top of page
amami-island-view-from-mt-yuwan.jpg

3-Day South Amami Adventure

World Natural Heritage

Step off the beaten path into southern Amami Oshima, where lush rainforests meet turquoise waters and centuries-old village traditions thrive. This private 3-day journey offers an immersive, authentic experience at a relaxed pace, based in Uken Village, surrounded by UNESCO-protected wilderness and local life.

Quick Highlights

  • Explore private rainforest and mangrove eco-tours

  • Stay in handcrafted log cottages surrounded by nature

  • Savor authentic island cuisine and locally crafted shōchū

  • Meet local producers at markets, farms, and distilleries

  • Spot rare endemic Amami wildlife on a night adventure

Your Guide
Your 3-day journey is led by Matt Pride, a licensed and certified eco-tour guide with over 25 years of experience in Japan. 

Learn more about Matt →

amami-oshima-uken-village-cultural-connection.jpg

— Day 1 —
Arrival & Village Welcome

  • Meet your guide at the airport and discuss the journey ahead over a coastal coffee or lunch.

  • Travel along the coast and through mountains to Uken Village, then check in at log cottages.

  • Wander the local market and harbor, meeting village residents

  • Savor Island-raised pork Shabu-Shabu for dinner

  • Encounter Amami’s rare wildlife on a Night Shrimping or Wildlife Tour

— Day 2 —
Forests, Wildlife & Village Life

  • Hike or eBike jungle trails to hidden waterfalls, caves, and endemic wildlife

  • Dine at a century-old kominka café with fresh, home-grown ingredients

  • Discover historic canals, visit fruit farms or sugarcane fields, and connect with village life

  • Enjoy a private distillery tour and savor spirits acoustically aged with Mt. Yuwan spring water.

  • Spend an evening immersed in Amami culture with food, music, and storytelling.

amami-oshima-rainforest-stream.jpg
amami.tiger.shrimp.farm.jpg

— Day 3 —
Coastlines & Local Encounters

Option A: Mt. Yuwan Summit Hike

  • Hike through lush forest to Amami’s highest peak, enjoying rare wildlife and island views

​​​

Option B: Mangrove Kayaking

  • Glide through calm mangrove channels, spotting mudskippers, crabs, and birds

​​​

Option C: Coastal Culture (Nov–May only)

  • Visit Uken’s sustainable shrimp farm, taste fresh shrimp on Funakoshi Beach, then enjoy views from Takachiho Shrine.

 

Lunch & Departure: 

  • Enjoy a final island meal before a private transfer to Amami Airport

Included​

  • 2 nights accommodation in Yakeuchi no Yado — Log Cottages

  • 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners (Meal types can be changed upon request)

  • Guided activities and all equipment

  • Private transport including airport transfers

Recommended Gear

  • Comfortable walking shoes (trekking shoes ideal but sneakers are fine), outdoor clothing, hat, and sunscreen (Rainwear provided if needed)

Difficulty / Physical

  • Difficulty: Novice

  • Physical: Easy 

  • Note: Private tours include the option to explore jungle trails on foot or with an eBike, making the adventure accessible to all fitness levels.

Accommodation ​

  • Yakeuchi no Yado — Log Cottages (Uken Village)
    Peaceful handcrafted cabins surrounded by forest, rivers, and starry skies — the perfect base for an immersive nature escape.
    2937-86 Yudan Ōgata-hama, Uken-mura, Kagoshima 894-3301
    Tel: 0997-56-5656 | Website

​Enquiries & Planning ​

  • Please feel free to get in touch with Matt to plan your private Amami journey. I’m happy to chat by phone, email, or Google Meet to tailor a trip to your interests.

  • This itinerary is flexible and can be adapted to weather, interests, and seasonal highlights.

bottom of page