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Experience Japanese Culture
Culture/Kabuki Performance/Sumo Match
Okinawa
Make, learn, experience, and eat with this luxurious retreat plan based around the Uminchu (Islander) culture

Surrender Yourself to Nature and Release Your Inner Self - Experience Itoman’s Blessings and Uminchu (Islander) Culture With This "Luxury Retreat Plan"

USD384.56(JPY55,000)

  • A confirmation email for your reservation will be sent to you within 48 hours.
    *If your reservation cannot be completed, WAmazing Play will process your refund.
  • Required Time:
    360minutes

    *Expected time of up to 6 hours

  • Reservation Time:
    12:50
  • Supported Languages:
    Japanese / English
Participants(Min.):
1 Person
Participants(Max.):
4 People
Min. Participants Required For Activity:
2 People
Payment Method:
Credit Card (VISA/MASTER/AMERICAN EXPRESS/JCB)
Fee:
Adult (Aged 18 years and above) USD 384.56
Age (Min.):
18 years old
Cancellation:
Yes
Booking deadline:
4 days prior by 17:00

Activity

Tour the workshop of a leading Itoman Sabani boat expert who continues the traditional shipbuilding and sailing techniques

Tour the workshop of Kiyoshi Oshiro, a leading expert on Itoman Sabani boats, who continues to craft these traditional vessels in Itoman City. The basic Sabani technique has been passed down in Itoman City and is said to have originated in 1880 during the Meiji Period. Today, Obi cedar wood—known for its strength and flexibility—is used, sourced from Miyazaki Prefecture. Learn all about Sabani while observing the craftsmen at work up close!

Ride on a traditional Sabani boat to the uninhabited Ejina Island

Sabani were traditionally used for fishing in Itoman, which is known as the birthplace of the Sabani—a boat that was widely utilized by fishermen in Okinawa Prefecture. These boats were sailed into the ocean until engines became popular. Ride on a precious Sabani built by a still-active boat carpenter and head to Ejina Island, known as the island of the gods, which is watched over by the sea god.

Pray on the mystical Ejina Island, an island with untouched nature

It is said that there was a gusuku (castle) on the third island, along with a shell mound and a place of worship, indicating that the area likely functioned as both a settlement and a sanctuary. Ejina Island has long been known as the "island of the gods" and has been revered from afar from the plaza in the Nagusuku area on the main island, located on the opposite shore. This tour offers a unique opportunity to pray from the seaside towards Ejina Island.

Enjoy a spectacular sunset over Itoman's blessed sea

It is said that the seafood served in Ryukyu Dynasty cuisine was caught in Itoman. This seafood was enjoyed by many important figures and was specially prepared by private chefs to enhance the dishes. Dinner is served on Puchipuchi Beach, a private beach. Enjoy the perfect meal as the sunset bathes the scenery in warm light during the golden hour.

Make your own chopsticks using wood scraps from the Sabani!

Obi cedar, the material used for making Sabani, is a type of wood grown in Nichinan City, Miyazaki Prefecture, and is widely used in the construction of wooden ships. It is characterized by its strength and flexibility. This tour includes an experience where you can make your own chopsticks using scraps from the Sabani workshop. Create a unique pair of chopsticks infused with Itoman's history and passion in just 30 minutes!


Schedule

  • Meeting place: Shabondama Sekken Kukuru Itoman

    Please arrive at Shabondama Sekken Kukuru Itoman 10 minutes before the meeting time (12:50 PM). Wait inside the automatic doors at the entrance for your tour guide to confirm your reservation. You will learn about the history of the Sabani (approximately 30 minutes; exhibits are available in Japanese and English). Please present the My Page reservation screen when you meet your guide.

  • Sabani artisan workshop tour (about 30 minutes)

    You will travel by rental car to the Sabani artisan's workshop (approximately 10 minutes) and observe the craftsman's workspace

  • Sabani boat experience (lecture on how to ride: about 20 minutes / Ejina Island sailing: about 60 minutes)

    About 12 minutes by rental car to Uminchi. Board the Sabani and circle Ejina Island. Face the place of worship and offer your prayers from onboard the Sabani itself!

  • Workshop experience at Uminchi (about 30-60 minutes)

    Make your own chopsticks using Sabani scraps.

  • Sunset dinner (about 90 minutes)

    Enjoy the beautiful sunset during dinner at Puchipuchi Beach (served indoors in the case of rain)


Included in the Fee

Learn about Sabani (at Itoman City's tourism and cultural exchange base facility "Shabondama Sekken Kukuru Itoman")
Sabani artisan workshop tour, workshop (material cost included)
Sabani boat experience (insurance fee, life jacket rental included), Ejina Island guide fee, sunset dinner

Not included in the Fee

Cost of drinks for the sunset dinner
Travel expenses
Hotel expenses

Meeting Place

Itoman City's tourism and cultural exchange base facility "Shabondama Sekken Kukuru Itoman"

1-1-2 Shiozaki-cho, Itoman-shi, Okinawa 901-0364

Directions

Nearest StationAbout 20 minutes by car from Naha Airport

Directions to Nearest StationFrom Naha Airport or Kokusaidori Street, take the Umikaji Liner bus and alight at Itoman-shiyakusho (about 40 minutes)

Destination by TaxiShabondama Sekken Kukuru Itoman next to Itoman City Hall


Things guests need to prepare on the day of the activity (clothes, belongings, etc.)

Please come in clothes that are easy to move in that you don't mind getting wet. Please also bring a change of clothes.

Sandals, hat, sun protection products, drinks for hydration, towel, waterproof case for your mobile phone


Cancellation Policy

The cancel fee is based on the timing of the cancellation. Please check the cancellation policy below.

  • After 15 days before date of use
    30%
  • After 10 days before date of use
    50%
  • After 7 days before date of use
    100%

Notes

[Notes]
• Reception hours may vary depending on the season as the high tide and sunset times change. We will inform you of the time when we respond to your request.
• In the event that the Shabondama Sekken Kukuru Itoman is closed, you can learn about Sabani culture at the Itoman Uminchu Art & Craft Center Museum.
• Please make arrangements for your own rental car, as you will need to provide your own transportation.
• The meeting time varies by day, so we will provide the detailed time via email when responding to your reservation request.
• For more details about the experience, please check here.

[Cancellation Policy]
• If there is a forecast of danger due to thunder, heavy rain, strong winds (over 7 m/s), typhoons, or similar conditions, the tour will be canceled. WAmazing Play's customer support will contact you via email after 3:00 PM the day before your booking in the event of a cancellation.

[Supported Languages]
Explanations can be provided in simple English using a translator (translation app)

[Parking]
Parking is available (free)

Organizer

Uminchi Sea Side Umibudo (Sea Grape) Park

1931 Maezato, Itoman-shi, Okinawa 901-0362

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Adult (USD 384.56)
Aged 18 years and above
USD0.00(JPY0)