Yakushima Travel Guide: What to See, How to Get There, When to Go

Yakushima is a round island south of Kyushu in Kagoshima Prefecture, inscribed as a natural World Heritage site in 1993. Its highlights are ancient cedars known as yakusugi, soft green moss forests, clear streams and high peaks, including Mt. Miyanoura, the tallest in Kyushu region. It is not a tourist town you can wander through; it takes planning for hiking, weather, the sea crossing and getting around the island.

Who it suits and how many days

The island suits people who like hiking, nature photography and do not mind rain. Those wanting city sights, shops and variety in food and drink may find it thin. Allow at least two nights to absorb a rainy day or a delayed boat. Anyone aiming for Jomon Sugi needs a full day and good fitness, while families and older travellers should focus on short trails.

Best months and weather

Rain is Yakushima's trademark. The island is wetter than most of Japan because its high mountains catch moist air from the sea, which produces the lush moss forest. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable hiking seasons; early summer is rainy, and late summer is hot and typhoon-prone, which can stop boats and flights. In winter the peaks can carry snow and ice and demand gear and experience. From about May to July sea turtles come ashore to lay eggs on some beaches.

Getting there and getting around

There are two ways in. One is a boat from Kagoshima port, either a high-speed boat taking roughly two to three hours or a slower boat that takes longer, docking at one of the island's ports depending on the sailing. The other is a small plane from Kagoshima Airport, and some flights from other large cities. On the island, the ring road, roughly 130 kilometres around, is the main route. Buses are infrequent and taxis are limited, so most people rent a car or use shuttle services, and some forest trailheads have shuttles only in peak seasons.

Main sights not to miss

• Shiratani Unsuikyo, a moss-and-cedar forest with short and long routes for many levels of hiker.
• Jomon Sugi, the island's best-known ancient cedar, requires a full day's hike starting very early from the Arakawa trailhead.
• Yakusugi Land, a forest area with trails from short walks to half-day routes.
• Ohko-no-Taki, a tall waterfall beside the road, handy for those who avoid long hikes.

Quieter spots and hidden gems

Nagata Inakahama is a beach where sea turtles come ashore to lay eggs in early summer; visit with an authorised guide or programme and do not disturb them. Seaside onsen such as Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen can be used according to the tide, and Yudomari Onsen is another popular local bath. You may also see Yaku deer and Yaku macaques beside the road, which should not be fed or approached too closely.

Areas to know

The island divides into zones. The north has Miyanoura port and the airport, the island's gateways. The southeast has Anbo port and tourist lodging villages. The south is near Yudomari Onsen and beaches, while the west is remote, quiet forest. Choose your base by the forest route you intend to walk, because driving between zones takes longer than the map suggests.

Food and souvenirs

The island's food identity includes flying fish (tobiuo), fried or served fresh in season, mackerel prepared as local dishes, and citrus such as tankan, which makes a good souvenir. Local tea and crafts made from cedar wood appear in gift shops. Restaurants are not numerous and often close early in the evening, so plan and book dinner ahead, or choose lodging with meals in villages with no nearby shops.

Sample budget

Costs run higher than on the mainland because of the sea crossing and the need for a car: boat or flight fares, car rental, lodging, shuttle or forest-access fees and guide fees, which may be required for some routes. Everything varies by season, so check official sources. Food tends to cost a little more than on the mainland because ingredients are shipped in. Travelling in a group helps share the car and guide.

A short sample plan

1. 1Day 1Arrive, pick up the rental car, see Ohko-no-Taki and a beach, soak in an onsen in the evening.
2. 2Day 2Hike Shiratani Unsuikyo or Yakusugi Land depending on stamina.
3. 3Day 3A spare day for rain or delayed boats, or a long route if you are prepared.

Mobile signal is weak in places on the island, but where it works, data helps with maps, boat schedules and forecasts. An eSIM is convenient on arrival at the port or airport because it works right away.

Bekijk eSIM-bundels voor Japan

Goed om te weten

Bring serious rain gear, non-slip shoes and spare dry clothes, since forest trails are slippery and weather changes quickly. Do not walk long routes alone; tell your lodging your plan and return time. Carry out your rubbish and do not touch the ancient trees. The mountains are much colder than the coast, even in summer. For long routes, check entry rules and shuttle times well ahead.