Blooming flowers on the coral earth, Abundant nature and culture
Kikaijima, a rare island with an uplifted coral reef that continues to rise even today.
The coral, which has become the land of the island over the ages, has been watching over the rich nature and human history. The clear sea and the wind passing through the sugarcane fields. Ruins that tell the stories of ancient culture and historic sites that mark human activities. The black sugar shochu of Asahi Shuzo, which cannot be created without both nature and culture, is cradled by the coral earth, awaiting its awakening.
Hawaii Beach
The locals once called this beach "Annyadumari," but after a man who had returned from Hawaii remarked, "This sea is as beautiful as Hawaii," it began to be known as "Hawaii." The sea appears in multiple shades of color, and table corals inhabit the area, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling.
Remains of the Battle Command Post
A reinforced concrete underground bunker built by the Miyamoto Unit (Construction Unit) during the Pacific War. The roof served as a lookout post, and during the war, the entire structure was covered with sand to avoid detection by enemy aircraft. The scars from the bombings at that time remain visible, allowing visitors to see and feel the horrors of war.
Kikai Island's Highest Point (Nanishima Nose)
Used as a paragliding takeoff site, this is the closest place to the sky on Kikai Island, with the highest point being 211.962 meters. During the war, a radar detection unit was stationed here to quickly detect approaching enemy aircraft and report to combat units. The remains of the communication station still exist. The view from here is spectacular, with the Pacific Ocean to the east and the East China Sea to the west.
Sugira Beach
A popular swimming spot utilizing a natural inlet. Surrounded by coral reefs, the waves are calm, allowing for swimming throughout the day regardless of the tides. One of the attractions is being able to swim while watching the sunset over Amami Oshima, visible offshore. Besides swimming, you can also enjoy barbecues, ground golf, and camping. The island's biggest event, the 'Summer Festival,' held every August, attracts many people.
Muchakana Park
This park is named after the "Muchakana Bushi," one of the representative songs of Amami folk music. At the beginning of the Edo period, a monument was erected here in memory of "Uratomi and Muchakana," a mother and daughter who led a tragic life and met a sorrowful end due to the daughter's extraordinary beauty.
Araki Walkway
On the west side of the island, a 2.2 km walkway weaves between the coastline of the Nakazato area and the coral reef inlet, extending near the Araki fishing port. You can see various shapes of coral reefs and clusters of plants formed over a long period. The walkway is so enchanting and offers such beautiful sunset views that the islanders affectionately call it the "Sunset Walkway." You may even witness the breathtaking sight of dolphins leaping against the backdrop of the setting sun.
Sugarcane Road
An approximately 3 km long straight road that stretches through endless sugarcane fields and a vast sky. It is also used as a location for movies and TV shows. Just like this road, we want to move forward with a straightforward heart. For some reason, travelers love to jump here.
Giant Banyan Tree
It is estimated to be over 100 years old. Looking up from below, the branches stretch out to cover the sky, and the 16-meter girth of the trunk is impressive. This is the island's top power spot, filled with mysterious energy. Normally, branches would break under their own weight at this size, but surrounding trees support the branches, and the tree grows from a large rock, with aerial roots concentrated around the trunk, creating a miraculous balance.
Hyakunotai Park
An elevated area of uplifted coral reef at an altitude of 203 meters, located in the central part of Kikai Island. From the observation deck, the first thing you notice is the rounded horizon, making you realize the Earth's curvature. Below, the leveled sugarcane fields and the emerald-shining coral reef sea spread out, offering a breathtaking view. About 120,000 years ago, this area was underwater. It is one of the ten scenic spots of Amami.
