Amami Islands
Isen Town
Discover Isen Town
A Journey Through Traditions of Longevity
The town of Isen on Tokunoshima in the Amami Islands is the birthplace of two people once recognized by Guinness World Records for their remarkable longevity: Shigechiyo Izumi, who lived to the age of 120, and Kamato Hongo, who reached 116 and lived across three centuries.
The “Path of Longevity,” which connects their childhood homes, offers a peaceful walk surrounded by sugarcane fields and the island’s rich natural scenery.
A Taste of the Island’s Heritage
Wholesome Local Cuisine
Island Vegetables, Local Recipes, and Wild Herbs
Blessed with the bounty of both sea and land, the town of Isen nurtures a food culture deeply connected to its natural surroundings.
The foundation of the island’s longevity lies in its water and ingredients, shaped by the local climate and environment.
These foods are naturally rich in magnesium and calcium, as well as beta‑carotene, iron, protein, and vitamin B1.
Recipes that make generous use of wild herbs and island vegetables serve as a kind of natural nourishment, supporting the body from within.
Enjoying Life’s Pleasures with Well‑Being in Mind
At local restaurants where you can enjoy traditional island dishes, you’ll also find kokutō shōchū, a brown‑sugar spirit long cherished by the community.
Made from pure brown sugar, this shōchū is a gentle choice for those who wish to enjoy a drink while still caring for their well‑being.
With the island’s nature, nourishing local foods, and a glass that eases the mind, it’s a moment to savor life’s quieter pleasures.
The Gifts of Mineral‑Rich Soil
Experience
Vegetables Grown in Rich, Fertile Soil
In Isen, the island’s fertile environment nurtures both its mineral‑rich vegetables and the calves raised on grasses grown from the same nourishing soil.
Livestock farming thrives alongside this abundance, and in recent years the town has also begun cultivating coffee, a new specialty with growing promise.
From sugarcane supported by the warm climate to the many forms of life sustained by the land, Isen is home to a rich and varied tapestry of cultivation.
Discover the Secrets of Well‑Being Through Farm Experiences
Daily physical activity through farm work has long supported the islanders’ healthy longevity.
In Isen, visitors can take part in farming and harvest experiences that offer a glimpse into the secrets of well‑being in this town known for longevity and large families.
By stepping into the rhythm of island life, you’re invited to join a farming experience that gently restores both body and mind.
Recommended Local Spots
ACCESS
Isen Town (Tokunoshima Island, Kagoshima Prefecture)
Approx. 3 hrs 30 min+
FlightApprox. 1 hr 15 min
FlightApprox. 50 min
Bus / CarApprox. 30 min
Blue Water and White Sand Offer a Gentle Eas
Kinen Beach
Kinen Beach stretches for two kilometers, its white sand forming a quiet shore where you may notice hermit crabs, star‑shaped sand, and pieces of sea glass.
The long shallows make the coast suitable for visitors of all ages, offering a calm setting for swimming and snorkeling.
Under the surface, you can see colorful coral and many kinds of tropical fish up close
A View That Lets You Unwind
If you spend some time at the beachside rest area overlooking the coast, the unhurried pace of the island gently eases the fatigue of daily life.
Bungalows are available for overnight stays and barbecues.
Surrounded by nature, you can settle your mind and body and experience the island’s quiet rhythm at your own pace.
A Tree That Lets You Feel the Breath of Life
A 300 Year Old Banyan Tree
Banyan trees thrive in subtropical climates, drawing strength from the sun and growing even in dry soil. Known for their remarkable vitality, they are often called “trees of good fortune,” and can be found throughout Tokunoshima. Among them, the banyan in the Agen area is said to be more than 300 years old. Towering as the largest on the island, it stands as a powerful symbol of life itself—its presence echoing the heartbeat of the land that has endured through centuries.
A Peaceful Haven for the Local Community
Within the grounds where the great banyan stands, you’ll find the Maezato Residence, a traditional home over 90 years old that now serves as a warm community space for the village. The house has been carefully renovated while preserving the bullet marks left from WWII, allowing its history to remain visible amid its nostalgic charm. Surrounded by coral stone walls built long ago, this beloved spot continues to quietly welcome all who visit, standing as a quiet reminder of the peace we enjoy today.
A Cape That Brings a Quiet Ease
Inutabu Misaki
Cape Inutabu is part of Amami Guntō National Park and is also recognized as one of the Amami Ten Views.
From this point, you can look out over a 180‑degree stretch of emerald water set against steep, rugged cliffs.
Waves break softly against the rock walls, and with a bit of luck, you may spot sea turtles or whales swimming nearby.
A Place to Reflect on Peace for Tomorrow
A memorial tower for the battleship Yamato stands in the open lawn, and many people visit this place to offer quiet thoughts for peace.
Yamato was one of the largest battleships ever built, and it sank near Tokunoshima during the final stages of World War II.
During the day, the wide view feels overwhelming in its scale; at dusk, the sky turns a soft gold, and at night, countless stars spread overhead.
It is a place where the noise of daily life fades, allowing both mind and body to settle deeply.
Here, you are reminded of the simple, irreplaceable value of life.