Okinoerabu

Okinoerabu, part of the Amami Islands in Kagoshima, spans ~93.7 km² (20 km long × 7 km wide), with a population near 14,000. It lies about 540 km south of Kyūshū and 60 km north of Okinawa. Much of the island is within Amami Guntō National Park.

Nature & Scenic Spots

Rising coral terrain & mild peaks: The island is an uplifted coral island featuring limestone bedrock. The highest point is Mount Ōyama (246 m). The southern and western coasts are rugged with cliffs and natural limestone caves.
Limestone cave system: Over 200–300 caves formed by underground water erosion; highlights include Shōryūdō (600 m accessible), and Shōryūdō, a designated natural treasure—accessible without gear—along with the famous Shōryūdō and Shōryūdō.
Sea cliffs & sea‑blow caves: Spots like Tanae Misaki Cape and “Fūcha” blow-holes create spectacular ocean-spray shows; accompanied by coral reefs and sea turtles.
Subtropical flora: Known as the “Flower Island,” it features fields of Erabu lilies, freesia bulbs, and other blooms.

Culture & Heritage

Ryukyuan‑Okinawan culture: Strong Okinawan influence seen in dialect, folk songs, festivals, and lich-year traditions.
Saigō Takamori exile memory: The celebrated samurai was exiled here in 1862; today, the Nanshū Shrine and memorial commemorate his stay.
Sumiyoshi Shell Midden: A Jōmon–Yayoi period shell midden in China Town and classified as a national historic site.

Economy & Local Living

Agriculture & floriculture: Major in sugar cane, sweet potatoes, coffee, kikurages mushrooms, and vibrant bulbs (e.g., lilies) .
Food & drink: Local specialties include brown sugar (kokutō) shōchū, red‑soil potatoes, sea urchin, erabu coffee.

Activities & Highlights

Caving: Options range from easy Shōryūdō cave walks to 2–5 hr guided expeditions with full gear.
Diving & snorkeling: Clear waters (up to 40 m visibility) offer serene dives with sea turtles amid reefs.
Cycling & scenic drives: Flat roads across red soil fields, coastal cliffs, and eucalyptus groves—perfect for self-guided or guided tours.
Eco‑tours & festivals: Take part in beach clean‑ups, upcycling workshops, or local events like flower-planting and summer port festivals with boat races and bull sumo .

Access & Transport

Flights: Served by Okinoerabu Airport (OKE) with connections to Kagoshima (≈1h40m), Amami (≈35m), Tokunoshima, and Okinawa via regional carriers JAL/JAC.
Ferries: Ships call at Wadomari and China ports from Kagoshima, Amami, Okinawa, and Kobe/Osaka (long-distance).
Island transport: Best explored by rental car, taxi, or bike; public buses limited. Wi‑Fi hotspots available in airport and ports.