Ride through gorgeous forests: the Amami Oshima Route

A short, 29 m-long tunnel on the prefectural road in Tatsugo-cho. Locally it is called the "dragon's eye", because at the moment before the sun sets in spring and autumn, the whole sun perfectly fills the tunnel. 

The sotetsu, or Cycad revoluta, is a species of cycad that grows only in parts of China, southern Kyushu, Amami Oshima and Okinawa. It has long been grown on Amami as a hedge to demarcate properties or as a windbreak, and today it is grown as an ornamental plant. Its pith (nari) is still used today used in the local dishes such as "nari miso."  

One of the "Ten Sights of Amami" in northeast Amami Oshima. This is a fantastic spot to rest with café, toilets and amazing views. From the elevated park, look out at the 180-degree view of the horizon from Cape Kasari at left to Tomori Beach at right. This brings home the majesty of Earth's form. You might even spy whales in winter. This spot is not far from the airport, so if your ride starts from there, make it your first stop.

A heart-shaped rockpool that appears only at low tide. Gaining fans as a lovers' powerspot in recent years, it is also said that romantic wishes will be fulfilled if you save a photo of the rockpool to your phone's lock screen. The best time to view Heart Rock is an hour either side of low tide when the water level is at under 80 cm, and when the sea is calm. This itinerary is gentle and open, but the entrance to Heart Rock is easily missed, so watch for it carefully (then park at carpark and walk).   

These grain storehouses represent ancient architecture, built without the use of a single nail. The thatched part is the storage area and has a structure preventing rats from climbing it. It is a designated heritage of Kagoshima Prefecture.

Come out through the Ryukyu-chiku bamboo to a stunning view over the East China Sea (walk in from carpark). The road into Miyakozaki is hilly and challenging, yet the way scenery unfolds before you clears away all fatigue. With a little luck, you might even see dolphins or whales (in winter).

This park features rental bungalows that face the calm waters of Uchiumi Bay, Sumiyo, Amami City. It is a great place to stop off, with a tourist hub selling tankan orange juice nearby (and renting bikes too), as well as a complex where you can relax in a herb bath.
（Photos: Amami City Sumiyo General Branch Office）

The virgin mangrove forest of Sumiyo is the second-largest in Japan. Mangroves grow in estuarine environments where river waters mix with the sea. Do not miss the grandiose view from the lookout. The photogenic scenes go on and on. You can also explore the waters by canoe.

This is a sunset spot. Looking to the west is most recommended. The road is quite flat until the Funakoshi Beach, so this is a good ride to relax and enjoy the salty breeze. 

A dazzling 800 meter-long stretch of white sand. During spring low tides, a reef stretches out to the horizon. In summer, swimming and snorkelling are all the rage. From above, you can see the "micro atoll," a donut-shaped coral reef.

Facing the Pacific, the action of the heavy waves on stones and sand across millennia have created pebbles. When a wave draws out, the sound of the clashing stones is like a taiko drum. Take a break here, sit down by the shore and listen to the clatter of the stones. The scenery is excellent along the road, peppered with mysterious rocky outcrops and caves.

In Setouchi-cho in the south of Amami Oshima is an outlook over a "heart-shaped view." It is a beautiful view over the clear blue waters of a heart-shaped bay, contrasting with the green of the mountains. It is a popular spot for couples too.