Kikaijima
Kikaijima is a small coral‐reef island (56.9 km²) in Kagoshima Prefecture, part of the Amami archipelago, located about 25 km east of Amami Ōshima and some 380 km south of Kyūshū. The island’s highest point reaches just 214 m – mostly flat – and it is renowned for its annually rising limestone plateau: uplifted coral reef that grows at around 2 mm per year, one of the fastest in the world.
Nature & Scenery
Beaches & lagoons: Sugira (Nakazato) Beach, right next to the airport, features calm lagoons ideal for swimming, snorkeling, SUP and family fun. Other seaside gems include Onotsu, Ikeji, and the famous “Hawaii Beach”.
Butterfly hotspot: The warm climate fosters thousands of colorful butterflies, like Chestnut Tiger and Tree Nymph, visible along “Butterfly Road” near Hyakunodai from spring to autumn.
Coral stone walls & banyan trees: Explore Aden Village’s coral walls (used for shade and typhoon defense) and visit the majestic Tekuzuku Banyan Tree (100+ years old, 17 m high, 42 m spread)
Scenic routes: Cycle or drive along the “Sugar Road” through endless sugar cane fields, or ascend to Hyakunodai Observatory (203 m) for panoramic views.
Science & Heritage
Geological treasure: Kikaijima’s uplifted coral reef terraces (formed ~100,000 years ago) were recently recognized as a UNESCO Geological Heritage Site.
Coral reef research hub: The KIKAI Institute for Coral Reef Sciences hosts international researchers studying reefs, sea-level change, and ecological adaptations.
Fossils & tunnels: Explore limestone caves and ancient underground tunnels carved into coral rock.
Economy & Local Flavor
Agriculture: Rich coral soils support sugar cane, citrus (Kikai‑mikan), brown sugar (“kokuto”), and Kikaijima-grown white sesame – Japan’s largest white sesame producer.
Cuisine specialties:
Goat dishes (karajuri, sashimi) from Amami tradition.
Brown sugar treats (gomagashi), sesame dressings/oils, Keraji pepper & island tomatoes.
Local shōchū distilled from kokuto brown sugar.
Access & Getting Around
By air: JAL flights from Kagoshima (~80 min, 2/day) and Amami Ōshima (~20 min, 3/day) .
By ship: Once-daily ferry from Kagoshima (~11 h) and Amami Ōshima (~2 h).
On the island: Rent a car or e-bike (e.g. e‑bike tours ~3.5–7 h start from tourist center) .
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