Recommended by local guides! Yakushima Tour to experience the great nature

Tour of Yakushima

If you want to go sightseeing in Yakushima, we recommend joining a tour.

By participating in tours organized by local people or travel agencies, you can fully enjoy the nature of Yakushima.

Especially if you are going to Yakushima for the first time, even if you have done your own research before you go, you will probably have some uncertainties and concerns until you get there.

If you go on a tour, you can receive more detailed guidance from a local guide/travel agency, so you can enjoy your trip without anxiety.

When you join a tour, you can concentrate only on enjoying Yakushima!

In this article, we will provide an overview of Yakushima and recommended tours for your reference!

 

What is Yakushima in the first place?

Yakushima is an island in the East China Sea about 65 km south of the Kagoshima mainland, and 901 tp3t of the island is covered with forest.

A portion of the island, covering an area of about 21%, was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for the first time in Japan.

The cedar, a plant indigenous to Japan, is abundant and beautiful, and is highly valued around the world for its preservation of a uniquely Japanese natural landscape.

It is also called the "Alps of the Seas" because 90% of its total area is covered by mountainous terrain, and it is a spot where visitors can experience the great outdoors firsthand.

The island's population is about 13,000, and there are 24 villages along the coast, each with a different culture and history.

 

How to get to Yakushima?

Here is how to get to Yakushima from major cities in Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Nagoya.

First, the fastest route from Tokyo is to go from Haneda or Narita Airport to Kagoshima Airport and then to Yakushima Airport.

There is a way to get to Yakushima from Kagoshima by boat, but it takes longer, so flying is more cost-effective when considering the trip as a whole.

Next, as for how to get to Yakushima from Osaka, there is one direct flight a day from Itami Airport to Yakushima.

If you want to save as much time as possible, this is the way to go.

As for how to get to Yakushima from Fukuoka, like Itami Airport, there is one direct flight per day to Yakushima.

Of course, it is possible to transfer at Kagoshima Airport, so please consult with your travel plans and choose the best method of travel.

Finally, the fastest way to get there from Nagoya is to take the Shinkansen bullet train to Itami Airport and then take a direct flight.

Alternatively, you can go from Komaki Airport to Fukuoka Airport and take a direct flight from there, so please consider this option.

 

What is the weather like on Yakushima?

Yakushima has a subtropical climate on the coast and a subarctic climate on the mountain tops.

In other words, even when the coastal areas are warm and comfortable, the mountain tops are as cold as Hokkaido.

Specifically, in spring and fall, the temperature is between 5°C and 15°C at mountain temperatures, and in summer, the temperature is 15°C or higher.

If you plan to climb a mountain, please consider and prepare clothing that will allow you to make adjustments.

It is cool and chilly in the early morning, and hot as you walk, so it is best to dress in layers and be able to take them off later.

It is best to think in three layers: underwear, shirts/fleece, and outerwear, and to have a combination of about 1-5 pieces of clothing.

If they are made of cotton, they will cool down after sweating, so it is better to have them in quick-drying materials.

Also, don't forget to bring rain gear when you visit, as the place gets so much rain that it is said to "rain 35 days a month.

It is difficult to predict when it will rain and how the temperature will change, so prepare well in advance to enjoy Yakushima!

 

Yakushima Tour List

Here are six tours that are perfect for those who want to enjoy Yakushima to the fullest!

 

trekking tour

Trekking tours to the Jomon Cedars, the symbol of Yakushima, are the most popular activity on Yakushima.

From the starting point, the route is about 11 km one way, or about 10 hours round trip, making it a serious trek.

It is definitely safer to take a tour because you need to leave early in the morning and the road is long.

If you sign up for an optional tour, round-trip transportation is included, so you can get there comfortably even with an early morning departure.

In addition, you will be able to learn about the nature of Yakushima from the guides during the climb, so you will be more knowledgeable about Yakushima after the tour.

Even beginner climbers can be taught the basics, such as how to walk and breathe, so why not join a trekking tour and enjoy the fantastic Jomon cedars?

 

SUP Tour

SUP is an abbreviation for "Stand Up Paddleboard.

In this activity, you stand on a board like a surfing board and paddle through the water.

Although it may not be familiar to many, it is gradually becoming popular in Shonan, where surfing is popular, and in Okinawa, where marine activities are abundant.

Many of the tours offer rental paddles and boards for SUP, so you can go empty-handed.

Just standing on the board is a good way to strengthen your core, so beginners should start by standing.

After you get used to it, you may enjoy yoga on the SUP.

Feel the wind on the sea and be healed!

 

Canoe Tour

Canoe is a general term for small boats paddled with paddles, and kayak is actually included in canoeing.

Paddling a canoe in nature in cooperation with family and friends will create memories and allow you to enjoy the scenery in a way that you cannot in the city.

It is a great way to get back in touch with nature and return to your childhood memories, and not only children but also adults can enjoy the experience together.

 

Snorkeling Tour

Snorkeling is a marine activity in which you wear a breathing pipe and enjoy the sea.

Visitors can fully enjoy the rare fish that are hard to see in everyday life and the beautiful scenery in the sea.

Beginners and those unfamiliar with the sea will feel more comfortable taking a snorkeling tour.

Instructors who are familiar with the sea will carefully teach you how to enjoy snorkeling more and what you should pay attention to.

You can rent the necessary equipment if you join a tour, so you can easily participate in the tour with minimal preparation.

Enjoy the extraordinary underwater scenery with snorkeling.

 

Diving Tours

Diving is an activity in which one goes deep underwater by using a cylinder carried on one's back to breathe.

The time spent underwater is as long as one hour, and since it is a deeper dive than snorkeling, you can take your time and fully enjoy the underwater experience.

For those who want to enjoy diving more seriously, certification is a must, but the experience tour is a great way to learn what diving is like even without certification.

Experience the true thrill of diving by experiencing the beautiful and majestic waters of Yakushima firsthand.

 

Shower trekking (river climbing) tours

Shower trekking is an activity that explores the canyon from downstream to upstream.

Climbing to the top, using ropes and sometimes being hit by waterfalls, will surely give you a sense of accomplishment.

Even if you are not confident about your physical strength, guides will support you so that you can enjoy the tour to the extent that you are comfortable!

 

What to Expect When Participating in a Yakushima Tour

Here are some tips for taking a tour of Yakushima Island.

 

Note the rules to protect nature.

Make sure you are aware of the rules to protect nature.

Yakushima is full of moss, and the glistening moss is said to be the treasure of the forest.

However, sitting on that moss is one of the things that are considered NG in Yakushima tourism.

Never sit on moss, even if you are tired from climbing.

Also, if you encounter deer, monkeys, or other wild animals while climbing, never feed them, only watch them.

Please check the rules in advance and enjoy the beautiful nature of Yakushima.

 

Pay attention to the intensity of the sun.

Yakushima is at a lower latitude than the mainland, so the sun is very strong.

Be sure to bring a hat to prevent heat stroke and sunburn.

Please hydrate frequently and take care of yourself.

 

Please make your reservation as soon as possible!

Yakushima, with its mystical charm, is a very popular spot all year round.

Popular tours, especially during Obon vacation and GW, are booked up quickly.

Once you have decided on a travel schedule, make your reservations as soon as possible.

Since there is only one direct flight per day from Itami and Fukuoka airports, please make reservations early for this one and enjoy a trip that includes plenty of your own wishes!

 

summary

In this issue, we have told you about the various attractions of tours in Yakushima.

Yakushima offers trekking tours to enjoy the beautiful Jomon cedars and mountain scenery, as well as many activities in the ocean!

Take care of yourself and the temperature differences, and try to make lots of memories.

Thank you for taking the time to read this to the end.