5-DAY AMAMI ADVENTURE
OCEAN, JUNGLE & ISLAND CULTURE
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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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
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-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 Blue Light Amami - Oceanfront Retreat
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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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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
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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.