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Tokunoshima Island / Hetono Port
Tokunoshima is the second largest of the Amami Islands. The island is known as “the island of longevity.” Tokunoshima produces more sugar cane than any other island in Japan. This key agricultural product is vital to local people, who live slow, laidback lives surrounded by nature. They can often be heard humming traditional island songs (shimauta), which are a mix of Amami and Okinawa music. Every year, lively events, including bull fighting competitions and a triathlon, bring out their passionate spirit.
Port details
| Length | 220ｍ |
| Water Depth | 9ｍ |
| Maximum Gross Tonnage | 26,594ｔ |
Major Port in Tokunoshima island
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Kametoku Port
Regular ferry Kagoshima course
Along the Kagoshima Route, which connects Kagoshima Shinko Port and the main island of Okinawa, ships traveling both directions call daily at Tokunoshima’s Kametoku Port. The travel time from Okinawa Port to Tokunoshima is about 9.5 hours, while the travel time from Kagoshima Shinko Port to Tokunoshima is about 15 hours. -
Hetono Port
Regualr ferry Kikai course
The Kikai Route, which connects Kagoshima and Kikaijima, makes a stop at Tokunoshima’s Hetono Port roughly 19 hours after departing Kagoshima Shinko Port. There are departures from Kagoshima every week, Monday to Friday, with arrivals at Tokunoshima on the following day (Tuesday to Saturday).
BULL SUMO
Tokunoshima has a long history of bullfighting. The handlers spend every moment they can with the bulls, developing a close relationship. You could see their usual lives.
Must to visit
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Kanami Village
Amazin nature of Kanami village in Tokunoshima island attract seaturtles and hrmit crabs to come back for their hatching.
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Agon 300-Year-Old Banyan Tree and Bungalow Stone Fences
This beautiful specimen of gajumaru (banyan) is the oldest and largest tree on the island.
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Mushiroze
Mushiroze is the name for a granite coastline, which can be found on the northwestern tip of Tokunoshima. Rock formations here offer magnificent scenery that is quite rare in southern Japan. -
In-no-joufuta
Tokunoshima’s East China Sea coastline is spotted with cliffs and oddly shaped rocks that have been created by years of natural erosion of coral reef. -
Cape Inutabu
Cape Inutabu is a triangular Ryukyu limestone cliff jutting out into the sea.
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Amami Rabbit Observation Hut
Video cameras installed near the hut and around the adjacent Nanbu Dam capture footage of the rabbits, which is screened in the hut.
Over a cup of Tokunoshima Coffee
Miyade coffee has adopted a semi-forest farming method by planting trees within the forest. This method of farming encourages harmony with the surrounding environment without cutting down natural plants. It also excludes the use of vast amounts of pesticides that could prove detrimental to the area’s ecosystem. Projects for complete organic coffee production within Japan are extremely rare.
Tokunoshima, an island that uplifts the spirit
Tokunoshima is an island known for its fertility and longevity. Local people have a deep attachment to their children and believe that children are a gift for everyone to treasure. The entire island community, therefore, is involved in helping raise the local children.
Let's have fun in Tokunoshima Island
Feel Tokunoshima in Kagoshima city
Step into the convenience store「Futoshi Shoten」 in office area in Kagoshima city. That store run by mom and dad from Tokunoshima is also izakaya serving Tokunoshima dish and culture.
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