The Complete Guide to Getting to Shinoho Falls | A Detailed Explanation of Access and Highlights

What is Shinoho Falls?
Amami Oshima’s Stunning Sea-Feed Waterfall

In this column, we’ll explore the scenic spots on Amami Oshima, “Shinohō Falls"We'll explain the appeal of [...], as well as how to get there, in an easy-to-understand way."

It covers everything from how to get there to the best time of year to visit, so please use it to help plan your trip.

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

Basic Information on Shinoho Falls

First, let’s look at the location and features of Shinoho Falls, as well as the scenery that changes with the seasons.Basic InformationLet's take a look at them.

↓Click here to read the article.

4 Spectacular Waterfall Spots on Amami Oshima Island｜Healing Waterfall Tour Guide to Experience the Galapagos of the East  What is Amami Oshima Island? Amami Oshima is a nature-rich resort island located between Kagoshima and Okinawa prefectures, and boasts a unique ecosystem that has earned it the nickname "the Galapagos of the East. The island boasts a spectacular natural environment with beautiful waterfalls, subtropical forests, white sandy beaches and blue ocean [...].

Location/Address

Shinoho Falls isKagoku, Setouchi Town, Oshima District, Kagoshima PrefectureIt is located on the Pacific side of Amami Oshima.

This waterfall is located at the mouth of the Shinoho River, which originates at Torigamine in Setouchi Town, and features a rare geological formation where the water flows directly from a sheer cliff into the sea.

Access by land is difficult, andOnly by boatIt's known as a hidden gem that you can actually reach.

Elevation Difference and Characteristics

Shinoho Falls isAbout 30 meters dropIt is said to be one of the largest waterfalls in the Amami Islands.

The landscape created by the Pacific Ocean’s rugged cliffs and waterfalls is a sight of breathtaking grandeur that is rarely seen anywhere else.

Since you can't see it from land, the sense of exclusivity that only visitors can experience is one of its charms.

Scenery That Changes Between Low Tide and High Tide

Shinoho Falls isLow tide and high tideOne of its defining features is how its expression changes completely.

At low tide, the water from the waterfall flows onto the sandy beach, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

On the other hand, at high tide, the waterfall flows directly into the sea, creating a truly spectacular sight, so we recommend timing your visit accordingly.

How to Get to Shinoho Falls

Since the only way to get to Shinoho Falls is by boat, you need toHow to accessIt's a good idea to check this just to be sure.

Access from Koniya Port

The starting point for the hike to Shinoho Falls is in Setouchi Town’sKoninoya PortIt is.

It takes about 1 hour and 53 minutes by car from Amami Airport, and about 1 hour and 18 minutes from Naze New Port.

By boat from Koniya PortApprox. 30 min.You'll arrive near Shinoho Falls in about that long.

Access by Water Taxi

For those who want to view Shinoho Falls from the ocean,Water TaxiWe recommend chartering one.

Since the boat can't set sail when the sea is rough, the key is to choose a day with good weather when making your reservation.

The view of the rocky cliffs facing the Pacific Ocean along the way is another highlight.

How to Book a Tour Through a Marine Shop

If you'd like to get closer to the waterfall or try going ashore,Tours Offered by the Marine ShopWe recommend using it.

Since you'll be traveling by boat with a guide, even first-time visitors can feel at ease as they experience the sheer power of the waterfall up close.

There are also packages that include snorkeling, so be sure to check those out, too.

The Best Time to Visit Shinoho Falls

To fully enjoy Shinoho Falls, here are the recommended seasons to visit, as well asimportant pointto introduce you to the following.

Best Time of Year

The best time to visit Shinoho Falls is when the ocean tends to be calm.Spring through FallThis is the time of year for

During the summer, the water is crystal clear, making it the perfect spot for anyone who wants to combine snorkeling with their visit.

Please note that tours may be canceled in winter because the sea tends to get rough due to northerly winds.

Be Aware of Weather and Sea Conditions

On days when the sea is rough, boats cannot sail to Shinoho Falls, so it is impossible to visit.

When planning a trip,Flexible scheduleIt's reassuring to have one on hand.

It's also a good idea to check the latest sea conditions in advance with the marine shop where you've made a reservation.

Things to Enjoy Along with Shinoho Falls
Activities on Amami Oshima

Since you're making the trip to Amami Oshima, other than Shinoho Falls,ActivitiesWhy not give this a try, too?

Canoeing at Kuroshio no Mori Mangrove Park

Located in Sumiyo TownKuroshio Forest Mangrove ParkYou can take a canoe ride through the pristine mangrove forest.

It’s a rare opportunity to observe one of Japan’s largest mangrove forests up close.

There are many tours that are easy for beginners to join, and they're popular with families.

Click here for recommended plans ↓↓.

Amami Oshima/Half day] Private tour limited to one group☆Enjoy the nature of Amami with mangrove canoeing, mysterious waterfalls, and a forest of giant beanstalks《0-Year-old, photo included》（No.211開始時間9:00 / 14:00所要時間3.5 hours10,200 yen

Amami Oshima/2 hours] Fully chartered mangrove canoe experience☆Mysterious scenery in the nature 《0-Year-old participants OK》 (No.212)開始時間9:00 - 11:00 / 14:00 - 16:00所要時間2 hrs.6,600 yen

Amami Oshima/3 hours] Fully chartered mangrove canoe experience☆Mysterious scenery in the midst of nature 《0-Year-old participants OK》（No.213開始時間9:00-12:00 / 14:00-17:00所要時間3 hours7,800 yen

Snorkeling and Diving

The sea of Amami Oshima isHigh transparency...You can observe colorful coral reefs and tropical fish.

The snorkeling package, which includes a tour of Shinoho Falls, is also very popular.

Various marine shops also offer introductory diving experiences for beginners.

Snorkeling tours on Amami Oshima Island
Click here to see the popularity ranking

↓Recommended spots on Amami Oshima
Click here for our snorkeling plans↓

Amami Oshima Island/1 day】Snorkeling & mangrove canoeing with sea turtle encounter rate of 98% (with pickup and drop-off, shower and other facilities) (No.31)開始時間Negotiable所要時間Approx. 8 hours14,000 yen →directional marker or indicator13,000suffix for names of swords, armour, musical instruments, etc.

Amami Oshima Island/2 hours】Snorkel with sea turtles on the beach☆Photographs taken will be given away on the spot! All you need to bring is your swimsuit and flip-flops! ＜Shower, changing room, hair dryer and towel are provided.開始時間8:30 / 9:00 / 12:00 / 13:00 / 15:00所要時間Approx. 2 hours6,600 yen

Amami Oshima Island / 2 hours / private tour] The moment of excitement☆Sea turtles snorkeling! Free photo and movie (No.144)開始時間9:00 / 9:30 / 10:00 / 13:30 / 14:00 / 15:00所要時間Approx. 2 hours10,000 yen

Whale Watching (Winter Only)

During the winter, in the waters off Amami,humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)Whales migrate through the area, and whale-watching tours are offered.

Since you can see the spectacular breaching up close, it’s become a highlight of winter trips to Amami.

Please consider this as a unique way to enjoy Amami during the colder months.

Click here for recommended plans ↓↓.

Southern Amami / Winter Only / Half Day] Whale Watching Tour: Meet Humpback Whales! ＜Whale Watching Tour with 90% encounter rate in 2024★(No.88)開始時間2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.所要時間Approx. 3 hours9,800 yen

Amami-Oshima Island/Winter Cruise】Choice of half-day or full-day whale watching tour☆Experience the thrill of seeing humpback whales up close and personal開始時間Half-day course
9:00-12:00 / 13:30-16:30
One-day course
9:00-15:00所要時間Approx. 3 hours / Approx. 6 hours8,800 yen

Amami Oshima Island/Winter Cruise] Whale Watching Tour to see father and daughter whales, and be impressed by the singing whales!開始時間: 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. / 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.所要時間Approx. 4 hours8,800 yen

About Shinoho Falls
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

summary

Shinohō Falls is,Flows directly into the oceanThis is one of Amami Oshima’s most spectacular scenic spots, known for its unique landscape.

Although the only way to get there is by boat, it’s a special experience that’s well worth the trip.

Why not enjoy the natural beauty of Amami Oshima to the fullest by taking part in nearby activities such as mangrove canoeing and snorkeling?

↓Click here to read the article.

A Must-Read for Visitors to Materiya Falls on Amami Oshima! A Complete Guide to Access, Parking, and ToursWhat Is Materiya Falls on Amami Oshima Like? Materiya Falls is a mysterious waterfall nestled in the unspoiled nature of northern Amami Oshima. Plunging through a dense subtropical forest, the waterfall transports visitors to another world. In this column, we’ll explore Materiya Falls’ […]

Thorough explanation of the attraction of Arangachi Falls! Access, parking, and recommended waterfall spots in Amami Oshima are also introduced.What Is Arangachi Falls? A Hidden Gem on Amami Oshima In this column, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to the charms of “Arangachi Falls,” a hidden gem on Amami Oshima—covering everything from access and parking information to recommended spots to view the falls. If you want to fully immerse yourself in the rich nature of Amami Oshima, be sure to […]

Must-Know in Advance! 10 Recommended Popular Activities on Amami OshimaEnjoy the Nature of Amami Oshima Through Hands-On Activities! While touring Amami Oshima’s famous sights is fun, we also recommend experiencing the island’s nature firsthand through a variety of activities. Whether you’re traveling with friends, on your own, or with young children […]