Discover Endemic Species at Night
Drive through the mysterious forests of Amami Island at night and look for rare animals such as the Amami rabbit or the Ryukyu long-haired rat. This private night tour is guided in English and designed for your comfort and safety, no hiking is needed. Relax in the car and enjoy the chance to see Amami’s unique wildlife.
Wildlife by Month
Amami Oshima has no hibernating wildlife, so there’s a chance to see all kinds of creatures year-round. Here’s a guide to when each animal tends to be most active.
・Amami rabbit: All year round
・Snakes: May to November
・Frogs: June to October
・Ryukyu long haired rat: September to November
・Ryukyu scops owl: All year round
・Amami woodcock: February to November
・Ruddy kingfisher: May to September
Tour Itinerary
Pick-up from your hotel, or meet at Nagahamaminato Park.
The guide will explain some important guidelines and information.
Duration: 2 hours~
Drive at a slow pace, looking out for wildlife along the way.
Photo and video shooting are available.
At a glance
| Duration | 3 hours ~ (2 hours Activity + transfer) |
| Pickup time | Depends on the sunset time. |
| Price(JPY) | 1 Adult (13+) 9,000 1 Child (5~12) 4,500 1 Infant (~4) 1,000 Solo participant 17,000 |
| Transfer Service | Free pickup and drop-off in the Naze area. Additional fees apply for other locations — see our transfer guidelines for details. |
| Age | 0~ |
| Max number of participants | 6 people |
| What to bring | Drink |
| Clothes | ・May to October : Short sleeves and shorts are fine. If you’re sensitive to insects, we recommend long sleeves and pants. ・November to April : Long sleeves and pants. As we drive with the windows down, please dress warmly. ★ Please wear shoes throughout the year. |
| Payment | Cash / Credit card / QR cord |
What’s Included?
- English-speaking Guide
- Certified Amami eco-tour guide
Additional information
- This is a vehicle-based wildlife observation tour. You will explore from the car. It is not a hiking tour.
- Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.We do our best to find rare species, but refunds cannot be issued if animals are not seen.
Additional Option: Sunset Kayak & Island Dinner Set
For guests joining the Night Tour, we also offer a special package that combines a mangrove kayak with a traditional island dinner.
- Evening: Paddle through the mangrove jungle by kayak
- Dinner: Savor authentic local island cuisine made with local ingredients
- Night: Conclude the day with a wildlife night tour, searching for rare endemic species
With this option, you can experience the nature and cuisine of Amami all in one day.
Price: Adults ¥20,000 / Children ¥10,000 / Infants ¥2,000 / Solo ¥39,000
Duration: approx. 6 hours in total
Note: Dinner arrangements may not be available in case of last-minute bookings or due to restaurant circumstances. In such cases, we can still provide the Sunset Mangrove Kayak and Night Tour.
FAQ
Yes, the tour runs in light rain. However, if there is heavy rain or severe weather warnings, it may be canceled for safety reasons.
Very safe. Our experienced, licensed guide drives carefully and avoids getting out in risky areas. You’ll stay inside the vehicle, away from snakes or other hazards. We’re also fully insured.
Yes. The tour is guided in English by a certified local guide familiar with international guests.
Cancellation policy
- 3 days before: 50% refund
- 2 days or less: No refund
- Same-day cancellations: No refund