[2] In the eastern part of the island is an extensive limestone cave system, one of the largest in Asia.

Satsuma rule was harsh, with the inhabitants of the island reduced to serfdom and forced to raise sugar cane to meet high taxation, which often resulted in famine.

Throughout the Satsuma period, the island was used as a prison settlement, especially for political offenders, including many members of the Ryukyuan royal family.

After the Meiji Restoration the island was incorporated into Ōsumi Province and later became part of Kagoshima Prefecture.

Following World War II, along with the other Amami Islands, it was occupied by the United States until 1953, at which time it reverted to the control of Japan.

The port of Wadomari, located in the town of the same name, has regular ferry services to Okinawa and Kagoshima.