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Yoron Island: Scenic beaches blessed with Okinawa views and Kagoshima culture

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Clownfish swim about as your glass-bottom boat zips over Yoron’s pristine waters out to the “disappearing beach.” Ahhhh, heaven. 

Secluded sandbars accent the paradise life that awaits at Yoron Island, a beautifully remote part of southern Japan with white-sand beaches and a lively festival culture. Yoron is actually part of Kagoshima Prefecture, despite being 600 kilometers from Kagoshima City. Kagoshima is perhaps most well known outside of Japan for its UNESCO World Heritage Site on Yakushima island. Yakushima is renowned for its hiking, waterfalls and wildlife including deer and monkeys, however, Yoron Island is its more southern, relaxed counterpart.

Local island life

Located much closer to Japan’s main tropical getaway, Okinawa, than Kagoshima, the island makes a point to celebrate the many nuances of both cultures.

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As part of the Amami Island chain, Yoron is surrounded by coral reefs. Just 5,000 locals live in this subtropical climate that sees hot summers and mild winters. Another local vibe to the island is that the native language is known as “Yunnu Futuba,” according to the Yoron Island Tourism Association. While it is close to Japanese, it actually contains a larger range of sounds.

Yurigahama Beach

Yoron Island boasts unreal shorelines with over 60 beaches surrounded by turquoise waters. One of the top reasons Yoron sees visitors is because of its beach that famously disappears — making for one of the most #blessed-able Instagram posts ever. Yurigahama Beach is a unique and enticing reason to make the trek out to this remote island in the East China Sea. Its marine life is ripe for scuba diving and Yoron can accommodate any level of scuba diver.

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© GaijinPot Travel

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