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4-DAY AMAMI ADVENTURE

OCEAN TO RIVER

Step into the full spectrum of Amami Oshima’s natural and cultural wonders on this exclusive 4-day private adventure. From pristine beaches and hidden lagoons to lush rainforests and mangrove channels, experience island life, traditional crafts, and centuries-old village culture.

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Paddle, snorkel, kayak, and explore on foot through remote landscapes while savoring locally sourced cuisine and connecting with the people and wildlife that make Amami truly unique.

Quick Highlights

  • Paddle through turquoise waters and mangrove channels

  • Snorkel among coral reefs and sea turtles

  • Explore jungle trails to waterfalls, caves, and endemic wildlife​

  • Savor river-to-table Tanga shrimp at a century-old kominka café

  • Enjoy island dinner with live Shima-Uta music

  • Savor authentic island cuisine and locally crafted shōchū

  • Encounter rare Amami wildlife on night adventures

  • Meet local producers at markets, farms, and artisan workshops

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 →

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— Day 1 —
Arrival & Beach Welcome

Arrive in Amami and meet your private guide, then take a scenic coastal drive with a relaxed café stop to discuss the journey ahead before checking in.

 

Spend the afternoon relaxing, swimming, or paddling on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) directly from your beachside villa, and end the day with a sunset Italian dinner prepared with fresh, local ingredients, overlooking the beach.

— Day 2 —
Sea, Village 

Snorkel with sea turtles or try traditional Oshima Tsumugi silk mud-dyeing, making your own keepsake with local artisans.

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Enjoy a beachside lunch, then drive to Uken Village and check in at your handcrafted log cottages.

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Explore the local market, savor island-raised pork shabu-shabu for dinner, and catch river shrimp the traditional Tanga way on a guided night adventure.

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— Day 3 —
Rainforest & Village culture

Explore jungle trails on foot or by eBike, discovering hidden waterfalls, caves, and endemic wildlife, then follow the paths into village canals, fruit farms, and sugarcane fields to experience the close connection between forest and village life.

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Savor river-to-table Tanga shrimp caught the night before, tour a local distillery to taste spirits made with Mt. Yuwan spring water and acoustically aged for distinct flavor, and finish the day with dinner accompanied by live Shima-Uta music.

— Day 4 —
Jungle & River Adventures

Choose your final adventure: trek through lush forest to Amami’s highest peak, discovering rare wildlife and panoramic island views, or venture to a hidden lagoon to relax by its calm waters and encounter Amami wildlife before ending at a secluded waterfall.

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Enjoy  a final traditional Amami Keihan lunch—an iconic island dish—before your private transfer to Amami Airport.

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Included​

  • 2 nights accommodation Blue Light Amami - Oceanfront Retreat

  • 2 nights in Yakeuchi no Yado log cottages

  • 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners (Meal types can be changed upon request)

  • Guided activities and all equipment

  • Private transport including airport transfers

Recommended Gear

  • Comfortable walking shoes, outdoor clothing, swimwear for SUP & snorkeling, hat, and sunscreen (rainwear provided if needed)

Difficulty / Physical

  • SUP & Snorkel: Difficulty: Novice — No SUP experience is necessary. Physical: Easy

  • Hiking / eBike Trails: Difficulty: Novice — Easy terrain. Note: Private tours include the option to reach trailheads by eBike, then walk or hike the trails at a comfortable pace

Accommodation ​

  • Blue Light Amami — Oceanfront Retreat (Northern Amami)
    A peaceful beachfront hideaway overlooking the turquoise “Amami Blue” sea and star-filled skies — your relaxed coastal escape on Amami Oshima’s northern shore.
    〒894-0508 Kagoshima-ken, Amami-shi, Kasari-cho Yoan 1264-5                                                         Tel: +81-997-69-4958 | Website: 

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  • 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.

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