top of page
amami-yuwan-bay-view.jpg.jpg

5-DAY AMAMI ADVENTURE

OCEAN TO RIVER

Step into the full spectrum of Amami Oshima’s natural and cultural wonders on this exclusive 5-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.

 

Paddle, snorkel, kayak, and trek 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 coastal waters and mangroves

  • Snorkel among coral reefs and sea turtles

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

  • Feast on fresh seafood in a sea-to-table dinner with sushi, lobster, and chef-led lessons

  • Savor river-to-table Tanga shrimp caught the previous night at a century-old kominka café

  • Enjoy dinner with live Shima-Uta music, blending Amami’s flavors, stories, and melodies

  • Savor authentic island cuisine and locally crafted shōchū

  • Spot Amami rabbits, giant frogs, and other rare 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 →

amami-sup-sunset-silhouette.jpg

— Day 1 —
Arrival & Beach Welcome

  • Meet your guide and enjoy the local Amami  Vanilla Farm Café while discussing the journey ahead.

  • Settle into your beachside villa, then enjoy SUP, swimming, or snorkeling right in front of your accommodation.

  • Savor Thai cuisine made with island ingredients, paired with island brown sugar shōchū, served in a historic folk house.

— Day 2 —
Sea-to-Table Feast

  • Snorkel with sea turtles or experience traditional Oshima Tsumugi silk mud-dyeing, creating your own keepsake under the guidance of skilled local artisans.

  • Enjoy traditional Keihan (chicken & rice) for lunch.

  • Catch fresh seafood on a local boat, then feast at your beachside villa for a true sea-to-table dinner, including sushi, lobster, and a chef-led sushi lesson.

amami-snorkel-sea-turtle.jpg
amami-mangrove-valley-view.jpg

— Day 3 —
Mangrove Kayaking & Uken Village

  • Drive through coastal and mountain landscapes to the mangroves, then kayak through calm channels, spotting mudskippers, crabs, and birds.

  • Dine at a traditional kominka café within the mangrove village.

  • Drive to Uken Village and check-in at your handcrafted log cottages.

  • Wander the local market and harbor, meeting village residents.

  • Savor island-raised pork Shabu-Shabu.

  • Catch river shrimp the traditional Tanga way on a fun nocturnal excursion.

— Day 4 —
Rainforest & Village culture

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

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

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

  • Tour and taste spirits at the local distillery using Mt. Yuwan spring water, aged acoustically for a unique flavor

  • Immerse in local culture with dinner accompanied by live Shima-Uta music, blending Amami’s flavors, stories, and melodies

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

— Day 5 —
Jungle & River Adventures

Option A: Mt. Yuwan Summit

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

​

Option B: River SUP

  • Paddle down the picturesque Kawauchi River, exploring historic village canals

 

Option B: River Swim & Snorkel

  • Snorkel in a hidden lagoon known only to locals, among Ryukyu ayu, river eels, Tanga shrimp and gobies then swim to a secluded waterfall.

 

Lunch & Departure

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

Included​

  • 2 nights accommodation in Amami Hoshiyado Beachside Villa and 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 ​

  • 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

​​

  • Yakeuchi no Yado — Log Cottages (Uken Village)
    Peaceful handcrafted cabins surrounded by forest, rivers, and star-bright 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 discuss your private Amami journey. I’m happy to chat by phone, email, or online video (Google Meet) to plan a trip tailored to your interests.

bottom of page