Amami Cycads & Silk
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Port
Amami (Naze), Amami Oshima, Japan
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$139.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Amami Island's surface is more than 80 percent tree-covered. Rare animals and colorful birds share the beautiful surroundings with blooming flowers and mangrove trees.
One of the most important and conspicuous plant species on the island is the Amami cycad, which grows along the coastal areas. The cycad plants seem delicate but are actually quite resilient and have been around since the Jurassic era. The cycad (Cycas revolute) and the plant is closely associated with the indigenous people of Amami. From the cycad fruit, islanders produce soybean paste, miso, mochi and rice cakes. Today, the cycad is listed as a threatened species on the IUCN Red List.
Continue to the Amami Oshima Tsumugi Village. Oshima Tsumugi is a high-quality silk fabric with a 1,300-year history. You will see the process involved in making this textile and hear about the background of the techniques used. The delicate, hand-woven fabric with intricate patterns is used to make traditional kimonos.
Finish up at the Hamachidorikan Shochu Brewery. Brown sugar is used the way molasses is used in rum, but shochu has a mild flavor and, surprisingly, is not too sweet. In theory, it also doesn't cause a hangover. Watch how the distilled Shochu liquor is made, and be sure to sample some before you leave.
Notes:
Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring local currency for any purchases.