Understand

Yoron - A Serene Island Paradise Tucked away in Japan's Amami and Okinawan archipelagos, Yoron is a tiny island paradise. Covering a mere 20 square kilometers, it exudes the charm of a tranquil rural village surrounded by endless ocean waves. Chabana, the main population center, is nestled on the island's western side near the small airport and ferry port. While Yoron's tourism primarily caters to Japanese visitors, its allure can captivate anyone seeking an authentic island experience. Although luxury hotels may be scarce compared to larger islands, Yoron compensates with its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, painting a picture-perfect postcard view. If you're longing for vibrant nightlife or a myriad of activities, Yoron might not be the ideal choice. However, if your heart yearns for a peaceful getaway where you can bask in the serenity of untouched beaches and azure oceans, Yoron holds the key to your well-kept secret retreat.

Get in

Round trip ferries from Kagoshima City's south port offer an exhilarating journey to the Amami Islands and Okinawa. You can hop on these ferries by Marix and A-Line, both reliable ferry companies that provide excellent service. The fare to Yoron from Kagoshima City is approximately 13,000 yen. Keep in mind that there may be occasional ferries to other parts of Japan, such as Osaka. Ferry departures may vary, but here is an example schedule to give you an idea: Depart from Kagoshima at 18:00 and arrive at Yoron the next day by 13:40. From there, continue your adventure to Okinawa at 14:00. On the return journey, ferries arrive at Yoron from Okinawa at 11:45 and depart for Kagoshima at 12:10, arriving the next day at 8:30. Once you arrive at the port, the walk to most accommodations is quite significant, but fear not, it adds to the charm of the rural surroundings. However, if skipping the walk is more your style, you can always arrange for a taxi ride. Minami Taxi (tel. 97-3331) and Taiyo Taxi (tel. 97-2161) are the reliable taxi companies serving the area. For those seeking faster travel options, Yoron also boasts an airport with connections to Amami Oshima, Okinoerabujima, Naha (Okinawa), and Kagoshima. Do keep in mind that flights can be pricier.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Sushi: Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of vinegared rice served with various toppings, typically fish or seafood. The rice is usually accompanied by a small piece of nori (seaweed) and sometimes features a dab of wasabi, pickled ginger, or soy sauce. There are many variations, including nigiri (hand-pressed sushi), maki (rolled sushi), and sashimi (slices of raw fish).

Ramen: Ramen is a widely popular soup dish in Japan that includes Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a meat or fish-based broth. It is often garnished with ingredients such as pork, dried seaweed, menma (fermented soybean paste), scallions, and miso paste. The dish can be found in various styles, including tonkotsu (pork bone broth), shoyu (soy sauce broth), and miso.

Tempura: Tempura is a deep-fried dish where seafood, vegetables, or mushrooms are battered and then cooked in hot oil. The light, crispy batter turns golden brown and creates a contrast with the soft textures of the ingredients inside. Traditional tempura elements include shrimp, sweet potato, pumpkin, spinach, and green beans. It is typically served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, Mirin, and dashi.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing