Join Island's Festivals & Events
– Sing, Dance, and Celebrate with the Local People
In the Amami Islands, daily life still flows in harmony with the lunar calendar, the shifting tides, and the changing seasons. People give thanks for harvests, pray for long life and good health, and mark time with traditions shaped by nature.
Amami Ōshima’s rugged mountains and intricate coastlines once made travel between villages difficult. As a result, each community developed its own language, songs, and dances — rich expressions of identity passed down over generations.
Local festivals are where the island’s spirit shines brightest. But you don’t need to be an insider to be welcomed. Step into the circle, follow the rhythm, and you’ll find yourself embraced with unforgettable island hospitality.
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Early August in the lunar calendar marks a seasonal turning point in the rice-farming cycle of the Amami Islands — a time when communities give thanks for the year’s harvest and pray for abundance in the year to come. Across the island, each village hosts its own events, and one of the most iconic is Hachigatsu Odori, or “August Dance.”
During this deeply rooted tradition, villagers visit one another’s homes, singing in male–female call-and-response while dancing to the beat of the chijin, a hand-held drum. These songs and dances are offerings to the deities of the mountains and sea — expressions of gratitude, joy, and spiritual connection. It’s a moving celebration of harvest, identity, and village pride that continues to bring people together across generations.
Tour Duration:
Price:
From 4 hours
From JPY 12,500
What's included:
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English-speaking guide
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Round-trip transportation
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Taxes and service fees
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Shimauta (Amami folk song) experience
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Handmade island sweets and traditional drinks
Prices vary depending on the number of participants, pickup location, and tour schedule. Please contact us for details and a personalized quote.
We can include sightseeing along the way, or combine this with other activities to fit your travel plans.
Feel free to contact us to create your perfect Amami experience!
Special Event Option
Upon request, we can also arrange a live event featuring professional Shima-uta singers (Utasha), with participation from local islanders to create a more festive atmosphere.
Please contact us for more details.
