Amami Oshima Island Tour Cruise Shore Excursion

Overview

Discover the essence of Amami Ōshima, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site celebrated for its ancient silk-making traditions, rare endemic wildlife, and untouched subtropical landscapes. This 6 to 7-hour shore excursion offers a deep dive into the island’s unique identity. You will transition from the rhythmic sounds of looms in a traditional silk-weaving village to the tranquil canopy of a primeval forest, concluding with a tasting of the island’s signature spirit—Kokuto Shochu (brown sugar liquor).

This tour is specifically curated for those who appreciate the intersection of culture and nature. Guided by local experts, you will explore the 1,300-year-old art of mud-dyeing and walk through trails where “living fossils” like the Amami Rabbit have survived for millennia. With our “Back-to-Ship Guarantee,” you can fully immerse yourself in the island’s slow-paced charm, knowing your return to Naze Port is perfectly timed with your cruise schedule.

Highlights

• Oshima Tsumugi-mura: Witness the world-renowned mud-dyeing process used to create high-class silk pongee, a craft that takes up to a year to produce a single roll of fabric.
• Amami Nature Observation Forest: Hike through a subtropical paradise with a specialized guide to spot endemic species like the vibrant Lidth’s Jay and the Ryukyu Robin.
• Amami Oshima Distillery: Discover the secrets of Kokuto Shochu, a unique brown sugar spirit produced exclusively on the Amami Islands.
• Scenic Observatory Views: Reach the forest lookout for sweeping panoramas of the turquoise East China Sea and the dense emerald hills of the island.

Cruise Information

This 6 to 7-hour excursion is synchronized with the docking schedules of major cruise lines at Naze Port. We provide a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and coordinate directly with your ship’s arrival and “all aboard” times. Our team monitors the port in real-time, ensuring you are met at the pier and returned at least one hour before departure.

Complete Details

Your adventure begins at Naze Port, where your licensed guide will welcome you. The first stop is Oshima Tsumugi-mura, a heritage village set in a botanical garden. You will learn about the 40-step process of creating Oshima Tsumugi silk, including the unique Te-ichigi (bark) and mud-dyeing ritual that creates its deep, lustrous black color.

Next, you will travel to the Amami Nature Observation Forest in Tatsugo Town. A nature guide will lead you on a 1-hour hike (moderate intensity) through trails lined with giant tree ferns. Keep your eyes peeled for the Lidth’s Jay (a National Natural Monument) and the elusive Amami Woodcock. The trail leads to an observatory for stunning island vistas. After the hike, visit a local Amami Oshima Distillery. While you explore the history of brown sugar shochu—born from rice shortages during WWII—you’ll have the opportunity to sample different varieties. After a local lunch (on your own), you will be driven back to the port with ample time for your departure.

Booking with Jasumo

To join one of our Upcoming Shared Tours for 2026 or to request a private vehicle for your family, please contact us via our Contact Us Form.

Jasumo also operates as a Destination Management Company (DMC), providing end-to-end support and reliable local coordination for individual travelers and travel agencies.

Complimentary 10GB eSIM with Every Jasumo Tour Booking

When you book your tour through Jasumo, we make your journey even smoother by giving you a free 10GB eSIM. Stay connected across Amami Oshima—use maps to track your forest hike, message your group, and share your photos of the mud-dyeing process instantly without worrying about finding Wi-Fi or buying a local SIM. It’s our way of ensuring a stress-free and fully connected travel experience.

FAQs

How difficult is the hike in the Nature Observation Forest?

The hike is approximately 1 hour on uphill, uneven paths with some steps. It is considered a moderate activity. We recommend sturdy, non-skid walking shoes and long pants to protect against the subtropical vegetation.

What is Kokuto Shochu?

Kokuto Shochu is a distilled spirit made from brown sugar and rice koji. By Japanese law, it can only be produced in the Amami Islands. It is known for its light, slightly floral aroma and crisp finish, despite being made from sugar.

Can we see the Amami Rabbit during the tour?

The Amami Rabbit is a nocturnal species, so sightings during the day are extremely rare. However, your nature guide will point out signs of their activity and explain the conservation efforts that protected this “living fossil” from extinction.

Is local currency needed on the island?

Yes, we highly recommend bringing Japanese Yen. While larger facilities like the silk village and distillery accept cards, many small local shops and restaurants in Amami still prefer cash.

Does the “Back-to-Ship Guarantee” cover mountain road delays?

Yes. We are local experts who plan our routes with a generous time buffer. We monitor mountain road conditions in real-time to ensure you are back at the pier at least one hour before departure.

Location