Exploring Tokunoshima Town
A Three‑Day Journey Through Tokunoshima:
Exploring the Yokozuna’s Spirit and World Natural Heritage Landscapes
Encounter Passion and Majestic Nature on Tokunoshima, the Island Where Life Descends
From Osaka (Itami Airport), travel via Kagoshima to Tokunoshima, a World Natural Heritage island. In Tokunoshima Town, birthplace of the 46th Yokozuna Asashio Tarō, the island’s warm community bonds—rooted in kuwaadu takara (the belief that children are true treasures), the unwavering Inokawa Spirit, and a deep respect for strength and skill shaped by the island’s bull‑sumo culture—continue to thrive.
Your journey includes Japan’s first underwater sculpture, Ocean Gaia, immersive village walks, local kokutō shōchū (a traditional brown‑sugar spirit), and island home‑style cuisine. This special three‑day, two‑night trip invites you to experience the island’s passionate spirit and the overwhelming beauty of its World Natural Heritage landscapes.
FEATURE
A World Heritage Island Where Community Ties and an Unyielding Spirit Endure
The warm community connections that cherish children as treasures—expressed in kuwaadu takara—the unwavering Inokawa Spirit, and the deep respect for strength and skill shaped by the island’s bull‑sumo culture all continue to thrive in Tokunoshima Town, the place that fostered Yokozuna Asashio Tarō.
Visiting the Asashio Tarō Memorial Hall offers a chance to experience the island’s passionate spirit and the depth of its history, shaped by generations of island residents.
Forest walks through ancient World Natural Heritage forests and mystical snorkeling in the underwater sculpture Ocean Gaia offer dynamic encounters with nature found only on Tokunoshima.
At the sea‑view private villa YUUNA, you can enjoy home‑style island cuisine prepared with heartfelt hospitality and experience the island’s traditional kokutō shōchū culture.
This is a luxurious moment where culture, nature, and island gastronomy come together—an experience possible only in Tokunoshima Town.
Enquire with Our
Concierge
HIGHLIGHT
DAY 1 HIGHLIGHT
Encounter the Island’s World Natural Heritage and the Culture That Fostered Yokozuna Asashio Tarō
From Itami Airport, travel via Kagoshima to Tokunoshima. After visiting the Tokunoshima World Heritage Center, enjoy lunch at Restaurant Kimukyura.
Learn about the life and legacy of Yokozuna Asashio Tarō at the Asashio Tarō Memorial Hall, then spend the afternoon experiencing the island’s kokutō shōchū culture at Nishikawa Shuzō and visiting Takinsya, a relaxing waterfall spot.
Check in at YUUNA, where you will end the day with a luxurious barbecue featuring premium Wagyu beef.
DAY 2 HIGHLIGHT
Experience Everyday Island Life Through a Village Tour and Home‑Style Cuisine
In the morning, join the Kanami Village Tour, walking with a local guide through highlights such as the Sotetsu Tunnel, Tukka, and the Kanamizaki Observatory.
After enjoying lunch at Jibie Café Tougura, continue with the Kanami Eco Tour, taking a gentle walk through the island’s mystical forest.
Return to your accommodation early to relax and enjoy the slow rhythm of island time with views of the sea. In the evening, savor a warm and welcoming home‑style cooking experience with a local home cook, immersing yourself in the flavors and hospitality of Tokunoshima.
DAY 3 HIGHLIGHT
Mystical Underwater Art Snorkeling and Island Treasures
On your final day, enter the crystal‑clear sea to explore the underwater sculpture Ocean Gaia by snorkeling, experiencing the mystical world of submerged sculptures and tropical fish.
Afterwards, enjoy shopping for pure brown sugar, kokutō shōchū, and other local specialties at Michi‑no‑Eki Tokunoshima before heading to your next destination from Tokunoshima Airport.
Into
Tokuno
shima
TOUR PLAN
11:35
Arrive at Tokunoshima Airport
Travel from Itami Airport via Kagoshima Airport, heading south for about two and a half hours before arriving on Tokunoshima, an island recognized as part of the World Natural Heritage area.
Facility Information
Tokunoshima World Heritage Conservation Center
2206 Kedoku, Tokunoshima Town, Kagoshima Prefecture
TEL: 0997-84-0726
12:00
Learn About Tokunoshima’s Unique Ecosystem
Visit the Tokunoshima World Heritage Conservation Center, located about 15 minutes from the airport. Through dioramas and video displays, you will learn about rare species found only on Amami Ōshima and Tokunoshima, such as the Amami rabbit and the Tokunoshima spiny gecko, deepening your understanding of the island’s distinctive biodiversity and the significance of its World Natural Heritage designation.
Facility Information
Restaurant Kimukyura
1132‑1 Shimokushi, Tokunoshima Town, Kagoshima Prefecture
TEL: 0997-84-1186
13:00
Island Lunch at an Ocean‑View Restaurant
Enjoy a scenic ocean view at Restaurant Kimukyura, where you can savor local dishes such as keihan and yakōgai, prepared with the island’s seafood and traditional flavors.
Facility Information
Asashio Tarō Memorial Hall
Inokawa, Tokunoshima Town, Kagoshima Prefecture
TEL: 0997-83-0731
Closed on Mondays
14:00
Trace the Legacy of Yokozuna Asashio Tarō
Head to the Inokawa district, the birthplace of Yokozuna Asashio Tarō, and visit the Asashio Tarō Memorial Hall. Here you can view valuable exhibits such as ceremonial aprons and learn about the great Yokozuna’s life shaped by the island’s warm community spirit expressed in kuwaadu takara (children are treasures), the resilient Inokawa spirit, and the deep respect for strength and skill rooted in Tokunoshima’s bullfighting culture.
Facility Information
15:30
Explore Tokunoshima’s Brown Sugar Shochu Culture
Visit Nishikawa Shuzō, where traditional kokutō shōchū—a spirit legally produced only in the Amami Islands—is crafted. Learn about the artisans’ dedication, aging techniques, and the role of kokutō shōchū in everyday island life while experiencing its rich aroma.
16:20
Visit the Mystical Waterfall Takinsya
Surrounded by clear streams and lush greenery, Takinsya offers a serene natural setting. Feel the refreshing air and the energy of the cascading waterfall in this peaceful corner of the island.
Facility Information
17:30
Check In at the Private Villa YUUNA
Stay at YUUNA, a collection of five single‑story villas inspired by the traditional Amami raised‑floor architecture known as takakura. Set within abundant nature and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it is an ideal place to unwind and enjoy the island’s gentle rhythm.
Facility Information
18:30
BBQ Dinner with Island Ingredients
Enjoy a special BBQ dinner in the island’s open air, featuring Wagyu beef from Tokunoshima and fresh island vegetables for a luxurious evening meal.
Facility Information
09:00
Kanami Village Tour: Experience Everyday Island Life
Walk through Kanami Village, a community designated as part of a national park and known for having some of the richest natural environments on Tokunoshima. With a local guide, explore deep layers of village life and nature, including the jungle‑like Sotetsu Tunnel filled with centuries‑old greenery, the traditional communal water site Koneinyama, and the breathtaking Kanamizaki Observatory, which offers sweeping views of both the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
Beyond the beach where sea turtles come ashore to nest, you will also encounter Tukka, a striking ancient rock formation that preserves the memory of the island’s distant past.
Facility Information
12:00
Lunch at Jibie Café Tougura
Enjoy a delightful lunch during the Kanami Village Tour at Jibie Café Tougura, featuring locally sourced island ingredients and café plates highlighting the rich flavors of local vegetables.
13:30
Kanami Eco Tour: Gentle Forest Walk
Explore the forests of Tokunoshima, where precious ecosystems of the World Natural Heritage area remain. With explanations from your guide, experience the island’s ancient nature through a gentle forest walk, feeling the presence of rare plants and endemic species while enjoying the calm atmosphere of the island’s lush environment.
16:00
Early Return to YUUNA for Relaxation
Return early to YUUNA for a restful break. With a spacious schedule, take time to unwind, soothe travel fatigue, and immerse yourself in the island’s gentle pace.
17:00
Home‑Style Cooking Experience with Island Residents
Join a local home cook to prepare special dishes rooted in seasonal ingredients and traditional island flavors. This hands‑on cooking experience offers a warm expression of island hospitality and a memorable dinner crafted together with the people of Tokunoshima.
Facility Information
09:00
Snorkeling to Discover Mystical Underwater Art
Off the coast of Inokawa, you will encounter Ocean Gaia, Japan’s first underwater sculpture. Enjoy snorkeling in the island’s clear waters while viewing this mystical artwork that symbolizes the cycle of life.
Facility Information
Michi‑no‑Eki Tokunoshima
2206 Kedoku, Tokunoshima Town, Kagoshima Prefecture
TEL: 0997-81-6111
12:00
Shopping for Island Treasures
Spend time at Michi‑no‑Eki Tokunoshima, where local specialties from Tokunoshima are gathered in one place. Browse souvenirs made from sugarcane, tankan, and other island products, and enjoy lunch at the on‑site dining area as you savor the final moments of your journey.
13:30
Transfer to Tokunoshima Airport
Your journey concludes with unforgettable encounters with the island’s nature and the passionate spirit that raised a Yokozuna.
Extend Your Journey to Amami Ōshima and Setouchi Town
From Tokunoshima Airport to Amami Airport, the flight takes only about 30 minutes.
Amami Ōshima is known as “the island with the most sumo rings in Japan,” and Setouchi Town preserves warm traditions such as Hatsudohyō, a ceremony celebrating newborns by placing them on the sumo ring for the first time.
These islands offer another layer of rich cultural heritage closely connected to sumo and community life.
Concierge Support
• Your trip can be tailored to your preferred number of days, activities, and budget.
• If you would like to discuss a customized Tokunoshima Town tour, please feel free to contact our concierge through the inquiry form.
Enquire with Our
Concierge