⚠️ Opening hours, prices and access conditions may change without notice, for reasons beyond our control (season, weather, decisions by operators, establishments or local authorities). Before each trip, check the information with the relevant authorities and service providers.
Amami Ōshima: a hire car is the most practical option
Amami Ōshima is large and mountainous, and no road goes all the way round: it takes about 2 hours to drive from north to south. Buses have been infrequent since the route cuts of October 2026, and a hire car remains the freest way to reach beaches, mangroves and the starting points of nature tours. Book early in high season. Drivers from France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Monaco and Taiwan must show an official Japanese translation of their licence, while UK, US and most other drivers need an International Driving Permit (1949 Geneva Convention). At night, drive slowly because of the Amami rabbits.
See offers on DiscoverCars.com →Partner link: if you book through this link, Dem-Tukki earns a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Local company whose office near the airport runs a free shuttle from the terminal. Pick-up and return at the airport or Naze port (the Koniya branch closed in April 2026), from ¥5,390 for a kei mini car and ¥6,710 for a compact.
Official websitekurousagi-rentacar.com→Branch of the national Toyota Rent a Car network, one of the main rental companies in Naze. Bookings are made online on the national website; book early in high season, when there may be no cars left on arrival.
Official websiterent.toyota.co.jp→The island’s main bus company, running the airport, Naze and surrounding routes. Since 1 October 2026 some routes have been cut or run less often: check the timetable before setting off, pay contactless and book some journeys in the ‘Bus Mori’ app.
Official websiteshimabus.co.jp→Naze taxi company, reachable 24 hours a day all year, offering fixed-price sightseeing taxis and chauffeured buses for groups. It accepts Visa and JCB cards as well as PayPay; booking ahead is advisable for an airport arrival.
Official websiteoshimataxi.jp→