Scenic beaches blessed with Okinawa views and Kagoshima culture
Clownfish swim about as your glass-bottom boat zips over Yoron’s pristine waters out to the “disappearing beach.” Ahhhh, heaven. Secluded sandbars accent the paradise life that awaits at Yoron Island, a beautifully remote part of southern Japan with white-sand beaches and lively festival culture. Yoron is actually part of Kagoshima Prefecture, despite being 600 kilometers from Kagoshima City.
Kagoshima is perhaps most well known outside of Japan for its UNESCO World Heritage Site of Yakushima Island. While Yakushima is renowned for its hiking, waterfalls, and wildlife, Yoron Island is its more southern, relaxed counterpart. Located much closer to Japan’s main tropical getaway, Okinawa, than Kagoshima, the island makes a point to celebrate the many nuances of both cultures. Just 5,000 locals live in this subtropical climate that sees hot summers and mild winters. Another local vibe to the island is that the native language is known as “Yunnu Futuba,” according to the Yoron Island Tourism Association. While it is close to Japanese, it actually contains a larger range of sounds.
As part of the Amami Island chain, Yoron is surrounded by coral reefs. In addition to being an ideal subtropical getaway, this island features some offbeat attractions and activities, including a quasi-Greek village, a station to nowhere and a traditional drinking style. There are plenty of places to stay on the island.
Kagoshima is perhaps most well known outside of Japan for its UNESCO World Heritage Site of Yakushima Island. While Yakushima is renowned for its hiking, waterfalls, and wildlife, Yoron Island is its more southern, relaxed counterpart. Located much closer to Japan’s main tropical getaway, Okinawa, than Kagoshima, the island makes a point to celebrate the many nuances of both cultures. Just 5,000 locals live in this subtropical climate that sees hot summers and mild winters. Another local vibe to the island is that the native language is known as “Yunnu Futuba,” according to the Yoron Island Tourism Association. While it is close to Japanese, it actually contains a larger range of sounds.
As part of the Amami Island chain, Yoron is surrounded by coral reefs. In addition to being an ideal subtropical getaway, this island features some offbeat attractions and activities, including a quasi-Greek village, a station to nowhere and a traditional drinking style. There are plenty of places to stay on the island.
