Amami Night Tour
English Guided Night Exploration in Amami Oshima
Discover the hidden side of Amami Oshima after dark with Amami Night Tour, a fully English-guided night wildlife experience operated by GANSO, the original night tour professionals of the island.
This tour is designed for international visitors who want to explore Amami’s unique nocturnal wildlife safely, comfortably, and without the need to drive.
Tour Details
Adults (Junior high school age and above): JPY 9,000 per person
Children (Below junior high school age): JPY 6,000 per person
About 3–4 hours (including pick-up and drop-off)
After sunset (confirmed in advance upon consultation)
Naze area: Free pick-up and drop-off
Other areas: If you are staying outside the Naze area, please contact us in advance. Pick-up may be possible depending on location and schedule.
Year-round
English
Up to 9 guests
Groups of more than 9 guests may be possible by using additional vehicles. Please inquire in advance.
Drinks
No special clothing required
(Please wear clothes that can get wet or dirty. Sandals are acceptable.)
This tour is not operated as a jeep safari. If you prefer a jeep-style experience, a jeep option may be available upon request, especially for groups of four or more guests. Please contact us in advance to discuss availability.
Booking & Inquiries
To make a booking or ask any questions, please contact us via one of the following platforms. We usually reply within 24 hours.
Please include the following information when contacting us:
- Preferred tour date
- Number of guests
- Hotel name or accommodation area
- Any special requests
- Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, as animals are wild and conditions vary.
- This tour takes place at night. Please follow the guide’s instructions at all times for your safety.
- Tour routes, duration, and start time may change depending on weather, road, and wildlife conditions.
- The tour may be adjusted or cancelled for safety reasons.
- Please inform us in advance of any health concerns or special requests.
- Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations made on the day of the tour due to the guest’s personal reasons will be charged 100% of the tour fee.
For cancellations due to other reasons, no cancellation fee will apply. Please contact us as soon as possible. - Insurance & Responsibility:
This tour is covered by accident insurance. Compensation will be provided only within the coverage limits of the insurance policy.
Natural disasters, theft, loss or damage of personal belongings, property damage, and personal health management are the responsibility of the guest.
About Amami Night Tour
Amami Oshima is one of Japan’s most biodiverse islands, and many of its rare animals are active only at night.
Amami Night Tour offers a guided night exploration focused on wildlife observation, clear explanations, and responsible behavior — all explained in easy-to-understand English.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included, making this tour ideal for travelers without a rental car.
What Makes This Tour Special
Designed specifically for international guests
No rental car required
Better communication and a quieter experience
The original night tour operator in Amami Oshima
Wildlife observation conducted while following local rules and safety guidelines
Night Wildlife Experience
The main focus of this tour is observing the Amami Rabbit, a rare and endemic species found only in Amami Oshima.
Nighttime offers the best chance to encounter these unique animals in their natural habitat, guided by local knowledge and experience.
In addition to the Amami Rabbit, you may also encounter other nocturnal wildlife. Species vary by season and conditions, and may include birds, frogs, and snakes native to Amami Oshima.
Tour Flow
We will pick you up at your hotel in the Naze area.
Enjoy a relaxed drive while your guide gives a brief introduction to the tour.
Search for Amami Rabbits and other nocturnal animals with your English-speaking guide.
After the tour, we will drive you back to your hotel safely.
FAQ
The chance of encountering an Amami Rabbit is over 99%.
However, as they are wild animals, whether you meet a calm individual and can observe it closely depends on natural conditions and luck.
Yes, photography is allowed.
If you would like to take wildlife photos using a DSLR camera or tripod, please consider booking a private tour.
On shared tours, priority is given to guests whose main purpose is observing the Amami Rabbit.
Flash photography, getting closer to animals, or special photography requests cannot be accepted.
The Amami Rabbit is sensitive to sudden sounds, and mechanical shutter noise may cause animals to run away.
Most photos on this website were taken using compact digital cameras with high zoom. We recommend using your smartphone’s video function during the tour.
Please wear clothes that can get wet or dirty.
In most cases, we do not get out of the vehicle, so sandals are acceptable.
Yes. Child seats are available for young children. Please contact us in advance.
This tour usually operates even in rainy weather.
Only if conditions are judged unsafe due to sudden weather changes will the tour be cancelled.
In that case, the tour fee will be fully refunded.
Weather in Amami can change quickly, and some animals — including the Amami Rabbit — are active even in the rain.
Our English-Speaking Guides
Our tours are guided by three English-speaking staff members.
Amami Islands Area Licensed Guide Interpreter
All guides have lived overseas and are comfortable communicating with international guests in English. While our English is not academic, we focus on clear, friendly, and practical communication to ensure you feel relaxed and well-informed throughout the tour.
Each guide has strong local knowledge of Amami Oshima’s wildlife and night environment and will do their best to help you enjoy the experience safely.
Additional Daytime Options
In addition to the night tour, daytime experiences can also be arranged upon request. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us.
Operated by GANSO Night Tour | NATURECOM LLC