Why was Amami Oshima Island registered as a World Natural Heritage site? Guide to Attractions, Points to Note, and Recommended Activities to Know Before Your Trip
Table of Contents
- 1 In 2021, Amami Oshima Island is designated as a World Natural Heritage site!
- 2 What is Amami Oshima like?
- 3 Amami Oshima Island was registered as a World Natural Heritage site. What is the reason why Amami Oshima was registered as a World Natural Heritage site?
- 4 Amami Oshima World Heritage Center" was born! Recommended as a place to visit
- 5 Enjoy Amami Oshima to the fullest! Experience the World Heritage Site 5 recommended activities
- 6 Let's protect the nature of Amami Oshima Island 5 points to keep in mind while traveling
- 7 summary
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In 2021, Amami Oshima Island is designated as a World Natural Heritage site!
Amami Oshima Island is next to Yakushima, the Shirakami Mountains, Shiretoko, and the Ogasawara Islands.Japan's fifth World Natural Heritage siteregistered in the
This article introduces the background of Amami Oshima's registration as a World Natural Heritage site and recommended tours to fully enjoy Amami.
◆If you are considering a trip to Amami Oshima
◆Amami Oshima history and culture
◆For those who want to know about activities to enjoy the nature of Amami Oshima Island.
Held in Amami Oshima! Click here to see the popular tour ranking
What is Amami Oshima like?
Amami Oshima Island is located between the Kagoshima mainland and Okinawa, and has a subtropical climate.
The island has a circumference of 461 km, an area of 712 square km, and a population of approximately 60,000, making it the No. 1 remote island in Kagoshima Prefecture in both area and population.
Not only people,Amami rabbit and Ryukyu long-eared ratMany plants and animals (endemic species) are found only here, such as
In 2017 (Heisei 29), Amami Oshima and other islands in the Amami ArchipelagoDesignated as the 34th national park in JapanThe first time the company was founded, it was in the process of being reorganized into a new company.
In July 2021, Amami Oshima and Tokunoshima Island, along with the northern part of Okinawa Island and Iriomote Island, will beworld natural heritage siteThe company has attracted a lot of attention by being registered with the
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Amami Oshima Island becomes a World Natural Heritage site
What led you to register?
Amami Oshima was registered as a World Natural Heritage site mainly because of itsUnique natural environment and biodiversityThis is because the company was recognized for its
Topography
Ecosystems
Biodiversity
Amami-Oshima and Tokuno-shima, northern Okinawa Island and Iriomote Island were nominated and registered based on the "Biodiversity" registration criteria.
*"Biodiversity" is a criterion for areas where organisms that are most important for biodiversity conservation live and grow, such as habitats for endangered wildlife.
↓Enjoy the World Natural Heritage
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Home to many rare plants and animals, including endangered species
Since ancient times, the Amami Islands have repeatedly been connected to and separated from the Chinese mainland and the Japanese archipelago.
Therefore, there are many endemic species that have evolved on their own and rare species that have already become extinct in other regions.The Galapagos of the Orient.It is also said that
The national government, the prefecture, and Amami City are committed to the preservation of rare plants and animals for future generations.protective designationand penalties will be imposed for the capture or collection of these animals and plants.
Recognized worldwide as a treasure trove of valuable endemic species
Amami Oshima Island is also home to a number of globally valuable endemic species and subspecies that are found only here.
The Amami rabbit is an endangered species and a national special natural treasure.The name is designated in the
*The Lidth's jay is the prefectural bird of Kagoshima Prefecture and a natural treasure found only on Amami Oshima Island.It is.
◆Amphibians: 10 species including warty newts, Otto's frogs, and Amami Hanasaki frogs
Insects: 3254 species including Amami yamma, Amami marubane stag beetle, and Marudaikoku kokugake
◆Land and aquatic crustacean decapods: 14 species including the Amami southern king crab, the Ryukyu king crab, and the Sakamoto king crab
↓Let's go see rare animals♪ Click here for recommended tours.
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Amami Oshima World Heritage Center" is born!
Recommended as a spot to visit.
Following the registration of Amami Oshima Island as a World Natural Heritage site, the Amami Oshima World Heritage Center will open in July 2022.
Inside the museum, through full-scale dioramas and videos,Realistic feeling as if you are actually walking in the forestYou can taste theSince the audio and other information changes with the seasons, you will find something new no matter how many times you visit. We hope you will visit.
Access: 70 minutes by car from Amami Airport
Admission: Free
Hours of operation: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Closed: Thursday, Year-end and New Year holidays (Dec. 29-Jan. 3)
Official site:https://amami-whcc.jp/
Enjoy Amami Oshima to the fullest! Experience the World Heritage
Five recommended activities
Among the various activities you can experience on Amami Oshima Island, here are five recommended activities that allow you to experience the great outdoors in particular!
Held in Amami Oshima! Click here to see the popular tour ranking
(1) Walking in Kanasakuhara
Located almost in the center of Amami Oshima Island, the Kanasakubara primeval forest is a treasure trove of subtropical plants.
From February 2019 (Heisei 31), the Kanezakuhara Wilderness Forest will be closed to individuals for the protection of the natural environment,Must be accompanied by a certified eco-tour guideThe company was
You can see a colony of lizard lizards over 10 meters long, as if you were transported back in time to the Jurassic period.
Walking with a guide for about 2 km round trip
Experienced and certified guides will introduce the names and ecology of rare plants and animals, as well as power spots known to those in the know.
◆Excitement of discovering endemic plants and animals
Many endemic species are found only here in Japan. Visitors can sometimes encounter rare species such as the Amami rabbit and the Lidth's jay.
◆Famous movie locations
It is also known as a filming location for the movie Godzilla. You can actually touch the leaves of the Japanese knotweed that Totoro uses as an umbrella in "My Neighbor Totoro" and other items.
◆Experience with nature
The wilderness walking trail is a dirt road, about 900 meters long each way, but it is gentle enough for small children and the elderly to participate without worry.
Access: 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Amami Airport
Parking: No
Toilet: No
↓Click here for recommended Kinsakuhara tours.
Click here for a ranking of the most popular Kinsaku Genbaru Forest tours!
(2) Mangrove Canoeing
Mangroves are a general term for plants that grow where seawater and freshwater mix in tropical and subtropical regions, and cover an area of approximately 700,000 square meters.
As you navigate through a narrow channel that can only be accessed by canoe, the branches and leaves of the mangroves arch above your head, giving you the sensation of passing through a tunnel of nature.
◆Observation of organisms at low tide
At low tide, visitors can disembark from the canoes and walk on the mudflats to get up close and personal with species such as the Southern Flying Goby and the Blue-Tailed Goby.
◆Guided ecological interpretation
Accompanied by local guides with expert knowledge of the area, they will explain in detail about the mangrove ecosystem and the organisms that inhabit it.
◆Seasonal plant observations
The mangrove flowers and surrounding plants change with the seasons. For example, in the summer, the flowers of the duckbill bloom and give off a distinctive fragrance.
◆A wide range of ages can participate
Canoes are extremely stable, and even beginners can easily participate, making them suitable for people of all ages, from children to the elderly.
↓Click here for recommended mangrove canoe tours.
Click here for ↓Kinsakuhara and Mangrove Canoe Set Tour
Click here to see the mangrove tour popularity ranking!
Trekking tour
Trekking tours that allow visitors to fully enjoy the rich nature of Amami Oshima with all their senses are available in a wide variety of courses that can be enjoyed by beginners and experts alike.
The scenery varies with the season, from fresh greenery in the spring to autumn colors in the fall.
◆Enjoy the rare birdsong
Visitors can enjoy the sounds of rare wild birds inhabiting Amami Oshima, such as the drumming of the Great White-backed Woodpecker and the chirping of the Red-winged Stint.
◆Detailed explanations by certified guides
Guides certified by the Amami Islands Ecotourism Promotion Council will accompany you and provide detailed explanations about the characteristics of plants and animals, history and culture.
◆Experience the fantastic atmosphere of a rainy day
On rainy days, visitors can enjoy the magical atmosphere of the primeval forest with its misty air. The fragrance and colors of the plants stand out even more, giving visitors the feeling of being lost in another world.
↓Click here for recommended trekking tours.
Click here to see the ranking of popular trekking tours!
4) Eco-tour
Eco-tour is a sustainable activity that allows visitors to experience the charm of Amami Oshima while protecting its ecosystem.
In the Kanasakuhara Primeval Forest, visitors can observe up-close rare plants such as the giant fern, the lizard hego, and the kakucho orchid, which is listed on the Red List of plants by the Ministry of the Environment.
◆Expert commentary by certified guides
An Amami Islands certified eco-tour guide will accompany you and provide in-depth knowledge of the island's ecosystem, history, and culture.
◆Tour of waterfalls in Amami
The guide will take you to hidden natural treasures such as Materia Falls and Funangyo Falls, which are famous as power spots.
◆Enjoy the sea and mountains
You can explore the vast jungle and coral reefs of the ocean in a single day. ATVs and kickboards will take you around the spectacular scenery recommended by the guide.
◆Local cultural experiences
As part of the eco-tour, Amami Oshima also offers programs to experience the culture of Amami Oshima, such as visits to local traditional crafts and sake breweries, and tastings of local cuisine.
↓Click here for recommended eco-tours.
↓Click here for a tour of power spots
Click here to see the eco-tour popularity ranking!
⑤Night Tour
On the night tour, visitors drive a jeep through the jungle at night to look for nocturnal animals that cannot be seen during the day.
This is a chance to observe nocturnal animals such as the Amami rabbit, a natural treasure, as well as the Ryukyu kite, Amami palm creeper, and habu!
◆Stargazing in the sky
On Amami Oshima Island, where there is little light pollution, you can enjoy a star-filled sky on clear days. You can experience the vastness of the universe as you gaze upon the Milky Way and shooting stars.
◆Exploring mangrove forests at night
Canoeing through mangrove forests at night allows visitors to experience a different kind of serenity and mysterious atmosphere than during the day.
◆Jungle experience by jeep
Tours last approximately 2 to 3 hours, and some tours are available without getting out of the car, and are recommended for people of all ages.
For a slightly higher price, we also recommend the Midnight Tour, which departs in the middle of the night and allows visitors to explore longer than a regular night tour.
↓Click here for recommended night tours.
↓Click here for night activity tours
Click here to see the night tour popularity ranking!
Let's protect the nature of Amami Oshima
Five things to keep in mind while traveling
In order to preserve the nature of Amami Oshima Island for the future, we have compiled a list of precautions that you should know before your trip.
↓Click here to read the article.
(1) Drive slowly on mountain roads at night.
Amami Oshima Island hasThe Amami rabbit, a natural treasurein addition tonocturnal animalare living in large numbers.
Very unfortunately, in recent years, the Amami rabbittraffic accident deathis increasing.
Rabbits are natural creatures and can be found anywhere. If you see a roadkill prevention sign, slow down, especiallyDriving slowly on mountain roads at nightKeep in mind that the
(2) Do not disturb the life of animals and plants
Various creatures live in the mountains and ocean of Amami Oshima. When walking in the primeval forests, do not stray from the walking paths.
Also, when observing animals, keep your distance andDon't approach suddenly, don't threaten loudly, and minimize when shining light on night tours.and other considerations.
(iii) Prohibition of bringing in and taking out animals and plants
As mentioned above, the introduction of various alien species to Amami Oshima has a negative impact on the island's original ecosystem.
In particular, the predation of native species by non-native species, such as mongooses released on the island as a measure against hubs, and dogs and cats that used to be pets, has become a major problem.
31 species designated by the government as domestic rare wild animals and plantsHa,Prohibited to catch, collect, etc.The following is a list of the most common problemsViolations are subject to penaltiesNote that this will be the case.
(4) Use an eco-tour guide!
Eco-tour guides provide tourists with easy-to-understand explanations about rare endemic species and the biodiversity of the forest.
Sightseeing in the Kanezakuhara Wilderness Forest isMust be accompanied by a certified eco-tour guideIt is. The use of eco-tour guides is recommended for other night tours.
(5) Be sure to take trash home with you.
There are few places on Amami Oshima where trash cans are installed. Especiallyplastic wasteis a global problem, and the marine life that inhabits the oceansThreat to health.The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.
In addition to sea turtles and whales, Amami Oshima Island is home to numerous rare creatures. In order to maintain a clean sea where these creatures can live healthy forever, please be sure to take your garbage home with you.
summary
In this issue, we have introduced the reasons why Amami Oshima was registered as a World Heritage site, points to note about nature conservation, recommended activities, etc. What do you think?
In order to preserve pristine nature for many years to come, each of us should be aware of our own nature-conscious behavior.
This article is an opportunity for you to visit Amami Oshima and actually experience the great nature of Amami!
↓Click here to read the article.
