CUSTOM TOURS
Let me know your preferences, and I'll tailor the experience
RAINFOREST & RIVER
HIKING / TREKKING
Come with me to explore exotic landscapes, incredible wildlife, unique cultures, and hidden trails. Enjoy immersive nature walks on my secret Uken Nature Trails, and other iconic routes such as the Kinsakubaru Forest Walk and the Mt. Yuwan Summit Trek.
eBIKING
Join me on my eBike Jungle Adventure and explore Uken’s terrain and village. Experience high-end, easy-to-ride bikes within a close-knit local community in untouched natural world heritage locations.
SUP ​(Apr - Oct)
​Let's paddle along rivers, discover hidden lagoons, and glide through village canals on the Suko River SUP Tour. In Uken, there’s an abundance of out-of-this-world places to explore by paddle.
MANGROVE KAYAKING
Join me on the Sumiyo Mangrove Kayak Tour to explore Amami's serene mangrove forest, encounter its fascinating wildlife, and visit the Amami Oshima World Heritage Conservation Center.
WILDLIFE NIGHT TOUR
Discover Amami’s nocturnal residents on the Wildlife Night Tour, from the elusive Amami rabbit and giant frogs to the venomous habu viper. Explore a secluded waterfall and river at night, blending adventure, nature, and island charm.
NIGHT SHRIMPING
Experience Tanga Night Shrimping and try the local tradition of catching long-armed tanga shrimp. Wade through Uken's rivers at dusk and immerse yourself in the serene evening landscape as the gentle glow of Tanga eyes lights up the darkness.
OCEAN & COASTAL
SUP ​(Apr - Oct)
Paddle and snorkel on the SUP & Snorkel Adventure along Uken’s pristine coastlines, glide over coral reefs, and explore untouched sandy beaches. If the weather allows, we may even visit an uninhabited island for a truly unforgettable experience.
SNORKELING ​
Dive into Amami’s crystal-clear waters. Explore colorful coral reefs along the coast and around uninhabited islands, encountering a rich variety of marine life in this exceptional snorkeling destination.
E-BIKING
Explore Amami’s coast and village areas on the Funoshi Coast eBike Trail. Experience high-end, easy-to-ride bikes while enjoying a close-knit local community and untouched World Heritage landscapes.
YOGA (Apr - Oct)
Konnichiwa! I’m Yuri Pride. After a decade of teaching in Tokyo studios, I've brought my yoga to Amami's beautiful beaches! Let's relax to the calming waves and surrounding nature.
EDATEKU ISLAND
Take a short boat ride on the Explore Edateku Island tour to Amami’s largest uninhabited island. Discover its rugged coastline, lush jungle, and natural habitat home to habu snakes, mountain goats, wild boars, and rare birds.
IKADA FISHING
Take a short boat ride to the fishing rafts in Uken Village, where you can enjoy a relaxing day on the water and catch a variety of fish in the calm, scenic surroundings. A calm, fun adventure kids love on our Amami Kids Adventure.
CULTURE & TRADITION
UKEN VILLAGE TOUR
The Uken Village Tour includes mini hikes through rainforests, hidden waterfalls, and mountain caves. After lunch at a century-old restaurant, explore canals, markets, fruit farms, village traditions, and taste Amami Island liquor at a traditional distillery.
TRADITIONAL HUNTING
Local hunters share stories and show how Habu Viper snakes, Ryukyu Wild Boar, Tanga Shrimp, and Japanese eel are caught. They’ll also explain how the land was used by locals throughout history, with the chance to try some and discover hidden sites.
SHIMA UTA (Island Music)
Experience the soulful charm, of Shima Uta, Amami’s traditional island music, performed by a talented local musician. Through song and storytelling, learn about the music’s origins and deep cultural roots, paired with an Amami dinner under the stars.
OSHIMA TSUMUGI
Explore Amami Oshima Tsumugi silk, a 1,300-year-old textile tradition exclusively on Amami Island, crafted primarily for kimonos. Take a short tour within the village to discover its intricate 40-step process, including distinctive iron-rich mud dyeing.
TRADITIONAL MUD DYEING
Take a 90-min plant-based dyeing workshop with a local craftsman and create a unique t-shirt or scarf using traditional Oshima Tsumugi techniques. For a deeper experience, join our Traditional Dorozome Mud Dyeing tour.
AMAMI ISLAND LIQUOR
Join a tour or two to explore Kokuto Shochu, exclusive to the Amami Islands. Learn about its crafting process using mineral-rich waters, sugar cane, and malted rice, discover acoustic aging techniques, and enjoy a tasting of its unique flavors.
Ready? Let's get started...
Given its size and the wide range of activities available, I recommend you focus on specific areas and routes. This way, you can fully appreciate the island's beauty and diversity without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. I’d be more than happy to help out!