Amami Island is bigger than you think. 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!
IN UKEN VILLAGE AREA
ADVENTURE WALKING
I love exploring the wildest corners of nature – jungles, mountains, beaches, rivers, and the diverse communities that call these places home. Wherever I wander, I seem to always find exotic landscapes, incredible wildlife, unique cultures, intriguing locals, and a wealth of one-of-a-kind experiences. Let’s go and check out my secret walking trails.
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eMOUNTAIN BIKING (eMTB)
I grew up mountain biking in Australia and the experience there exploring nature and trails has given me a keen eye for routes and trails in the Uken area. It's not just about biking, it’s the whole vibe here. My adventures blend high-quality, easy-to-ride eMTBs with a close-knit local community atmosphere, all within untouched natural world heritage locations.
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MT. YUWAN TREKKING (Available from April)
G’day, let’s go and explore Mt. Yuwandake, Amami's highest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage site. On the way up we’ll trek (approx. 60 mins) along the misty forest trail home to rare plant and animal species found nowhere else in the world. At the top pay our respects at the oldest shrine in Amami and get a glimpse of the site from the lookout. The way down is a 20 minute boardwalk still immersed in captivating landscapes.
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STAND-UP-PADDLE BOARDING (SUP)
(March to November)
One of my favorite ways to guide people through the Uken region is on a paddle-board. We'll cruise along pristine coastlines, explore rivers, discover hidden lagoons, and glide through community canals. When the weather’s good I love to paddle to Edateku Island (Amami’s largest uninhabited island) for some snorkeling fun. Don't worry if you're new to paddle-boarding; I’ll make sure you're comfortable with the basics so you can enjoy the experience to the fullest!
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SNORKELING (All year round) wetsuits needed (November-March)
Uken 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. Whether you're just starting or an experienced snorkeler, you won’t be disappointed.
When you join me, you can count on a safe and immersive experience. And hey, I always carry extra goggles for those hidden lagoons and rivers we might come across!
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YOGA (July to October)
Konnichiwa! I’m Yuri Pride. After a decade of teaching yoga in Tokyo studios, I now call Uken’s beautiful beaches my studio. Join me to refresh our minds and bodies to the calming waves and surrounding nature.
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PASSION FRUIT SEASONAL EXPERIENCE (April to July)
Come join my great mate and master passion fruit farmer, Shige-ni, and get right into the island's passionfruit season. We'll take a look at the blossoming flowers and help out Shige-ni with some old school hand pollination. You can customize your very own passionfruit, handpick the ripest fruits, and work out the different varieties. If you’re up for it, enjoy some homemade passionfruit-infused alcohol. We're waiting for you!
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UKEN VILLAGE DISTILLERY TOUR
Amami Island Liquor is made exclusively here on the island using sugarcane converted into brown sugar and rice malt. At Kaiun Distillery in Uken, they source pure water from nearby Mt. Yuwan, the highest peak on the island. You’ll learn all about the liquor-making process, including the acoustic aging production technique and taste over 10 distinct varieties. The people that work here are soooo friendly and pay an amazing amount of detail.
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DRIVING
Sometimes I just like to relax and check out Uken's charm by driving around the coolest areas, dropping into a few communities along the way. We'll head into the mountains, conquer two of the island's peaks with truly spectacular views, check the snake pit, stop by historic relics, and uncover many secrets along the way. You will have fun and learn a lot!
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NIGHT TOUR
Did you know that the Uken area is ranked as a class 1 on the Bortle Scale? That means it's one of the darkest skies on earth, making the stars feel incredibly close and vivid.
Join me to explore and encounter the island's inhabitants that come alive at night. We’ll spot endemic species like black rabbits, giant frogs, and even the very venomous habu vipers - no worries, we'll be safe inside our vehicle. We’ll take a few breaks for some island tea, surrounded by the sounds of the night forest and stars above. It’ll be a casual but unforgettable experience!
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NIGHT SHRIMP CATCHING
Head to my secret fishing spot and try your hand at the local tradition of catching long-armed shrimps and cooking them up by the river for a real Uken experience. Get ready to get your feet wet as we have to walk through the river at night to catch the shrimps.
OUTSIDE OF UKEN VILLAGE AREA
I also offer private tours outside of Uken offering one or a combination of the activities below.
MANGROVE KAYAKING & FOREST TOUR SUMIYO
Come and join my guided kayak tour through Amami's beautiful mangrove forests. We'll get a close look at this unique ecosystem full of wildlife. A quick stop at the Amami-Oshima World Heritage Center, and then it's off to the "Modama Forest," where you'll find massive Modama beans with pods that are as long as a meter, just like something out of "Jack and the Beanstalk." Finally, we'll hike to a 100-meter-high waterfall and enjoy herbal Island soba and tempura for lunch.
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eMOUNTAIN BIKING (eMTB)
I grew up mountain biking in Australia and the experience there exploring nature and trails has given me a keen eye for routes and trails in the Uken area. It's not just about biking, it’s the whole vibe here. My adventures blend high-quality, easy-to-ride eMTBs with a close-knit local community atmosphere, all within untouched natural world heritage locations.
Describe your image
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MT. YUWAN TREKKING (Available from April)
G’day, let’s go and explore Mt. Yuwandake, Amami's highest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage site. On the way up we’ll trek (approx. 60 mins) along the misty forest trail home to rare plant and animal species found nowhere else in the world. At the top pay our respects at the oldest shrine in Amami and get a glimpse of the site from the lookout. The way down is a 20 minute boardwalk still immersed in captivating landscapes.
Describe your image
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STAND-UP-PADDLE BOARDING (SUP)
(March to November)
One of my favorite ways to guide people through the Uken region is on a paddle-board. We'll cruise along pristine coastlines, explore rivers, discover hidden lagoons, and glide through community canals. When the weather’s good I love to paddle to Edateku Island (Amami’s largest uninhabited island) for some snorkeling fun. Don't worry if you're new to paddle-boarding; I’ll make sure you're comfortable with the basics so you can enjoy the experience to the fullest!
Describe your image
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SNORKELING (All year round) wetsuits needed (November-March)
Uken 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. Whether you're just starting or an experienced snorkeler, you won’t be disappointed.
When you join me, you can count on a safe and immersive experience. And hey, I always carry extra goggles for those hidden lagoons and rivers we might come across!
Describe your image
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YOGA (July to October)
Konnichiwa! I’m Yuri Pride. After a decade of teaching yoga in Tokyo studios, I now call Uken’s beautiful beaches my studio. Join me to refresh our minds and bodies to the calming waves and surrounding nature.
Describe your image
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Describe your image
PASSION FRUIT SEASONAL EXPERIENCE (April to July)
Come join my great mate and master passion fruit farmer, Shige-ni, and get right into the island's passionfruit season. We'll take a look at the blossoming flowers and help out Shige-ni with some old school hand pollination. You can customize your very own passionfruit, handpick the ripest fruits, and work out the different varieties. If you’re up for it, enjoy some homemade passionfruit-infused alcohol. We're waiting for you!
Describe your image
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Describe your image
UKEN VILLAGE DISTILLERY TOUR
Amami Island Liquor is made exclusively here on the island using sugarcane converted into brown sugar and rice malt. At Kaiun Distillery in Uken, they source pure water from nearby Mt. Yuwan, the highest peak on the island. You’ll learn all about the liquor-making process, including the acoustic aging production technique and taste over 10 distinct varieties. The people that work here are soooo friendly and pay an amazing amount of detail.
Describe your image
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Describe your image
Describe your image
DRIVING
Sometimes I just like to relax and check out Uken's charm by driving around the coolest areas, dropping into a few communities along the way. We'll head into the mountains, conquer two of the island's peaks with truly spectacular views, check the snake pit, stop by historic relics, and uncover many secrets along the way. You will have fun and learn a lot!
Describe your image
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Describe your image
NIGHT TOUR
Did you know that the Uken area is ranked as a class 1 on the Bortle Scale? That means it's one of the darkest skies on earth, making the stars feel incredibly close and vivid.
Join me to explore and encounter the island's inhabitants that come alive at night. We’ll spot endemic species like black rabbits, giant frogs, and even the very venomous habu vipers - no worries, we'll be safe inside our vehicle. We’ll take a few breaks for some island tea, surrounded by the sounds of the night forest and stars above. It’ll be a casual but unforgettable experience!
Describe your image
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NIGHT SHRIMP CATCHING
Head to my secret fishing spot and try your hand at the local tradition of catching long-armed shrimps and cooking them up by the river for a real Uken experience. Get ready to get your feet wet as we have to walk through the river at night to catch the shrimps.