Japan trip: Okinawa and Amami exploration

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Choose our Okinawa and Amami journey for one of the most soulful trips to Japan, a tailored escape into subtropical islands, clear seas, and living traditions. Move beyond standard tours with an authentic, slow-paced experience shaped by local insight and personal attention.

We design every detail around your curiosities, from meaningful cultural encounters to immersive nature moments that stay with you. Reserve your bespoke itinerary now and turn curiosity into travel that truly transforms.

Okinawa and Amami trip highlights

  • Deep Ryukyu cultural encounters: Meet artisans and village elders to learn Ryukyu music, pottery, and rituals.
  • Private island hopping and snorkel: Explore secluded beaches and coral reefs by private boat.
  • Hands-on food and craft workshops: Cook traditional Okinawan dishes and try Amami weaving or lacquerwork in small, private sessions.
  • Guided nature walks and mangrove kayaks: Hike coastal trails, kayak mangrove forests, and spot endemic wildlife with expert guides.
  • Tailor-made homestays and rituals: Stay with local families and participate in ancestral rituals.
DayLocationActivityOvernight
1Tokyo → Okinawa (Okuma)

• Fly to Naha Airport

• Drive the Okinawa west coast to Okuma Private Beach and Resort

• Beach time and resort walk

• Okinawan dinner

Okuma, Okinawa
2Northern Okinawa (Kunigami)

• ASMUI Spiritual Hike on Mount Daisekirinzan

• Lunch at Emi no Mise

• Evening at leisure in Okuma

Okuma, Okinawa
3Northern Okinawa (Okuma)

• Guided jungle trek to Ta-taki Falls

• Stargazing tour near Okuma

Okuma, Okinawa
4Okinawa → Amami Ōshima

• Check out and transfer to Naha Airport

• Flight to Amami Ōshima

• Transfer to Petit Resort Native Sea Amami

Amami Ōshima
5Amami Ōshima

• Kayaking at Kuroshio no Mori Mangrove Park

• Heart Rock at low tide

Amami Ōshima
6Amami Ōshima

• Snorkeling boat tour on coral reefs

• Shima Uta sunset cruise

Amami Ōshima
7Amami Ōshima

• Tanaka Isson Memorial Art Museum

• Ooshima Tsumugimura textile workshop and garden

• Sunset beach walk or beachside yoga

Amami Ōshima
8Amami Ōshima → Departure

• Morning at leisure by the beach

• Pack and check out

• Transfer to Amami Airport

 

Places you'll visit

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Northern Okinawa
Northern OkinawaOkinawa’s lush vegetation, vision-of-paradise beaches and superb coral reefs can charm the most jaded traveller – come here to check out some of Japan’s best beaches and dive sites or simply fancy a spot of winter sun.
Amami Oshima
Amami OshimaAmami, part of the Amami Islands in southern Japan, offers pristine beaches, coral reefs, and dense subtropical forests. Known for its unique wildlife and island culture, it’s ideal for snorkeling, hiking, and kayaking.
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Day01

Okinawa arrival and Okuma coastal escape

Fly from Tokyo to Naha Airport and begin your Japan travel in Okinawa with a scenic two-hour drive along the island’s western coastline to Okuma Private Beach and Resort.

After check-in, unwind with a beach stroll, a refreshing swim, or an easy walk around the resort grounds. In the evening, enjoy Okinawan specialties at the resort or at a nearby local eatery.

Okinawa, Japan
Day02

Forest spirits and Okinawan flavors

Join ASMUI Spiritual Hikes in the sacred forests of Kunigami on Mount Daisekirinzan, guided by a local storyteller. Follow quiet trails as Ryukyuan myths, rare plants, and the island’s spiritual traditions come to life, with time for reflection shaped around your interests.

In the afternoon, enjoy homestyle Okinawan cooking at Emi no Mise, known for warm hospitality and authentic flavors. Then return to Okuma for a calm evening by the sea.

Yambaru National Park, Japan
Day03

Ta-taki Falls jungle trek and Okuma stargazing

Join a guided jungle trek to Ta-taki Falls in Okinawa’s northern subtropical forest. The route includes river walking and a bit of easy scrambling, ending at the falls where cool spray and deep green scenery make the effort worthwhile. Local guides provide safety gear and share insights into the ecosystem, creating a tailored Japan trip experience that connects you with Okinawa’s wild side.

After dark, head out on a stargazing tour near Okuma. Under clear skies, local experts help you spot constellations and planets for a calm, memorable finish to the day.

Waterfall, Okinawa
Stargazing, Japan © OCVB
Day04

Okinawa to Amami Ōshima

After a leisurely morning, check out and head to Naha Airport for a short flight to Amami Ōshima, one of the best places to visit in Japan for subtropical nature and a slower island rhythm.

On arrival at Amami Airport, transfer to Petit Resort Native Sea Amami on the west coast and settle into your ocean view room.

Kurasaki Beach, Japan
Day05

Mangrove kayaking and hidden tidal pools

Begin the morning with a self-paced kayaking outing at Kuroshio no Mori Mangrove Park, one of Japan’s largest mangrove forests. Paddle through quiet channels, watch for endemic wildlife, and experience Amami’s distinctive ecosystem up close.

In the afternoon, time your visit to Heart Rock for low tide to see the natural heart-shaped tidal pool, a beautiful spot for photos and a quiet pause. Return to the resort for a relaxed dinner and an easy evening.

Heart shaped pool, Japan
Day06

Coral reefs and Shima Uta sunset

Start the day with a snorkeling boat tour off Amami Ōshima to explore vibrant coral reefs and rich marine life, with good chances to see sea turtles. Equipment and on-board guidance are included, making it an easy, rewarding way to enjoy the island’s warm, clear waters.

In the evening, join a Shima Uta sunset cruise along Amami’s coast. As the sun drops over the East China Sea, live island folk music sets the mood for a memorable finish to the day.

Amami, Japan
Shima Uta Sunset, Japan
Day07

Nature, art, and a last island sunset

For a meaningful highlight near the end of your Japan itinerary, visit the Tanaka Isson Memorial Art Museum to discover island-inspired paintings and natural history.

Then stroll through Ooshima Tsumugimura, a tranquil garden and workshop, where you can learn how Amami Ōshima Tsumugi silk pongee is handwoven and mud dyed. Meet local artisans and see the careful process that makes each textile unique.

Return to the resort for a tailored final evening. Choose a sunset beach walk or beachside yoga, and close the day in calm reflection.

Traditional crafts, Japan
Day08

Farewell to Amami

Enjoy a slow morning at the resort with a final beach walk, a refreshing swim, or quiet time taking in the coastal views. After breakfast, return to your room to pack, then check out. If you would like to add something special, we can arrange a tailored last-minute experience based on your interests.

At the arranged time, take a short transfer to Amami Airport for your onward flight, bringing your Okinawa and Amami journey to a close and leaving you with lasting memories of Japan’s southern islands on this Japan trip.

Cape Ayamaru, Japan