Introducing the Islands of Amami
An island that heals you from within
Yoronjima Yoron Island
The beautiful “Yoron Blue,” woven by sea and sky, gradually transforms into crimson sunsets and a sky filled with countless stars.A gentle, smile-filled time shaped by a culture that has grown alongside nature and the kindness of the island’s people.Memories of time spent on this small island continue to glow deep within your heart, like a story you will never forget.
ROUTE MAP Route map
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To Yoron Island, a Tropical Paradise
How to Access by Ferry
You can reach Yoron by ferry from Naha Port,
from Motobu Port in northern Okinawa—now in the spotlight as a World Natural Heritage area with a major theme park—and of course from the Amami islands.
The moment Yoron comes into view from the ferry,
the beautiful Yoron Blue sea and the charming small island scenery will take your breath away, marking the beginning of a joyful journey.
#2
Yoron Blue vistas that captivate travelers
The miracle of Yurigahama, a phantom sandbar seen only at low tide
Yoron floats on southern seas like a pearl, ringed in emerald water—often called a "once-in-a-lifetime" island.
Uplifted coral white sand and clear shallow sea shimmer with blue sky into Yoron Blue.
On full-moon low tides, the phantom bar Yurigahama appears.
Step on white sand offshore—like walking into paradise. "Star sand" in the shore; legend says gather grains equal to your age for happiness—a romantic touch for travelers.
#3
Play in coral-reef blessings and swim with sea turtles
Marine activities on Yoron Island
Yoron’s seas offer a wide range of marine activities you expect in the tropics.
Dive into clear water to explore coral reefs with colorful tropical fish, and if you are lucky you may even see sea turtles gliding by. Beginners can peek underwater with snorkeling or introductory diving. Certified divers love adventurous spots like the mysterious “Underwater Palace” and the 55-meter shipwreck dive “Shipwreck Amami.” Enjoy a stroll on Yoron Blue with SUP or sea kayaking, play marine sports on white-sand beaches, and spend the whole day with the sea—an experience that feels uniquely Yoron.
#4
The Milky Way, the Southern Cross, shooting stars across the sky…
This is Yoron, the “island wrapped in stars”
With no tall mountains or buildings, Yoron feels wide open to the sky. When night falls, it becomes a natural planetarium: the Milky Way is vivid to the naked eye, and this is also the northern limit where you can observe the Southern Cross.
Yoron Town works island-wide to reduce light pollution to protect the starry sky, and in 2021 a Ministry of the Environment survey named it Japan’s best place to see stars.
It is also Japan’s northernmost location to spot the Southern Cross; when conditions align, you may see it glittering near the horizon—an unforgettable sight. Lie back on the sand under a canopy of stars for awe beyond words. Night tours with local stargazing guides are popular, letting you listen to constellation stories on a romantic evening.
The sheer number of stars—never visible in the city—feels like floating in space, a quiet, luxurious light-art opposite neon skylines.
Video View Stargazing Tours with Guides
#5 A cultural crossroads where Satsuma, Amami, and Ryukyu converge.An intellectual journey into the island’s identity.
Yoron belongs to Kagoshima’s Amami Islands, yet lies close to Okinawa geographically, blending Satsuma and Amami culture with Ryukyuan influences in its own style.
At “Yoron Folklore Village,” thatched houses have been relocated and preserved, offering a nostalgic glimpse of the island as it once was. Hands-on traditions such as Basho-fu weaving and plant dyeing, shared with island residents, become trip highlights that sightseeing alone cannot provide—moments that quietly warm your heart.
To learn the island’s history, visit the Southern Cross Center on its highest hill. From the top floor you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama stretching to Okinawa’s main island and neighboring Okinoerabu, while exhibits on nature, history, and daily tools connect you with the wisdom of those who came before—a place to feel Yoron’s past, present, and surrounding scenery all at once.
#6
Island flavors from Yoron’s nature
“Yoron Kenpo” tradition and the local dish “Mishijimai”
Yoron’s cuisine overflows with “only-here” flavors nurtured by uplifted coral nature and island climate.
Enjoy rich island-raised Yoron beef and Amami black quail, fresh fish, green turban shells, and mozuku. Tropical fruits ripened in sea breezes and sun—mango, dragon fruit, passion fruit—and island vegetables such as green papaya and tender green beans are unforgettable.
Unique specialties include “Moringa noodles” with superfood moringa, celebratory “Mishijimai,” and “Shimayusen” awamori loved at Yoron Kenpo—tastes woven on the island that welcome travelers.
Yoron’s food is a feast that carries the island’s kindness and abundance straight to your table.
Yoron Island Meats
Amami Black Guinea Fowl
Raised in Amami’s unique climate and carefully controlled farming methods, it offers safe, high-quality meat with deeply concentrated flavor.
Yoron Beef
This premium Japanese Black wagyu is carefully raised over a long period by dedicated cattle farmers on Yoron Island. Highly acclaimed by meat experts, it is an exceptionally high-quality beef.
Yoron Island Seafood
Seafood
Enjoy fresh, delicious fish—colorful reef fish and spiny lobster from a tropical island surrounded by the sea.
Mozuku and Processed Products
Find creative menus featuring mozuku in soba, tofu, tsukudani, and more.
Turban Shell
Turban shells have long been treasured by locals—the meat enjoyed as food and the shells used as materials for ornaments.
Fruits and Vegetables of Yoron Island
Mango
A classic tropical fruit loved by all. Grown under abundant sunshine, it boasts a rich aroma and natural sweetness.
Dragon Fruit
There are red-fleshed and white-fleshed varieties. The flesh is soft, mildly sweet, and refreshingly light in flavor.
Passion Fruit
The jelly-like pulp is sweet and tangy, and it’s also delicious when made into juice. One bite releases a refreshing burst of acidity.
Taro
Known locally in Yoron dialect as “Muji,” taro is one of the island’s representative specialty products. The harvest season runs from February to late June.
Green Papaya
The island’s vegetables are rich in antioxidants and are considered beneficial for beauty and overall health. Green papaya is commonly enjoyed stir-fried and in other savory dishes.
Green Beans
Island-grown vegetables nurtured by strong sunlight and sea breezes, offering rich flavor. Tender and naturally sweet, with a fresh, crisp texture.
“Yoron Kenpō,” which colors the island’s evening gatherings, is a unique hospitality ritual that brings travelers and islanders together as one, sharing smiles. The host pours the island’s brown sugar shochu, “Shima Yusen,” into a vermilion cup and offers it to a guest. With a spirited call, the drink is finished in one go, then the cup—filled with heartfelt wishes—is passed to the next person. As the cup circulates through the circle, voices rise and feelings connect, as if wrapped in the island’s quiet magic. With each exchange, distances dissolve and a warmth beyond first meetings is born. Before you know it, you are at the heart of an unforgettable island night, embraced by tropical breezes and laughter.
“Mishijimai,” a traditional dish rooted in Yoron,
is a celebratory rice dish cooked with soy sauce, carrots, burdock, shiitake, and pork.
It has been cherished as “Ammā’s flavor”—a mother’s home taste—for New Year, festivals, and joyful days.
On the island you can join locals to cook Mishijimai together;
the warm aroma, simple gentle flavors,
and time around the meal become special travel memories.
#7 Heavenly accommodations that enhance this tropical paradise. From resort hotels and guesthouses to private rental villas, a diverse lineup awaits.
Yoron Island offers a diverse range of accommodations that feel like a slice of tropical paradise. Many places boast sweeping views of the famous Yoron Blue sea, where you can relax to the gentle soundtrack of waves rolling onto white sandy beaches. Warm island hospitality allows you to experience the island as if you were living there. With an increasing number of private villas and cottages available for exclusive rental, it’s ideal for families and groups seeking a more intimate stay. Each property has its own unique character, making it easy to choose according to your travel style and purpose. Time spent in Yoron’s accommodations is filled with soothing calm and soft island air—by the time you leave, you may find you’ve discovered yet another place you long to return to.
The largest resort hotel on the island. Following its 2023 renovation, guest rooms and restaurants have been transformed into more comfortable and modern spaces. White-and-blue cottages line the property, overlooking the crystal-clear Yoron Blue sea, with breathtaking sunsets best enjoyed from Sunset Beach. With well-equipped facilities including restaurants and a pool, it offers an ideal island stay for families and couples alike.
A private villa limited to one group per day, embraced by the beauty of Yoron Blue. Enjoy exclusive views of the sea and sky stretching before you, and spend extraordinary moments immersed in Yoron’s atmosphere as sunrise, sunset, and starlit skies unfold through the day. With a private beach, homemade sauna, bath facilities, and BBQ space, you can indulge in your own luxurious island time. Surrounded by undisturbed tranquility and the sounds of waves and wind, your heart gently unwinds. Share an unforgettable Yoron night with friends and loved ones.
#8
After enjoying Okinawa,
take the ferry to Yoron Island
After Yoron,
on to Okinoerabu Island
Just a few hours by ferry from Okinawa, Yoron Island is the closest of the Amami Islands to Okinawa’s main island. It’s easily accessible—about 5 hours from Naha and 2.5 hours from Motobu—making it the perfect addition to an Okinawa trip. From Yoron, you can continue north to Okinoerabu Island → Tokunoshima → Amami Oshima, expanding your island-hopping journey. In particular, the ferry ride from Yoron to Okinoerabu takes only about 1.5 hours—short enough that the journey itself becomes part of the adventure. Visit from Okinawa, unwind in Yoron, then continue exploring the Amami Islands. Savoring each island’s unique charm as you cross the southern seas is a privilege unique to ferry travel.
Video Yoron Island Promotional Video
A promotional video showcasing the full range of experiences on Yoron Island, including its beautiful seas, cultural activities, and local cuisine.
A promotional video showcasing the full range of experiences on Yoron Island, including its beautiful seas, cultural activities, and local cuisine.
A promotional video showcasing the full range of experiences on Yoron Island, including its beautiful seas, cultural activities, and local cuisine.
A promotional video showcasing the full range of experiences on Yoron Island, including its beautiful seas, cultural activities, and local cuisine.
A promotional video showcasing the full range of experiences on Yoron Island, including its beautiful seas, cultural activities, and local cuisine.
A promotional video showcasing the full range of experiences on Yoron Island, including its beautiful seas, cultural activities, and local cuisine.
A promotional video showcasing the full range of experiences on Yoron Island, including its beautiful seas, cultural activities, and local cuisine.
A promotional video showcasing the full range of experiences on Yoron Island, including its beautiful seas, cultural activities, and local cuisine.
