5-Day Amami Adventure
Sea & River to Table
Experience the full spectrum of Amami Oshima’s natural and cultural landscapes on this private five-day journey. From turquoise seas and mangrove waterways to rainforest villages and mountain forests, the experience brings together nature, food and local life at a relaxed, unhurried pace.
Paddle, snorkel, hike and explore on foot while enjoying island cuisine and discovering the people, traditions and places that make Amami 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 and endemic wildlife
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Savor a sea-to-table sushi dinner with the chef
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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
Your Guide
Your 5-day journey is led by Matt Pride, a certified Amami eco-tour guide and licensed guide interpreter 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, paddling 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 caught the night before 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, with time for a refreshing swim if you wish, before exploring a sacred power spot and waterfall before departing Uken Village.
Enjoy a final local lunch—an iconic island dish—before your private transfer to Amami Airport.
Included
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4 nights' accommodation at carefully selected local hotels and retreats
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4 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners
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Guided activities and all necessary equipment
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Private transportation throughout the journey, including airport transfers
Recommended Gear
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Bring comfortable walking shoes, comfortable clothing for beach and outdoor activities, swimwear and sun protection.
Difficulty / Physical
Difficulty: Easy
Physical level: Easy
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The itinerary includes walking, snorkeling, SUP and eBike activities, with options to adjust the pace according to your experience and comfort level.
Accommodation
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Amami Hoshiyado — Northern Amami
A secluded, one‑villa hideaway framed by the turquoise “Amami Blue” sea and star‑filled skies — your luxurious private island escape.
Tel: 090‑6995‑5002 | Website
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Yakeuchi no Yado — Uken Village, Southern Amami
Peaceful handcrafted log cottages surrounded by forest, rivers, and starry skies — the perfect base for an immersive nature escape.
Tel: 0997-56-5656 | Website
Enquiries & Planning
Please feel free to get in touch with any questions or to book your private Amami journey.
This itinerary is flexible and can be adapted to weather, interests, and seasonal highlights.