5-DAY AMAMI ADVENTURE
OCEAN TO RIVER
Step into the full spectrum of Amami Oshima’s natural and cultural landscapes on this exclusive five-day private journey. From turquoise seas and mangrove waterways to rainforest villages and mountain forests, the experience blends nature, food, and local life at a relaxed, unhurried pace.
Paddle, snorkel, hike, and explore on foot while enjoying island cuisine and meaningful connections with the people and places that make Amami truly unique.
Quick Highlights
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Paddle through turquoise waters and mangrove channels
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Snorkel among coral reefs and sea turtles
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Explore jungle trails to waterfalls, caves, and endemic wildlife
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Savor a fresh sea-to-table dinner with sushi, lobster, and chef-led guidance
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Taste river-to-table Tanga shrimp at a century-old kominka café
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Enjoy island dinner with live Shima-Uta music
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Savor authentic island cuisine and locally crafted shōchū
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Encounter rare Amami wildlife on night adventures
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Meet local producers at markets, farms, and artisan workshops
Your Guide
Your 5-day journey is led by Matt Pride, a licensed eco-tour guide with over 25 years of experience in Japan.
— Day 1 —
Arrival & Beach Welcome
Meet your guide over a relaxed lunch or café stop, setting the tone for the days ahead.
Settle into your oceanfront accommodation and spend the afternoon relaxing, swimming, or snorkeling directly from the beach, followed by an island-style dinner paired with locally made brown sugar shōchū in a historic folk house.
— Day 2 —
Sea-to-Table Feast
Begin the day snorkeling with sea turtles or learning traditional Oshima Tsumugi silk mud-dyeing alongside local artisans, making your own keepsake. Enjoy a relaxed Keihan lunch before heading out on a local fishing boat to catch fresh seafood.
The day ends with a sea-to-table dinner at your beachside villa, where your catch is prepared as sushi and sashimi during a chef-led sushi lesson, paired with locally sourced lobster.
— Day 3 —
Mangroves & Uken Village
Travel through coastal and mountain scenery to the mangroves, kayaking quiet waterways rich with birdlife, crabs, and mudskippers. Lunch at a traditional kominka café in a mangrove village, then continue to Uken Village.
Settle into handcrafted log cottages and explore the harbor and market before enjoying island-raised pork shabu-shabu for dinner. After dark, catch river shrimp the traditional Tanga way on a night adventure.
— Day 4 —
Rainforest & Village culture
Explore jungle trails on foot or by eBike to hidden waterfalls, caves, and endemic wildlife, discovering the close connection between forest and village life.
Enjoy river-to-table Tanga shrimp at a century-old kominka café, then visit a local distillery to taste spirits crafted with Mt. Yuwan spring water and acoustically aged for a distinctive flavor. The day ends with island dinner and live Shima-Uta music.
— Day 5 —
Hidden Lagoon & Farewell
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, then visit a hidden lagoon, sacred power spot, and waterfall before departing Uken Village.
Enjoy a final traditional Amami Keihan lunch—an iconic island dish—before your private transfer to Amami Airport.
Included
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2 nights accommodation in Amami Hoshiyado — Private Beachfront Villa
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2 nights in Yakeuchi no Yado — Log Cottages
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4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners (Meal types can be changed upon request)
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Guided activities and all equipment
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Private transport including airport transfers
Recommended Gear
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Comfortable walking shoes, outdoor clothing, swimwear for SUP & snorkeling, hat, and sunscreen (rainwear provided if needed)
Difficulty / Physical
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SUP & Snorkel: Difficulty: Novice — No SUP experience is necessary. Physical: Easy
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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
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Amami Hoshiyado — Private Beachfront Villa (Northern Amami)
A secluded, one‑villa hideaway framed by the turquoise “Amami Blue” sea and star‑filled skies — your luxurious private island escape.
〒894‑0507 Kagoshima‑ken, Amami‑shi, Kasari‑cho Kise 3529‑1
Tel: 090‑6995‑5002 | 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
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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.
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This itinerary is flexible and can be adapted to weather, interests, and seasonal highlights.