Setouchi Town
Explore Setouchi Town
The Island with the Most Sumo Rings in Japan
Sumo Traditions Passed Down on a World Heritage Island
On Amami Ōshima, a World Natural Heritage island blessed with rich nature, more than 120 sumo rings can be found—making it the island with the greatest number of dohyō in Japan. In Setouchi Town, a warm and deeply rooted sumo culture continues to thrive. Traditions unique to the island, such as the Hōnensai harvest festival, where gratitude is offered to the gods, and the Hatsu‑dohyō ceremony celebrating newborns, are still cherished today.
Since ancient times, sumo has not been merely a sport, but a sacred ritual that prays for bountiful harvests and strengthens the bonds among people. Children and adults gather around the ring, and the entire island becomes filled with excitement during these traditional events. Here in Setouchi Town, you can experience the original landscape of authentic sumo culture—something that exists only in this island community.
Island Community Bonds Through Sumo
Sumo Traditions Alive in Every Settlement
In Setouchi Town, in the southern part of Amami Ōshima, sumo remains a living part of everyday life. Each settlement, surrounded by the rich seas and precious ecosystems of this World Natural Heritage island, still has its own dohyō (sumo ring), where the sport blends naturally into daily rhythms. During community festivals, residents gather around the ring to express gratitude to the gods and to reaffirm the bonds of care and mutual respect that have long shaped island life.
As you visit each shima (settlement), you’ll meet people who continue to protect their traditional ways of living and the surrounding nature. Islanders welcome travelers with warm, openhearted hospitality that makes you feel instantly at ease. Here, dynamic natural landscapes meet the heartfelt traditions nurtured around the dohyō—offering a deeply moving glimpse into the spirit of the island and the people who call it home.
ACCESS
Kagoshima Prefecture / Setouchi Town
Direct Flightapprox. 2h
Carapprox. 1h 30min
Traditional Ceremonies and the Spirit of Sumo
Hōnensai Festival in Yui Settlement
The Hōnensai Festival in Yui Settlement of Setouchi Town is a traditional event held to give thanks to the gods for a bountiful harvest. Alongside August Dance and Furidashi no Mai, both designated as Intangible Folk Cultural Assets of Kagoshima Prefecture, the festival features powerful dedicatory sumo bouts that fill the settlement with excitement. The strong presence of the wrestlers and the cheers of the community create an atmosphere where the island’s unique energy and long‑cherished traditions come vividly to life.
The highlight of the festival is the sumo tournament, where spirited matches unfold and heartwarming scenes emerge—such as the Hatsu‑dohyō ceremony, in which newborns are blessed for healthy growth. In this special space where ancient prayers and community bonds continue to intersect, visitors can experience the profound culture of Amami and the moving intensity that has been passed down through generations.
Crossing the Strait into Island Adventures — Nature at Its Purest
The Only Town in Japan with a Strait
Setouchi Town, known for the stunning “Amami Blue” waters, is the only town in Japan with a strait. Traveling across the strait to the mystical Kakeroma Island has become one of the region’s most popular island experiences. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling and marine activities in breathtaking coastal scenery, savor fresh seafood, and even experience whale watching during the winter season.
On Kakeroma Island, where crystal‑clear waters and untouched nature surround you, a deep sense of tranquility awaits. The strait where whales pass through, the coral reefs alive with vibrant tropical fish—these extraordinary natural wonders offer an immersive experience. Through exceptional marine activities, you can experience the full power of nature, felt in its breathtaking beauty.
One of the Darkest Night Skies in the Country — A Sky Filled with Stars
Japan’s Best Island for Stargazing
In a nationwide survey on night‑sky brightness conducted by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment (FY2024), Setouchi Town ranked first through fourth nationwide, earning its reputation as one of Japan’s premier stargazing destinations. From Honohoshi Coast, Yui‑dake, Yadori Beach, to Kōchi‑yama, countless spots across the town offer breathtaking views of a sky blanketed with stars.
On quiet nights with little artificial light, the Milky Way stretches overhead, and thousands of stars shimmer across the sky. Looking up at the crystal‑clear night sky at the end of the day brings a sense of calm and wonder that gently washes over you. And if you venture into the mountains after dark, you might even encounter the rare Amami Rabbit, an endemic species found only in this region.
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A Journey Through World Heritage Nature and Sumo Traditions
Setouchi Town on Amami Ōshima offers a truly unique journey where sumo culture, deep‑blue island seas, and World Heritage nature come together. As the island with the greatest number of sumo rings in Japan, it invites travelers to explore a landscape shaped by tradition, community spirit, and the rich natural beauty of Amami.