Ama Town
Esteeming the old, welcoming the new.
Although space is limited on these volcanic islands, the locals have been able to cultivate their fields by skillfully taking advantage of the benefits of the terrain.
The culture of accepting that which comes from the past is deeply rooted, evident in the local admiration for the retired Emperor Go-Toba, who was once exiled to these islands. The town of Ama has a population of about 2,300 and is famous for Entô, a hub and a place to stay in the Oki Islands UNESCO Global Geopark*.
Other tourist attractions include a restaurant where visitors can enjoy premium Oki beef at relatively reasonable prices; Oki Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Go-Toba; and Heart Rock on Akiya Coast, which is rumored to bring luck in love because the rock’s central hollow resembles a heart shape.
*A geopark is an area recognized for its geological value, in which efforts are ongoing to protect the ecosystem and unique culture of the area as well as contributing to education and sustainable development. The Oki Islands are recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark. (See here for more informationThis will open in a new tab.)
