a park with a café and playground equipment on a large site,Families with childrenAlso recommended for

With a kids' ski slope, a ground golf course, and a cycle train, there’s plenty to enjoy all day long. Please check the Amami City tourism website or other sources for the facility’s operating hours before you visit.

 

Kanasakubara virgin forest

If you want to observe subtropical plants on Amami Oshima Island, sightseeing in "Kinsaku Genbaru Forest" is recommended.

like you won't find in other parts of the country.Endemic flora and faunacan be observed,Refresh yourself with a forest bathThe same is true for the "new" and "old".

Ancient forests andJungle-like atmosphereIt is also a place where you can experience a sense of exoticism because of the

Sightseeing at this location is,Must be accompanied by a certified eco-tour guideNote that this will be the case.

 

Ohama Seaside Park

If you want to enjoy the blue sea and white sandy beaches even in winter, why not visit Ohama Seaside Park?

Sunset is beautifulThe area is also a popular spot for visitors, and is equipped with a parking lot and restrooms.

At the adjacent Amami Marine Exhibition Hall (9:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m., last admission at 5:30 p.m.), you can see sea turtles and fish from the waters around Amami Oshima, so,Families with childrenWe recommend this activity. Please check with the exhibition hall (0997-55-6000) for the latest information on sea turtle feeding sessions.

There are campgrounds and restaurants, so you can spend the day relaxing until sunset.

 

Honohoshi Coast

Rough seas have chipped away at the corners.cobbleThe Honohoshi Coast is the beach where the

Just listening to the rumbling sound of stones rubbing against each other during the undertow is relaxing, and many tourists seek solace in the sounds of nature.

location thought to be flowing with mystical energyIt is also a popular place to visit as well, but the waves are rough, so be careful to keep an eye on your children if you are with them.

Legend has it that taking home a round stone here will bring bad luck, so it is strictly forbidden to bring it home!

 

Mateliya Falls

"Materiya Falls" is a beautiful waterfall located within the Amami Forest Park in Yamato Village.

The waterfall has been used as a resting place for people since ancient times,Negative ion effectYou will surely be healed by the

It is a place where you can have a fantastic time, so please visit.

 

If you want to go around the sights!
Have you reserved your rental car yet?

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!

We're currently running a promotion where you can get a discount on eligible tours when you book a rental car along with your tour! (Be sure to check the page that appears after you book your rental car.)

It is recommended that you reserve a rental car before you forget to do so with your tour.

↓Car rental plan is here

 

A remote island easily accessible from Amami Oshima!

Do you know of any remote islands that can be reached from Amami Oshima? Why don't you visit them in the winter when there are fewer people around?

 

Kakeroma Island

From Koniya Port in the southern part of Amami-Oshima IslandAbout 20 to 25 minutes by ferryKakaroma Island can be reached by

The area has been used as a filming location for "Otoko wa Tsuraiyo" and many other movies, and there are many things to discover as you stroll through the area.

Around January and February, the Kanhi cherry blossoms bloom, and you might get a taste of spring earlier than anywhere else in Japan.

↓Click here for recommended Kakeroma Island tours.

↓Learn more about Kakaroma Island

 

Yoron Island

This is also the island of Yoronjima, which became famous as the location for the movie "Megane". Surrounded by some of the clearest waters in the world, you can enjoy an extraordinary experience in a peaceful setting.

How about a luxurious moment to just "twilight" like the characters in the movie?

There are direct flights from Amami Airport to Yoron AirportAbout 45 minutesThat's right. There's only a direct one-way flight from Amami, and the return trip from Yoron involves a layover in Naha, so be sure to plan your itinerary well in advance.

↓Click here for recommended itineraries for Yoron Island↓

 

Amami Oshima January Sightseeing FAQ

 

summary

Even though it gets cold in January, the weather is like autumn on the mainland, so if you don't like the cold, consider Amami Oshima!

Except for the New Year's holiday, this is a great month to enjoy sightseeing on Amami Oshima at off-season rates!

We encourage you to use this article as a guide in planning your trip to Amami Oshima in January.

Click here for the ranking of popular tours to Amami Oshima Island

↓ Click here to read the article in conjunction with ↓ ↓