Yakushima Travel Guide

Discover Yakushima - a UNESCO World Heritage site in Japan. Explore natural and cultural attractions, hiking and biking paths, food scenes, where to stay and more!


Introduction to Yakushima

Nestled within the Kagoshima Prefecture in Japan, Yakushima is an island that offers a unique blend of natural and cultural attractions. Known for its remarkable biodiversity, Yakushima is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a treasure trove for nature lovers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. This tiny island is home to various endemic species and offers numerous trails for hikers and bikers, with views that are nothing short of spectacular.

List of Places to Visit in Yakushima

Yakushima offers a plethora of attractions worth visiting, including culturally important sites and natural wonders. Here’s a list of places to check out during your stay:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Yakusugi Museum: This museum showcases the history of Yakushima and its famous Cedar trees. The museum’s highlight is a Yakusugi Cedar tree that is over 3,000 years old.

  • Seibu Rindo: This ancient forest houses a shrine dedicated to Yakushima’s god of mountains. The area is an excellent example of Yakushima’s traditional forest management practices.

  • Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine: A popular hiking course that traverses through the ravine and lets visitors explore the serene forest and waterfalls.

Natural Attractions of Yakushima: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Jomon Sugi: This Cedar tree is considered Yakushima’s pride and joy - at over 2,000 years old and standing at over 80 meters tall, it’s an awe-inspiring sight to behold.

  • Yakushima Wildlife: From the Yakushima macaque to loggerhead turtles, the island is home to various endemic species that are protected within its nature reserves.

  • Yakushima Waterfalls: Check out the island’s spectacular waterfalls, including Senpiro Falls, Oko no Taki Falls, and the Wilson Stump waterfall.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Yakushima

Yakushima offers a range of hiking and biking trails suited to all levels, from beginners to experienced trekkers.

Some of the popular hikes to consider include:

  • Yakusugi Land: A popular destination for hikers for its famous cedar trees trail.

  • Mount Miyanoura: If you’re up for a challenge, this is the highest mountain in Kyushu and offers stunning panoramic views.

  • Yodogawa Trail: Offers an excellent route for those seeking less strenuous hikes.

Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy scenic rides around the island, with the popular routes being from Miyanoura town to Anbo town.

Best Things to Do in Yakushima: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking and cycling, there are several other activities and tours to experience on Yakushima island, including:

  • Diving: Yakushima Island boasts some of the best dive spots to explore its lush underwater scenery.

  • Kayaking: Rent a kayak and explore the island’s beautiful coastline.

  • Guided Tours: Several local tour operators offer guided tours of Yakushima’s cultural and natural attractions, including the island’s fauna and flora.

Week-Long Itinerary for Yakushima

Here’s an itinerary that covers Yakushima’s major attractions, that you can consider while planning your trip:

[COMMENT: The itinerary below is just an example you can use to elaborate and create your itinerary. This section can be styled as a table to make it easier to read]

Day 1: Arrival and relaxation Day 2: Hike the Jomon Sugi Cedar trail Day 3: Visit Yakusugi Land and Yakushima Wildlife Conservation Center Day 4: Explore Miyanoura town and visit the Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine Day 5: Do kayaking or diving tour around Yakushima Island Day 6: Head out for an early morning hike to Mount Miyanoura Day 7: Explore Anbo town and Yakushima lighthouse before your departure

Food and Drink Scene of Yakushima

Yakushima has a distinctive cuisine, which includes different seafood and green tea. Visitors can’t leave Yakushima without trying the following dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kihada maguro: Yellowfin tuna is a local Yakushima delicacy and can be served in sushi or sashimi form.

  • Buri: The island’s amberjack is also another popular seafood dish.

Local Beverages

  • Green tea: This delightful beverage is grown on Yakushima and served at local tea houses throughout the island.

  • Mugi-shochu: A distilled beverage and a popular drink in Yakushima. It is made from barley and other grains.

Where to Stay in Yakushima: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Yakushima has various accommodation options tailored to different budgets and needs, including:

  • Yakushima Youth Hostel: A budget-friendly option in Anbo town with shared and private rooms.

  • Sankara Hotel and Spa: A luxury hotel in a tranquil location offering spacious rooms, outdoor pools, and spa services.

  • Minshuku Kaisei: A Japanese-style guesthouse offering Japanese-style rooms and a restaurant serving local cuisine.

What to Buy in Yakushima: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

For those looking to take a piece of Yakushima with them, consider buying these local products:

  • Yakusugi Products: Pick up some cedar wood chips or a Yakusugi cushion to use back at home.

  • Yakushima Green Tea: Take home a packet of homegrown green tea to enjoy the island’s unique taste all year round.

Local Culture and Customs of Yakushima

Yakushima is steeped in tradition, and it’s important to respect the local culture when visiting. Some customs to keep in mind include:

  • Engage a guide or a ranger: It is essential to hire a local guide or ranger when exploring Yakushima for safety and to reduce the impact on the island’s fauna and flora.

  • Remove your shoes: Many establishments in Yakushima require you to remove your shoes before entering.

  • Keep your voice down: The island’s natural environment is delicate and visitors are expected to maintain the tranquillity of the area.

Best Time to Visit Yakushima

The best time to visit Yakushima is during the spring (March-May) and autumn (September- November) months when the weather is mild, and you can enjoy the island’s lush vegetation and natural beauty comfortably.

Do’s and Don’ts of Yakushima

Do:

  • Do your part to preserve the natural environment, including limiting your use of plastics and following guidelines when hiking and exploring the island.

  • Do respect the local culture and customs.

  • Do purchase souvenirs to support the local economy.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter, and always dispose of your waste in the designated areas.

  • Don’t damage the island’s flora and fauna.

  • Don’t attempt to explore the island without a local guide or ranger.

Safety and Health

Safety in Yakushima

Yakushima is generally a safe place to visit, and the locals are welcoming and friendly. However, caution should still be exercised when hiking, and visitors should always go with a local guide or ranger. It is also important to have adequate travel insurance when visiting.

Health in Yakushima

The island’s healthcare facilities are limited, so it is important to carry any necessary medication and visit a doctor before travelling.

Getting to Yakushima: Transportation Options and Logistics

Getting to Yakushima from mainland Japan requires a combination of flights and ferries. There are several transportation options available, including:

Airports Near Yakushima

Yakushima airport is the primary entry point on the island, and Japan Airlines connects the Island with Osaka, Fukuoka, and Kagoshima.

Bus Stations Near Yakushima

There are several bus services on the island, including a direct bus to and from the airport and other popular attractions.

Other Options

Ferries are also available from Kagoshima to Yakushima Island. The ferries operated by Toppy or Rocket.

How to Get Around in Yakushima

Yakushima Island’s transportation is limited and having a rental car is ideal. Visitors without a car can take the bus or hire a taxi or a bicycle to explore the island.

Where to Go Next from Yakushima: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some exciting destinations to consider after exploring Yakushima include:

  • Kagoshima: Accessible via ferry or flight from Yakushima, it is famous for its onsen (hot springs) and its stunning view of the smoking Sakurajima Volcano.

  • Mount Aso: A stunning active volcano and an excellent place to experience Japan’s geothermal wonders.

Conclusion

Yakushima is a hiker’s dream, a cultural treasure trove, and an eco-tourism paradise. This stunning island offers experiences that no other destination can match, from stunning scenery to unique culture and cuisine. We hope this travel guide convinces you to visit and explore this secret gem of Japan.

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