Miman Amami

The owner and staff were so friendly and helpful, and I’d absolutely come back if I make it to the island again. There’s a bar that seemed to stay busy late, plus all sorts of rentals, including snorkels, surf gear, BBQ equipment, and even a hi-ace van. The snorkel gear we tried may have been worn out because it wouldn’t seal, so we couldn’t use it. The bathroom is shared, which is fine if you don’t mind sharing space. A rental car would be useful for a stay of a few days since many places aren’t very close and there’s only so much to explore nearby.

It’s a comfortable, clean place with a really nice interior, and a good affordable option for a visit to Amami. Some rental items need attention, especially the bikes, which are very rusty and could use an update. The owners weren’t always around, so we sometimes had to call, but they seemed quite friendly.

The guesthouse has a cocktail bar, surf culture, and even a little nerdy feel, with really good vibes. The owner is generous, cheerful, helpful, and probably the friendliest man in Japan. He built the whole guesthouse with his own hands. I came to Amami with a friend for a few days of surfing, and this was the place to be. You can easily rent surf gear, mopeds, snorkeling equipment, you name it, and he responds quickly, for example on Instagram.

I relied on public transport and had no trouble getting around from this convenient location. The spacious shower room has soap, hair dryers, and hair irons, and the garden is impressive, with a well dating back to the Ryukyu Dynasty that the owners have personally maintained. There’s a wide range of activity rentals, especially for marine sports. Highly recommended for travelers with light luggage who want to enjoy marine sports around Amami. ★★★★★