Menshori, and welcome to Okinoerabu Island! (“Menshori” means “welcome” in the local dialect.)
Okinoerabu Island is often simply called “Erabu” by the locals. Are you already living in Erabu? Or perhaps you’re not living here yet but are interested in the island? These days, many people share on social media like Instagram, but there is still little online information about daily life on Erabu.
That’s why we created this website. It is based on the guidebook for foreign residents, “Easy Island Life Guide: How to Live in Okinoerabu Island,” produced in 2023 by the island’s two towns and local businesses.
- Chinacho Introduction Page: Easy Island Life Guide: How to Live in Okinoerabu Island | Chinacho, Kagoshima *Japanese Only
- Wadomaricho Introduction Page: Wadomaricho / About the Easy Island Life Guide *Japanese Only
To get to know Erabu and enjoy living here, we will introduce the basics of island life.
What are the population and area?
As of 2025, over 11,000 people live on Erabu, making it the third most populous among the eight Amami Islands, after Amami Oshima and Tokunoshima. With an area of 93.63 km², it ranks 21st among Japan’s 417 inhabited remote islands, making it relatively large. There are large supermarkets and an airport, and many people say they moved here because it is easy to live with its rich natural environment—including sea, mountains, rivers, and caves—and convenient daily life.
There are 9 elementary schools, 4 junior high schools, and 1 high school. The island’s circumference is 55.8 km, so it takes about two hours to drive around the island without many stops.
More about Okinoerabu Island | ritokei (Remote Island Economic Newspaper) *Japanese Only
One island, two towns
Erabu consists of two towns: “Chinacho” on the west side, and “Wadomaricho” on the east side. Chinacho is home to Mt. Oyama, the island’s highest peak at 240 meters, and Shoryudo Cave, one of the top tourist attractions in the Amami Islands. Wadomaricho has the airport and Wadomari Port and Inen Port, which connect the island to Kagoshima and Okinawa. The island features a long, east-west shape.
What is a “Aza” (Administrative District)?
An “Aza” is a local settlement unit smaller than a town. There are 21 azas in each of China Town and Wadomari Town, making a total of 42 azas on the island. Each aza has a district leader and several committee members, forming a community association that organizes events and participates in island-wide activities like the town sports festivals as a team.
The size of each aza varies, ranging from a few dozen to several hundred people. Participating in activities like community clean-ups, local events, or joining a team for the sports festival is a good way to connect and settle into life in your aza.
Each aza has its own characteristics—some are close to the sea, others to the mountains; some are filled with farmland, while others are more commercial. These differences influence not only the landscape, but also the local history and the temperament of the people. It’s hard to describe the character of each aza in a single phrase, but if you’re considering moving to the island, asking locals which aza matches your ideal lifestyle can help you find a comfortable place to live.
No matter where you live, learning about the history and notable figures of your aza through local publications can help foster community connections (this is the author’s personal opinion).
What’s the Climate Like?
Like Okinawa and the other Amami islands, Erabu belongs to a subtropical climate zone and is warm and humid. While it is officially part of Kagoshima Prefecture, its weather feels closer to Okinawa’s than Kagoshima’s.
In fact, weather forecasts for Okinawa are often more accurate than those for Kagoshima when it comes to what you’ll actually experience on the island. Compared to mainland Japan (excluding Okinawa), temperature fluctuations are smaller. Here’s an overview of the seasons:
- May–June: Rainy Season (Tsuyu)
This is a period of heavy rain and high humidity, which often leads to mold. For prevention tips, refer to How to prevent mold and insects. - July–September: Summer (Typhoon Season)
Typhoons frequently occur, and some years may bring major damage, including power outages lasting several days. Be sure to prepare thoroughly.
While travel to and from the island may be difficult, it’s also a season that fosters community cooperation and improves disaster preparedness.
See What to do when a typhoon comes for tips. - December–February: Winter
Surrounded by open sea, strong northern winds can make it feel chilly. It doesn’t snow, but wind protection is important.
Since temperatures are higher than on the mainland, just wearing a windbreaker to block the wind can surprisingly keep you warm (individual experience may vary). - March–April: Spring
A warm and pleasant season. As the “Island of Flowers,” this is when Erabu truly shines.
Typhoons are rare in this period, making it a great time for sightseeing and a favorite season for many.
What is Okinoerabu Island Known For?
When people think of Okinoerabu Island, they often picture its crystal-clear, emerald-blue seas. The island is also famous for agricultural products such as Erabu lilies, potatoes, sugarcane, and mangoes. Thanks to its geological formation as an uplifted coral reef island, it has between 200 and 300 caves. These allow for various experiences such as walking through Shoryudo Cave (about a 30-minute walk) or more adventurous caving tours.
Other highlights include diving and snorkeling, whale watching (especially common between January and February), and sea turtles, which can be spotted throughout the year, especially on sunny days.