Different Natures and Cultures, from Kagoshima to Amami： Mainland Japan and Subtropical Japan

Price: JPY 500,000 to 700,000 a pax

Seasons: All seasons

Duration: 7 nights and 8 days

PAX: For groups of 2 or more

Overview

Embark on a 7 night, 8 day adventure starting in Kagoshima (Mainland Japan), exploring both the northern and southern parts of Amami-Oshima (Subtropical Island).
Experience Kagoshima culture and hot springs on the mainland, before immersing yourself in Amami-Oshima’s culture and unique traditional traditions.
After visiting Kagoshima, the tour explores Oshima Tsumugi (elaborate silk fabric), and Kokuto Shochu Liquor (brown sugar liquor) both exclusive to Amami Oshima . Connect with the locals through Shimauta (traditional song) and Hachigatsu Odiru (August festival dance).
Look forward to outdoor activities such as cycling, kayaking, and trekking in Amami Island’s truly unique natural setting. Some areas are also part of the Amami World Heritage Trail . Experience the rare ecosystems and inhabitants that thrive in their own forests and seas, and gain a new perspective on the world.

The accommodation would include minsyuku-inns (family-owned inns) , or local resort hotels, serving local food.

Appealing Points

Understand the difference between Mainland Japan and Amami

Start at Kagoshima, Mainland Japan, move fowards to Amami, Subtropical Japan

Experience nature, cultures, and traditions of Amami

Experience Oshima Tsumugi (elaborate silk fabric), and Kokuto Shochu Liquor (brown sugar liquor) both exclusive to Amami Oshima . Connect with the locals through Shimauta (traditional song) and Hachigatsu Odiru (August festival dance).

Many Activities

Look forward to outdoor activities such as cycling, kayaking, and trekking in Amami Island’s truly unique natural setting. Some areas are also part of the Amami World Heritage Site .

Know the biodiversity of Amami, the reason of the designation to World Natural Heritage

Experience the rare ecosystems and inhabitants that thrive in their own forests and seas, and gain a new perspective on the world.

Schedule

Day 1

Arrive at Kagoshima in Kyusyu,

Arrive at the southern most prefecture of the mainland Japan.
Take a hot spring bath in Japanese style.

Garden

The first stop on your trip is Sengan-en Garden in Kagoshima city. This stately mansion and traditional garden belonged to the powerful feudal family of Shimazu in the Edo era (from 17C to 19C), offering a breathtaking pangrammatic view of the premodern age with the active volcano Sakurajima in the background. Explore the expansive house and gardens to get a true feel of how a feudal lord lived.

Shrine

Visit Kirishima Shrine, designated as a national treasure and important cultural property, to experience the sacred atmosphere that surrounds this revered site.

Check in onsen hot spring Inn

Dinner and hot spring bath in the Japanese style.

All Meals Included

Day 2

To Amami via Air

Meet your thorough guide in Amami.

Cycling

Hop on an e-bike for a scenic 5.6 km ride from Amami Airport to Cape Ayamaru exploring the forest and coast of the Kasari area in the northern Amami.
Enjoy lunch at a popular local bakery while taking in the scenery.
.

Check in a Resort Hotel in the northern Amami

Accom: Amami Resort Bashayamamura

All Meals included

Day 3

Move to the southern Amami

using a chartered private car

Kayaking

Enjoy kayaking in the mangroves, where you’ll gain insights into water flow from the mountains and the ecological cycle within the mangroves.

Check in the hotel in the southern Amami

Accom:Kaiunnosato Yakeuchinoyado

Night Tour, searching for animals and plants

Following dinner at the inn, take a captivating night tour. Cruise slowly along forest roads , keeping an eye out for rare plants and elusive nocturnal creatures like the Amami rabbit.

All Meals Included

Day 4

Biodifersity: accessing the core of Amami World Nature Heritage

Let's walk through the dense rainforest at the base of Mt. Yuwandake , the highest peak on Amami Oshima to learn the reason why Amami is designated as a World Natural Heritage. The impressive cluster of large epiphytic ferns called Bird’s nest fern are a spectacular sight. Let nature reset your mind !

Move to an isolated island, Kakeroma, the deepest of Amami

We head towards Kakeroma Island by a chartered boat. Enjoy your own time in this secluded area with a small population and untouched nature of Amami.

Check in a minsyuku-inn (family-owned inn)

Dinner and stay a thoroughly calm night besides the sound of waves, at the beach side.

All Meals Included

Day 5

Enjoy marine activities in the beaches of Kakeroma

Enjoy a full day of your favorite activities such as sea kayaking, SUP, snorkeling, and diving.
After lunch, explore Saneku Beach with its panoramic views and vibrant coral reefs. The water displays beautiful Saneku blue shades, creating a perfect setting for a leisurely stroll along the shore, flanked by coral rock walls.

Stay another night in Kakeroma Island

Dinner

All Meals Included

Day 6

Visit Sugar Factory in Kakeroma Island

Explore the traditional industry at Nishida Sugar Factory, where they produce brown sugar from sugar cane harvested in Kakeroma Island.

Return to the main island of Amami-Oshima

Kokuto Shochu, a signature liquor made from brown sugar only in Amami

Visit and taste at Nishihira Distillery, producer of Kokuto Shochu. Only distilleries in the Amami Islands of Japan are authorized to produce this liquor.

Check in an auberge

Luxurious French dinner featuring local fish and vegetables at an auberge and enjoy Shimauta (traditional island music) live with a drink in hand.

All Meals Included

Day 7

Oshima Tsumugi, the traditional elaborate silk fabric made only in Amami

Learn about and experience Amami Oshima Tsumugi.
Oshima Tsumugi Village is a natural garden surrounded by subtropical vegetation where you can learn the processes of how Oshima Tsumugi is produced from white silk thread.
After understanding the intricate weaving processes, experience Mud Dyeing skill at a dyer.