Embrace a true sub-tropical climate in Japan at Amami Oshima island this June. During this period, rainy days are a lot more common, but don’t let that dampen your spirit, as the island offers indoor activities that are just as fun! Explore our guide to the best indoor activities in Amami Oshima to plan an exciting getaway to this tropical gem in June.

Discover Amami Oshima’s Underwater World at Ohama Seaside Park

Discover the aquatic life of Amami Oshima at the heart of Amami City’s Ohama Seaside Park. The marine biodiversity in the Amami Marine Museum’s Ocean Exhibition Hall is a must-visit destination for sea life enthusiasts. Here, you can delve deep into the synergistic relationship between the sea and the local Amamians through insightful exhibits of their harmonious coexistence. Visitors can marvel at the graceful sea turtles and colourful tropical fish in the large tank or get a closer look at the world of shrimp, crabs, shellfish, and other protected sea creatures in our smaller tanks for visitors to learn and observe the wildlife in the island. The park also has a fascinating showcase of Amami’s vibrant marine ecosystem, which uncovers the complexities of the island’s coral ecology that sculpt its seas. For a more hands-on experience, consider participating in a unique crafting workshop in the “Learning, Playing, and Experience” area. Here, you can craft your handmade jewellery or accessories using the natural treasures of the sea – corals, sand, and shells.

With abundant aquatic wonders to explore, it’s the perfect indoor activity for visitors on a rainy day in Amami. For more information on the park, visit their website or speak to our front house to assist you.

Immerse Yourself at the Amami Oshima World Heritage Conservation Center

The Amami-Oshima World Heritage Conservation Center showcases the remarkable biodiversity of Amami Oshima’s subtropical forests, encompassing the mesmerising mangroves and expansive laurel forests. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage, these forests serve as a sanctuary for numerous endemic and endangered species, including Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species. 

Inside the centre, the entrance foyer captivates with vibrant murals depicting the evolution of Amami Oshima’s diverse ecosystem, resembling pages from a captivating storybook. The exhibition room boasts life-sized dioramas showcasing the lush forest vegetation and rare creatures such as the Amami rabbit and other species endemic to the island. As visitors explore the venue, a large projection of the breathtaking footage of the island’s mountain streams and mist-shrouded forests plays against the walls, coupled with the natural sounds of the flora and fauna of the island. 

For more details on the best time to visit the venue, visit their website or simply speak to our team to make arrangements.

From immersing yourself in the vibrant marine life at Ohama Seaside Park’s Underwater World to basking in the sounds of the lush subtropical forests at the Amami Oshima World Heritage Conservation Center, there is no shortage of fun indoor experiences to embark upon on the island. For more ideas on things to do in Amami Oshima in June, follow our social media pages at @miruamami. 

While Kyoto is often associated with its stunning temples, shrines, and outdoor gardens, sometimes the weather does not cooperate, and you may need to find some indoor activities to fill your time. Wondering what indoor activities are there to do in Kyoto? Here are a few suggestions that you could put on your to-do-list during the rainy season:

Explore Japan’s Marine Life at Kyoto Aquarium

Located inside Umekoji Park, the Kyoto Aquarium is one of the city’s top indoor attractions for people of all ages. The aquarium showcases the variety of marine life found in the local waters of Japan as well as exotic creatures from tropical regions. It was opened in 2012 and houses for 250 kinds of underwater creatures and over 15,000 creatures total.

The aquarium has two floors and is divided into various zones, each highlighting a different type of environment. A favourite zone amongst visitors is “The Countryside of Kyoto”, which exhibits a rice paddy in the middle of the bustling place. The area also features seasonal flowers and produce so people can get a hint of Kyoto’s countryside agriculture. 

Moving to “The River of Kyoto” section, you will be pleased to find one of the world’s largest amphibians, the Japanese giant salamander. The salamander is a Special Natural Monument of Japan for its astounding size and rarity. Here at Kyoto Aquarium, you can see the large-scale exhibit area with a realistic display of the giant salamander’s ecology in the rivers of Kyoto.

Visitors can also participate in educational programs and tours to learn about marine life conservation and preservation efforts. The souvenir shop also holds fun gifts for yourself or loved ones, like the salamander soft toy and Japanese sweets. 

Sign Up for a Calligraphy Class Today

If you’re looking for a hands-on activity, consider attending a calligraphy session at Calligraphy Kyoto under the guidance of an experienced Japanese calligrapher called Chifumi. Her studio specialises in traditional Japanese calligraphy, known as shodo (書道), which involves the use of brushes and ink to create beautiful characters and compositions on paper or other surfaces. 

Even if you’re not familiar with the basics of Japanese “Hiragana” and “Katakana”, the studio provides a simple guide to learn them with a stiff brush before moving on to “Kanji”. The various characters may seem daunting to a first-timer, but with the instructor’s help, you can acquire the fundamentals quickly. 

One of the studio’s highlights is its diverse classes and workshops for beginners and experienced calligraphers, including private lessons and group sessions. The popular “2 Hour Small Scroll Course” teaches the basics of calligraphy where participants will create a small calligraphy scroll of a Japanese expression on “Yatsugiri” scroll paper and a letter in their language using “Makigami” letter paper. 

Another interesting course the studio offers is “2 Hours Original Hanko (red seal rubber stamp)”. Aside from experiencing the Zen of calligraphy, participants will have the chance to create a one-of-a-kind original Hanko, with the participants choosing their writing style and practicing carving simple lines before applying the final design onto the rubber stamp-face. 

The workshops can be held in either English, Japanese or Mandarin Chinese depending on your preference and you can reserve your spot by checking the studio’s availability on their website: https://calligraphy.kyoto.jp/ 

Embrace Serenity and Tradition by Joining a Tea Ceremony

Experience the intricacy of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at Camellia Tea Ceremony. This ceremony is often referred to as Sado or “The Way of Tea” and is a cultural practice in Japan that emphasizes hospitality, respect, and harmony. It is typically performed by a trained tea master or host who prepares and serves the tea to guests in a serene and peaceful atmosphere. 

At Camellia Tea Ceremony, you can opt between a shared tea ceremony which gives you a chance to be one with other experience seeker travellers or a private tea ceremony with your group or on your own. 

The 45-minute tea presentation involves a series of slow and deliberate movements done in unison with guests. At the start of the session, the instructor will welcome the guests with a brief introduction to the history and culture surrounding tea before performing the tea ceremony itself. After being served with Kyoto’s confectionery, guests will prepare their bowl of frothy Matcha. 

Guests are expected to show proper respect and etiquette throughout the ceremony. The tea served in the Camellia Tea Ceremony is usually a high-quality green tea with a delicate and subtle flavour. If you’re looking forward to being a part of the experience, bookings can be made on their website: https://tea-kyoto.com/ 

Enjoy Kyoto Even on Rainy Days

Kyoto has plenty of fun activities to do, even on rainy days. Don’t let the rain dampen your spirit when so many things are awaiting you. Embrace the rain and try out the suggestions listed for you!

Summertime is upon us, and there is no better time to visit Amami Island. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters in the ocean, and diverse marine life, making it a popular destination among locals and tourists looking to engage in water activities such as swimming, snorkelling and diving. Whether you are an adventure seeker or an outdoor lover simply looking for a little rest and relaxation on your vacation, we have you covered! Voted as one of Japan’s top-rated hotels in Booking.com’s Traveller Review Awards, Miru Amami is bound to impress. 

Equipped with three different types of villa-style rooms, each with distinctive features, Miru Amami is the perfect spot to unwind and disconnect from your busy life.

Experience an Elevated Sense of Harmony at Our Pool Villas

Miru Amami’s Pool Villas are designed to provide guests with a private sanctuary with their own personal pool. Located on the edge of the resort’s tropical gardens, these villas offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape’s lush greenery and clear blue waters. 

From the subdued elegance of the architecture to the awe-inspiring ocean and natural splendour of the surrounding coastal forest, our Pool Villas promise moments of serenity at every corner. Visit our resort for a quick break from the hustle and bustle of the city, where you’ll find the ideal place for peace and quiet. 

Enjoy Your Getaway with Ocean Views at Our Ocean Villas

Miru Amami also offers customers ocean-facing hotels on the beach. For visitors who crave the sound of the ocean waves and those who wish to spend most of their time admiring the beauty of the island – the Ocean Villa is the one for you! With its own private outdoor bath or also called Ofuro, guests can take a dip while enjoying the stunning views or lounge on the sunbathing deck and take in the scenery overlooking the calm turquoise waters of Akaogi Bay. As you look out at the scenery, across the cerulean blue of the ocean and beyond the vast and limitless skies, you’ll feel a sense of stillness and peace while feeling connected to the endless wonders of nature, all from the comfort of your private Ocean Villa. 

Connect with Nature in the Splendour That Is Our Hillside Villas

The Hillside Villas are nestled in the resort’s lush tropical gardens, offering a peaceful and serene hideaway amidst the island’s natural beauty. These villas are perfect for a more laid-back and secluded retreat. With large windows and sliding doors, guests can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding, the refreshing ocean breeze and a stunning view of the cerulean ocean below. The villa is generously spaced at 37 sq.m,    where the outdoor patio is available with two options: outdoor bath or wide wood deck. Depending on availability, guests can choose their preferred option, for a perfect spot to unwind with a good book and soak up the sun’s warmth.

Take Your Entire Family on a Vacation to Miru Amami

Here at Miru Amami, our guests are our top priority. Whether you prefer the privacy of your own pool, the stunning views of the ocean or the serene ambience of the hillside, Miru Amami has something to offer every guest. We invite you to take advantage of the convenience and comfort of our Villas during your visit – which feature ample space designed for the utmost leisure for all.