The "ladies" dancing in the southern island

Kakeromajima is a small remote island floating in the southwestern sea of Kagoshima Prefecture. There, you can see the largest butterfly in Japan, Aya's butterfly, dancing gracefully all over the island. With its beautiful black spots on a white background, this large butterfly can reach about 15 cm in size when it spreads its wings, making it easily recognizable from a distance.

Town's efforts to protect precious lives

Aya's butterfly is also known as the "ladies of the southern island," and Kakeromajima town established a protection ordinance in 1989. The town continues to make efforts to protect these precious lives by planting butterfly food plants in parks and developing observation facilities.

Watching the butterfly dance at the Hyakunodai National Park

You can see Aya's butterflies almost year-round on the island, especially in spring when other butterflies also visit. At the "butterfly trail" around the observatory of the Hyakunodai National Park, you can enjoy the elegant dance of many butterflies.

Experiencing the island's culture

In Kakeromajima, you can not only observe butterflies but also experience the unique traditional culture. There are plenty of charms unique to the local handicrafts, island songs performances, and traditional cuisine. If you have plenty of time to visit, you will surely immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the southern island.

Encountering the "ladies" dancing on the southern island is the unique charm of Kakeromajima. Meeting the magnificent scenery of nature and the warm island culture is the true charm of traveling to Kakeromajima.