The Charm of Yoron Island, the Pearl of the Orient - There is an island I want to visit with you, and an ocean I want to show you -

JAL Hometown Ambassador [Amami Islands] Mochiki

Hello everyone! I'm Mochiki, a flight attendant and JAL Hometown Ambassador for the Amami Islands. This may seem sudden, but did you know that there is an island in the Amami Islands in Kagoshima Prefecture that is called "There is an island I want to go to with you, there is a sea I want to show you"? I would like to introduce you to this island that attracts people with its dazzling white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and a relaxed atmosphere where time flows by.

There's an island I want to go to with you, there's an ocean I want to show you

"There's an island I want to go to with you, there's an ocean I want to show you." If one day your precious family member, partner or friend invited you on a trip like this, which island and what kind of scenery would you imagine?

Yoron Island in Kagoshima Prefecture is also known as the "Pearl of the Orient." Located about 563km south of Kagoshima and 23km north of Okinawa's main island, Yoron Island is a small island surrounded by coral reefs and is an uplifted coral reef with a circumference of about 23km. The island boasts some of the clearest waters in the Amami Islands and a dazzling white beach landscape, making it an island full of charm that will make you want to tell your loved ones, "There's an island I want to go to with you, and there's a sea I want to show you."

Yoron Island can be accessed by plane and ferry, with JAL Group flights operating daily from Kagoshima Airport, Amami Airport, and Naha Airport (as of November 11, 2022).

Introducing the island's charming scenery that you'll want to share with your loved ones

What kind of scenery would make you want to tell your loved one, "I want to go with you" or "I want to show you"? We will introduce you to some of the beautiful scenery on the island.

This is Oganeku Beach. This beach is the longest on Yoron Island, and is popular for swimming, featuring white sand and shallow waters. There are campsites, toilets, and marine services nearby, making it a great beach for enjoying summer activities.

Accessible from Oganeku Beach is the mystical beach "Yurigahama," located about 1.5km offshore and appearing only at low tide from mid tide to spring tide from spring to autumn. As you board a boat and sail through the emerald blue ocean, a pure white sandy beach suddenly appears. When you step off the beach, you will be greeted by a view that will make you feel as if you are in heaven. Of course, the water seen from the beach is also incredibly clear.

Oganeku Beach/Yurigahama Beach

Of course, the sea is not the only way to enjoy the island. Be sure to look up at the sky at night. Yoron Island has no tall buildings or mountains, and there are few city lights, so you can see the stars beautifully. Why not take a break from your busy days on Yoron Island and take some time to look at the starry sky that spreads out in nature?

A full marathon event where participants run while taking in the beautiful ocean and supported by the cheers of the islanders and local specialties

The 30th Yoron Marathon 2023 will be held on Sunday, November 19, 2023 in Yoron Island. Due to the impact of COVID-19, this will be the first time the event has been held in four years.

The full marathon involves two laps around the 23.7km island, while the half marathon involves one lap. The island is surrounded by sparkling emerald green seas and has many scenic spots that will make you want to stop and take a look, and along the course, the entire island population, from children to the elderly, cheers on the runners.

Another thing to enjoy is the specialty dishes made with local ingredients at each water station. The time limit is set long, at 7 hours for the full marathon and 5 hours for the half marathon, making this a marathon that even beginners and women can enjoy.

*For details about past tournaments, please see this On Trip JAL article.
https://ontrip.jal.co.jp/kyushu/17312347

[Contact Information] Yoron Island Office, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division

Experience the charm of the island by riding! A slightly different way to enjoy the island

Did you know that next February, Yoron Island will be hosting an event that will allow you to experience the island's charms in a slightly different way than usual? The event is the "Yoron SHIMA RUN Campaign," where you can enjoy running and sightseeing. (Held from February 1st to February 28th, 2023) During the campaign period, if you run the Yoron Marathon course at any time, you will receive special coupons that can be used for food and activities.

For an entry fee of 5,000 yen, you will receive a 5,000 yen coupon and an original SHIMA RUN T-shirt when you arrive. In addition, you will be given an original SHIMA RUN bib number and a course map so that you can enjoy running on the Yoron Marathon course. Why not take this opportunity to feel the breeze of Yoron Island and experience its charms in a healthy way?
Entry is required for participation. If you would like to participate, please apply in advance via the following URL.
https://runnet.jp/cgi-bin/?id=309795 (Online applications close on Tuesday, December 20, 2022)

[Contact Information] Yoron Marathon Executive Committee Secretariat (Yoron Town Hall, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division)

Recommended souvenirs

Did you know about the attractions and events of Yoron Island? When you visit the island, why not invite your loved ones to your next trip to Yoron along with some souvenirs from Yoron Island, telling them "There's an island I want to go to with you, and there's an ocean I want to show you"? Here we will introduce some recommended souvenirs from Yoron Island.

Pickled papaya

There are various types, such as pickled in soy sauce, turmeric, and miso. Pickled papaya grown on the island. The sweet and spicy flavor goes well with ochazuke and sake. It is also used in the local dish "chicken rice."

[Retailer] Yoron Folk Village

Moringa Foods and Millet Vinegar

Moringa contains 90 kinds of rich nutrients and is loved as the "Tree of Life." There is a wide lineup of Moringa products, including supplements, tea, and Moringa noodles. The chewy Moringa noodles can also be used as a substitute for pasta, making them a popular souvenir.

Kibi-zu is made from sugarcane, fermenting the juice in a jar and letting it mature for a long time. It is a traditional fermented food made from yeast and acetic acid bacteria found naturally on Yoron Island. It has been featured on television and has become a hot topic.

[Sales store] Suncoral

Yoron Island Highball

"Yoron Island Highball" is a new product made with brown sugar shochu from Arimura Shuzo, the only sake brewery on Yoron Island. Brown sugar shochu is a type of shochu that can only be produced in the Amami Islands, and is characterized by its sweet aroma and mellow richness. "Yoron Island Highball" uses aged brown sugar shochu "Shima Arisen" from Arimura Shuzo, making it easy to drink and with a fragrant aroma.

[Sold by] Arimura Sake Brewery Co., Ltd.

Yoron Island Beef Curry

This ready-made curry is made with Japanese black beef raised on Yoron Island. The demi-glace sauce is rich in flavor, making it a taste that can be enjoyed by anyone, from children to the elderly. It's reasonably priced and makes a great souvenir! It's sold at supermarkets and souvenir shops on the island.

[Seller] Yoron Island Beef Office

"Totoganasi" is a word that has long been treasured by the people of the island.

Yoron Island is full of charm, with an expansive sea that you'll want to visit with your loved ones and show to them. Finally, I'd like to introduce a word that is said on this island: "Totoganashi."

"Totouga nashi" means "Thank you" in the Yoron Island dialect. It is said to mean a feeling of helpless attraction, love that is irresistible, and a sad emotion, and the people of the island use this word to express their gratitude. When expressing heartfelt gratitude, they also say "Missiku Totouga nashi." "Totouga nashi (Thank you)" is just one word, but when you understand the deep meaning that is contained in this one word, you will understand why the people of the island have cherished this word and preserved it until now.
"There is an island I want to go to with you, and a sea I want to show you." Why not visit Yoron Island with your loved ones, thinking of them?

Reference: Quoted from the Yoron Dialect Dictionary
1: Thank you. This is a word used to express gratitude to someone.
2. Anakashiko. The first word recited when praying or worshiping (to God).