If you’re visiting Amami, there’s one place we highly recommend you stay: DenPaku.
“To put it simply, they’ve renovated old houses to offer accommodation—but what makes this place truly special is that it lets you experience like as if you’re actually living in Amami. You stay in a traditional home that gives you the warm, welcoming feeling of having just moved into your own new house.”
Especially for international visitors, this is more than just a place to sleep—it’s a doorway into the island’s heart.
🏠 What is DenPaku?
DenPaku is a unique lodging project that aims to connect Amami’s traditional architecture and local culture to future generations.
The name comes from the desire to preserve and share the essence of “tradition (伝)” and “staying/lodging (泊).”
These lodgings aren’t just accommodations—they are living cultural experiences.
Each DenPaku property is a lovingly restored traditional Amami’s house from a remote island or rural village. The goal is to retain the soul of the original architecture while providing guests with the comfort of modern amenities. During your stay, you’ll experience life as locals once lived it—peaceful, connected to nature, and deeply rooted in community.
🌴 What Makes Amami’s DenPaku So Special?
DenPaku facilities are scattered across the Amami Islands, including Amami Oshima, Kakeroma Island, and Tokunosima Island.
While the accommodations themselves are beautifully designed, the true highlight is the immersive experience of island life—one that coexists with nature, history, and culture.
✨ Key Features
🏚 Renovated Traditional Homes
Each home is carefully restored with help from local artisans. Rather than simply modernizing, DenPaku preserves the charm and craftsmanship of the past—beautiful wooden architecture, timeworn colors, and an atmosphere that speaks to generations gone by.
Also, the renovation itself is really well done—not over the top, but carefully thought out where it counts.
That balance really hit the spot for me. For example, personally, having good bathroom facilities is essential for a comfortable stay, and they’ve completely modernized the bathrooms in these old houses. It’s such a perfect blend of tradition and comfort.
Honestly, if I had the time, I’d want to stay here forever—it’s just that comfortable!
🌺 A Bridge to Local Culture
Staying at DenPaku offers more than comfort. Through events, meals, and conversations, you’ll engage directly with Amami’s culture—its people, traditions, cuisine, and natural surroundings.
🌊 Diverse Locations, Unique Experiences
Choose from seaside homes, mountain retreats, or village hideaways. Each location offers a different perspective on Amami’s rich natural and cultural diversity.
🔇 Embracing the Luxury of “Doing Nothing”
Some DenPaku houses intentionally exclude TVs or clocks to help you slow down. In our modern, busy lives, it’s quite hard things to find stillness. DenPaku creates a space where you can rediscover the joy and richness of simply being present.
🧑🤝🧑 Deep Ties to the Community
Local residents manage, clean, and support the operation of DenPaku. This creates a sustainable cycle where tourism directly supports the local economy—and where guests receive genuine insider knowledge and warm hospitality.
🌟 Experiences You Can Enjoy at DenPaku
- 🍲 Try authentic Amami cuisine (the famous “Keihan” is a must!)
- 🧵 Visit and experience Oshima Tsumugi, the island’s traditional silk weaving
- 🚣♂️ Explore nature with mangrove canoeing or scenic beach strolls
- 🎶 Join a live Shimauta (island folk song) performance
- 👵 Chat with local grandmas—this one’s my personal favorite!
📍 Main DenPaku Areas in Amami
- Amami Oshima (Kasari Town, Naze, Sumiyo, etc.)
- Kakeroma Island
- Tokunoshima Island
Each area has its own personality, so if time allows, staying in two different regions can give you a broader view of Amami’s charm.
💬 Who is DenPaku Perfect For?
- Travelers who want a real local experience—not found in guidebooks
- Nature lovers who seek peace and deep relaxation
- Those tired of standard tourist hotels and looking for something more soulful
- Conscious travelers who care about sustainable and community-based tourism
I’m not originally from Amami, but I had the chance to live there for a while—and during that time, DenPaku gave me so many incredible memories.
Now I want to give back by sharing just how magical this place is.
If you’re headed to Amami, don’t just visit—live the island life at DenPaku
Here’s the actual accommodation report.
