Mangrove Canoe Experience in Amami Oshima – Paddle Through Japan's UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site
Mangrove Canoe Experience in Amami Oshima – Paddle Through Japan's UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site
Mangrove Canoe Experience in Amami Oshima – Paddle Through Japan's UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site
Highlights
- Explore a UNESCO Natural World Heritage forest by canoe — paddle slowly through the iconic mangroves of Amami Oshima, registered as a Natural World Heritage Site in 2021, for an experience you can't find anywhere else in the world.
- 60 minutes immersed in untouched nature — drift through the silent forest where mangrove roots intertwine and only birdsong and the sound of water echo. A complete retreat from the noise of the city.
- A hidden gem popular with European travelers — Amami Oshima, often called "the Galapagos of Japan," welcomes many visitors from Germany, France, and across Europe. Experience this unique ecosystem alongside our local guide.
- English-speaking guides on staff — first-timers welcome with thorough instruction. There is no barrier to enjoying this experience. If an English-speaking guide is unavailable, a translation device will be used to assist communication.
Your Guide
Mangrove Park Staff
About Your Guide
The staff of Mangrove Park (Mangrove Kosha) operate canoe tours through one of Japan's most expansive mangrove forests in Sumiyo-cho, Amami City. With deep knowledge of the local ecosystem and years of experience guiding visitors safely through the mangroves, they will introduce you to the wonders of this UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. English-speaking guides are available, and translation devices are used to assist communication when needed.
【Paddle through the forest of a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site.】
Amami Oshima in Kagoshima Prefecture is one of Japan's most pristine hidden gems, registered as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in 2021. This island, home to endemic species such as the Amami rabbit, also boasts one of Japan's most expansive mangrove forests.
On this tour, you will explore that mystical mangrove forest by canoe. Paddle slowly between the intricately intertwined mangrove roots for 60 minutes, surrounded by birdsong, the sound of water, and the scent of the tide. It is a total immersion in nature, where smartphones and signals no longer matter.
Because the mangroves grow in brackish water, the changing tides constantly reshape the scenery. The tour runs at both high and low tide, with different routes for each: at high tide you can paddle your canoe into a natural tunnel formed by mangrove (Hirgi) trees, while at low tide you disembark onto the tidal flats to observe the creatures that live there.
Stable, easy-to-handle canoes are used, and a canoe guide always accompanies the group, so beginners and those with limited stamina can take part with confidence. Shower rooms and changing rooms are also available on-site.
Popular especially among European travelers as "the only place in Japan to do this," the activity is easy and safe even for first-time canoeists. Our English-speaking guides will provide attentive support throughout the experience.
After your adventure, enjoy a meal at the restaurant inside Mangrove Park.
What's Included
- Accident insurance (covers injuries during the experience)
- Free rental of a full raincoat set (raincoat and rain pants) and sandals
- Ground golf experience inside Mangrove Park at no additional charge for those who wish to play
Meeting Point
Mangrove Park (Sumiyo-cho, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture)
The operator will provide the exact meeting point after booking
Important Information
Pricing
• Adult (high school and above): ¥6,500 per person • Elementary / junior high school student: ¥5,500 per person • Toddler (preschool): Free
Booking Requirements
• Single canoe: 5th-grade elementary school students and older only (minimum height 120 cm). One toddler auxiliary seat can be added (1 adult + 1 toddler may ride together). • Tandem canoe: as a rule, pairs of children in 4th grade or younger are not allowed. Up to two toddler auxiliary seats can be added (2 adults + 2 toddlers may ride together). • Children-only bookings (elementary and junior high school students) are accepted. Toddlers (preschool age) must always be accompanied by an adult. • If you wish to book a single canoe for a child in 4th grade or younger, or a tandem canoe for a pair of children in 4th grade or younger, please contact us in advance to discuss your request.
Minimum Participants
1 person and up.
Operating Days
Open year-round, except for the New Year holidays (January 1 to January 3) and during typhoons or severe weather.
What to Wear
Please come in clothing and footwear that you do not mind getting wet.
Weather Cancellation
The experience may be canceled in the event of typhoons or severe weather.
After the Experience
You are welcome to enjoy a meal at the restaurant inside Mangrove Park after your canoe experience.
Your Guide
Mangrove Park Staff
About Your Guide
The staff of Mangrove Park (Mangrove Kosha) operate canoe tours through one of Japan's most expansive mangrove forests in Sumiyo-cho, Amami City. With deep knowledge of the local ecosystem and years of experience guiding visitors safely through the mangroves, they will introduce you to the wonders of this UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. English-speaking guides are available, and translation devices are used to assist communication when needed.
Contact us for booking details
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience's start time. • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience's start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded. • Cut-off times are based on the experience's local time.
