Amami Oshima × Nature / Outdoor Tour

Mangrove Canoe Experience in Amami Oshima – Paddle Through Japan's UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site

【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.