Exploring Setouchi Town
3‑Day Sumo & Nature Journey in Setouchi, Amami
A Town Where Sumo Spirit Lives in the Heart of Nature
Just a 1 hour 40 minute flight from Osaka, Setouchi Town lies at the southern tip of Amami Ōshima, the island with the most sumo rings in Japan. Each settlement preserves its own traditions—from the traditional harvest‑blessing sumo of the Hōnensai Festival, to Hatsu‑dohyō, where newborns stand on the ring for the very first time.
Surrounded by the cobalt‑blue Ōshima Strait and some of Japan’s clearest starry skies, this 3‑day journey invites you to immerse yourself in both the island’s living sumo culture and its breathtaking natural beauty.
FEATURE
Rings and Island Seas
On a journey through Setouchi Town, you’ll encounter two strikingly different yet equally captivating worlds: the island’s living sumo traditions and its tropical coastal beauty. In each settlement, the Hōnensai Festival includes the tradition of Hatsu‑dohyō, where babies are gently carried by wrestlers and brought onto the sumo ring for the first time. —a heartfelt tradition that reflects the community’s bonds and prayers.
A visit to a kesho‑mawashi workshop, where artisans craft ceremonial sumo aprons, adds another layer of depth and color to your trip, offering a glimpse into the artistry behind the sport.
Across the Ōshima Strait lies Kakeroma Island, a place where untouched nature still remains. Here you can snorkel in crystal‑clear waters, watch whales in season, stroll along the rounded stones of Honohoshi Coast, and gaze up at star‑filled skies that rank among the darkest and clearest in Japan according to surveys by the Ministry of the Environment.
World Heritage–listed nature and the traditions carried on by the people who live within it—both come together in Setouchi Town. It is a place where you can fully savor the island’s sumo heritage and its tropical landscapes, experiencing the richness of both worlds in one unforgettable journey.
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HIGHLIGHT
DAY 1 HIGHLIGHT
Sumo Traditions, Scenic Views, and Island Cuisine
Fly from Itami Airport to Amami Ōshima, the island with the greatest number of sumo rings in Japan. After enjoying a superb bluefin tuna bowl at Kairiki, the Setouchi Fishermen’s Cooperative restaurant, stroll through Yui Settlement, known for its Hōnensai Festival and the heartwarming Hatsu‑dohyō tradition.
At studio Loop Amami, you’ll meet the artisan who crafts the ceremonial kesho‑mawashi used for babies’ first appearance on the ring. In the evening, unwind at THE SCENE with a refined course dinner and a night of stargazing under one of Japan’s clearest skies.
DAY 2 HIGHLIGHT
Island Time on Kakeroma & Authentic Chanko by a Retired Sumo Wrestler
From Koniya Port, cross the strait by boat to Kakeroma Island, where slow island time and untouched nature await.
Enjoy marine activities in crystal‑clear waters, wander through peaceful settlements, and savor a relaxed local lunch.
Back in Koniya, visit Honohoshi Coast, where rounded stones create a distinctive sound as the waves roll in—one of the island’s most striking natural sights.
For dinner, head to Sumo Chaya Chanko Kamitaka, run by a retired sumo wrestler, and enjoy hearty chanko hotpot along with island dishes. It’s the perfect way to experience the warmth and depth of Amami’s sumo culture.
DAY 3 HIGHLIGHT
Sunrise Yoga by the Sea & a Grand Panoramic Finale
On your final morning, enjoy a refreshing sunrise yoga session on the beach, accompanied by the sound of gentle waves. With your mind and body centered, head to the Kōchi‑yama Observatory, a scenic lookout at 415 meters. Here, a sweeping 360‑degree panorama unfolds—the Ōshima Strait, the intricate rias coastline, and Kakeroma Island all stretching out before you.
Filled with the island’s sumo traditions, its rich natural beauty, and the warmth of its people, your 3‑day journey comes to a close as you make your way back to Amami Airport.
Into
Setouchi
Town
TOUR PLAN
09:35
Depart Itami Airport
A 1 hour 40 minute flight takes you to Amami Ōshima, the island with the most sumo rings in Japan. As the deep cobalt sea spreads out beneath the window, the excitement of the journey begins to rise.
11:15
Arrive at Amami Airport → Drive to Setouchi Town
Facility Information
13:00
Lunch at “Kairiki,” Setouchi Fishermen’s Cooperative
Enjoy a bowl of farmed bluefin tuna from the Ōshima Strait, one of Japan’s leading regions for bluefin aquaculture. As a fishermen’s cooperative restaurant, Kairiki is known for exceptional freshness—the melt‑in‑your‑mouth richness and refined flavor make for the perfect energy boost to start your trip.
Facility Information
Yui Settlement
Ōaza Yui, Setouchi Town, Kagoshima 894‑1541 (About 20 minutes by car from Koniya)
14:30
Stroll through Yui Settlement, known for its Hōnensai Festival
Walk through Yui Settlement, the stage of the annual Yui Hōnensai held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. This community is known for performances connected to sumo, including Furidashi—a traditional ring‑entering ritual by local wrestlers. As you explore the settlement, you’ll feel the deep connection between island life and its enduring sumo culture.
Facility Information
16:00
Visit studio Loop Amami and experience handcrafted artistry
Head to studio Loop Amami, the workshop of artist Kozue Shigeyama, who creates the ceremonial kesho‑mawashi used for babies’ Hatsu‑dohyō—their first appearance on the sumo ring. Her work is guided by the belief that each stitch carries intention and care. You’ll also find charming souvenirs made with Ōshima Tsumugi, one of the world’s three great textiles.
Facility Information
17:00
Check in at seaside wellness resort THE SCENE and relax
18:00
Island‑inspired course dinner
Enjoy an exquisite course dinner at the hotel restaurant, featuring fresh local seafood and island vegetables from Amami. Savor a luxurious evening crafted by the chef’s dedication to local flavors.
21:00
Stargazing on the beach
With few streetlights on the island, the night sky becomes a natural planetarium. Countless stars and the Milky Way stretch overhead, creating a romantic and mystical finale to your first day.
09:00
Cross the strait to Kakeroma Island
From Koniya Port, board a ferry or charter boat and cross the strait to Kakeroma Island, a mystical island where untouched nature still remains.
Facility Information
Kakeroma Island
09:30
Enjoy a full Kakeroma Island tour & marine activities
Experience the extraordinary clarity of the waters around Kakeroma Island through snorkeling, clear kayaking, and other marine activities. Coral reefs and vibrant tropical fish create a dreamlike underwater world.
From winter to spring, you may even encounter humpback whales.
After enjoying the sea, explore the island’s peaceful settlements, where time flows slowly. One of these communities is recognized among the “100 Best Villages of Japan,” offering a glimpse into simple island living. Enjoy a relaxed local lunch featuring fresh island vegetables and seafood.
Facility Information
15:30
Return to Koniya and visit the scenic Honohoshi Coast
Head back to Koniya and continue to the striking Honohoshi Coast, a rare shoreline covered entirely with smooth, rounded stones polished by the powerful waves of the Pacific. As each wave recedes, the stones roll and create a distinctive, almost musical sound unique to this coast.
Facility Information
Sumo Chaya Chanko Kamitaka
8‑14 Ōminato, Koniya, Setouchi Town, Kagoshima 894‑1503
Tel:0997‑72‑1919
18:00
Dinner at “Sumo Chaya Chanko Kamitaka”
Enjoy dinner at Sumo Chaya Chanko Kamitaka, a beloved local family‑run chanko restaurant. A retired sumo wrestler prepares hearty chanko hotpot along with island dishes from Amami, offering a warm and flavorful way to experience the region’s sumo culture.
07:00
Sunrise Yoga by the Sea
Begin your final morning with a calming sunrise yoga session on the beach, accompanied by the gentle sound of waves. As the first light spreads across the horizon and the sea breeze brushes against your skin, allow your body and mind to settle into a peaceful rhythm.
Facility Information
10:00
Visit the panoramic Kōchi‑yama Observatory
After check‑out, head to the breathtaking Kōchi‑yama Observatory, one of Setouchi Town’s most scenic viewpoints. From an elevation of 415 meters, enjoy a sweeping 360‑degree panorama of the Ōshima Strait, the intricate rias coastline, and Kakeroma Island stretching across the water.
12:30
Transfer to Amami Airport and depart
Conclude your three‑day journey filled with sumo traditions, rich natural beauty, and the warmth of the island community as you make your way to Amami Airport for your return trip.
＜Other dining options in Setouchi Town＞
＜Other accommodations in Setouchi Town＞
– Why not visit Tokunoshima as well?
It’s just a 30‑minute flight from Amami Airport to Tokunoshima Airport.
On this neighboring island, you’ll find new discoveries—including a memorial hall dedicated to Asashio Tarō, a legendary grand champion (Yokozuna) in sumo. Tokunoshima offers a different cultural atmosphere from Amami, making it a rewarding addition to your journey.
[Concierge Contact ]
• We can tailor your itinerary based on preferred duration, activities, and budget.
• If you would like to discuss a customized 2‑night/3‑day Amami–Setouchi Town tour, please feel free to contact our concierge through the form below.
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