CUSTOM TOURS
Let me know your preferences, and I'll tailor the experience
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Rainforest & River
HIKING / TREKKING
Come with me and explore exotic landscapes, incredible wildlife, unique cultures, intriguing locals, and a wealth of one-of-a-kind experiences on my many secret hiking trails. A mixture of jungle, mountain and river walking.
eBIKING
Join me on eBike adventures through 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 community canals. In Uken there is an abundance of out of this world like places to paddle.
MANGROVE KAYAKING
Come and kayak with me through Amami's beautiful mangrove forest. We'll get a close look at this unique ecosystem full of wildlife as well as a visit to the Amami Oshima World Heritage Conservation Center. Day and Night Tours are available.
NIGHT TOUR
Let's check out the island's nighttime residents like Amami rabbits, giant frogs, and the highly venomous habu viper. Along the way, we'll kick back with some island tea in the pitch-black night, surrounded by the sounds of the forest and the stars above.
NIGHT SHRIMPING
Try your hand at the local tradition of catching long-armed shrimps known as tanga. As dusk settles, wade through Uken's rivers and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the evening landscape, where the gentle glow of Tanga eyes lights up the darkness.
Ocean & Coastal
SUP ​(Apr - Oct)
Let’s paddle along Uken’s pristine coastlines, glide over coral reefs and explore untouched sandy beaches. If the weather is good, we may even venture to an uninhabited island for an unforgettable adventure.
SNORKELING ​
Come and dive with me! Amami has heaps of great snorkeling locations along its coast and around uninhabited islands. The crystal-clear waters, colorful coral reefs and large variety of marine life make it an exceptional place for snorkeling.
eBIKING
Join me on eBike along through Amami's coast and village areas. Experience high-end, easy-to-ride bikes within a close-knit local community in untouched natural world heritage locations.
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.
EXPLORE EDATEKU ISLAND
Take a short boat ride to Amami’s largest uninhabited island, where you can explore its rugged coastline and lush jungle. Discover the island’s 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.
Cultural
FRUIT PICKING
Experience Amami island's treasures firsthand: hand-pick juicy mangoes, sweet passion fruits, tangy citrus, wild strawberries and more from local orchards. Learn about the agricultural heritage with local farmers. Embrace the true essence of island life
TRADITIONAL HUNTING
Local hunters share stories and demonstrate 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. Afterwards we'll explore a few 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.
DOROZOME MUD DYEING
Take a 90-min traditional plant-based dyeing workshop with a local craftsman. Create your own unique t-shirt or scarf using traditional dyeing techniques used for authentic Oshima Tsumugi Silk fabric.
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!