By Ambient Exploration
This video presents a serene early morning walk through Setouchi, a small coastal village situated on Amami Oshima Island in southern Japan. The walk takes viewers along the quiet streets of the village at dawn, providing a unique perspective on daily life in this remote area. The village is known for its friendly mix of local residents and visiting guests, thanks in part to a diving hotel and a restaurant bar that cater to both demographics. Viewers also notice distinctive tall stone walls encircling most homes, which serve as crucial protection against strong typhoon winds—a common occurrence during the annual storm season in the region.
While the tranquility of the morning is punctuated by the calls of crows, these birds outnumber other local wildlife and create a memorable backdrop to the walk. The video not only showcases the streets and architecture, but also briefly touches on the village’s adaptation to the often harsh weather, highlighting the resilience of local residents. The tight-knit community and the blend of traditional and tourism-focused amenities are well illustrated throughout the episode.
To round out the experience, the walk transitions seamlessly to a short snorkeling segment just offshore from the village. Amami Oshima’s coastal waters are known for their vibrant marine life, and viewers are treated to glimpses of tropical fish and colorful coral formations just a hundred meters from the beach. The proximity of such underwater beauty underscores Amami Oshima’s appeal for eco-tourists and adventure travelers alike.
Setouchi is located on the southern end of Amami Oshima, one of the Ryūkyū Islands that are prized for their natural beauty, subtropical climate, and distinctive culture. The area offers excellent opportunities for marine sports—including diving and snorkeling—making it a destination well-suited to visitors looking for an authentic, less-traveled corner of Japan.