Enjoy your trip to Yakushima Island! Introducing 7 essential activities in Yakushima
Table of Contents
Travel to World Heritage Site "Yakushima
Yakushima was, in 1993,The first island in Japan to be registered as a World Natural Heritage siteAnd there, you'll find a vast expanse of mysterious natural beauty, including Yakusugi cedars that are thousands of years old and moss-covered forests.
It is characterized by a diverse range of climates, from subtropical to cool temperate, and one of its attractions is the opportunity to enjoy a variety of breathtaking views throughout the year, such as the fresh greenery of spring, the ocean in summer, the autumn foliage, and the snowy landscapes of winter.
In addition to offering a wide variety of hiking and water activities,One of Japan's leading sea turtle nesting sitesIt is also known as [...], and offers a unique and precious nature experience that can only be found on Yakushima.
◆For First-Time Visitors to Yakushima
◆For those planning a model itinerary for a trip to Yakushima
◆For those who want to know about recommended tours on Yakushima
◆For those who want to enjoy popular activities on a trip to Yakushima
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Held in Yakushima!
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What is Yakushima?
Yakushima is an island located south of Kagoshima Prefecture. It is rich in natural beauty, featuring a range of mountains over 1,000 meters in elevation, including Mt. Miyanoura, the highest peak in Kyushu.
."It rains 35 days a month on Yakushima."It is said to have such high rainfall that..."—and this abundant rain nourishes the island's deep forests and beautiful mountain streams.
At Shiratani Unsuikyo, in particular, the moss-covered forest stretching as far as the eye can see creates a magical landscape, making it one of Yakushima’s most popular tourist attractions that draws many visitors.
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Yakushima Island
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How to get to Yakushima Island?
The main ways to get to Yakushima areairplane, ,High-speed boat, ,FerryThere are three types.
When using airplanes, you can go from each city to Kagoshima Airport, and from there to Yakushima Airport in about 35 minutes.
There are also direct flights from Osaka (Itami) and Fukuoka, which take approximately 2 hours from Itami and 1 hour and 10 minutes from Fukuoka.
Low-cost carriers (LCCs) operate flights from Haneda Airport, Narita Airport, Kansai International Airport, and Chubu International Airport to Kagoshima Airport, so it’s possible to keep travel costs down.
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If you're taking a high-speed ferry,As little as 2 hours from Kagoshima Main Port, ,It takes about 4 hours by ferry...and we'll arrive there.
High-speed boats and ferries can be used to reduce transportation costs, but it also takes about one hour to travel from the airport to the port, so flying is recommended if you want to reduce travel time.
Fares for high-speed boats and ferries range from 5,200 to 9,200 yen one-way, and discounts are available for round-trip tickets except during peak season.
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Weather in Yakushima
Yakushima Island receives a large amount of precipitation annually, but the amount of rainfall varies with the seasons.
Furthermore, the area is characterized by strong sunshine throughout the year, with cool summers and warm winters.Since most of the island is mountainous,Be aware of changes in the weatheris required.
It is important to check the weather in advance and then prepare clothing and personal belongings appropriate for the weather.
Fun even when it rains!
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Held in Yakushima!
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What is the best season to travel to Yakushima?
When it comes to the best time of year to visit Yakushima,In spring, April through May, ,Fall is from October to NovemberI am sure you will.Early to mid-April is relatively untraveled and the weather is warmer, with temperatures in the upper 20s.
October and November are also relatively dry months, making them the perfect season for trekking.
In addition, sea turtles lay eggs from May to August, and in July, when the rainy season ends, visitors can enjoy swimming in the sea.
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7 Must-Do Activities on Yakushima Island
Surrounded by vast natural landscapes, Yakushima is mostly mountainous and bordered by beautiful seas, soA wide variety of activitiesThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.
Here are some of the activities you can enjoy in Yakushima.
Yakushima Island
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trekking tour
A classic tourist spot on Yakushima, “Jomon cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)and "Shiratani Unsui Gorge (Shiratani Unsui Gorge)"Trekking tours to [...].
Most tours are divided into two days, but tours that can be completed in one day or private tours are also available for those who have a shorter stay.
In addition to seeing the Jomon Sugi—said to be between 2,000 and 7,200 years old—you can also “The Forest of SpiritsIn the moss-covered forest of Shiratani Unsui-kyo—also known as “”—you can experience a magical world covered in hundreds of species of moss♪
Yakushima mountain climbing and trekking tours
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There is a wide variety of courses to choose from, so you can select one that fits your schedule and fitness level, soBeginners are also welcome.There are also many tours you can join.
Generally speaking, most tours start early in the morning, between 4:00 and 5:00, so you can fully enjoy Yakushima’s mysterious natural beauty♪
Diving Tours
Diving—where you wear an oxygen tank on your back to explore the ocean and observe a variety of marine life—is a popular activity on Yakushima.
Yakushima Island, recognized as a World Heritage site, is world famous for its virgin forests, but you can also enjoy the beautiful sea world.
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The waters around Yakushima, which are directly influenced by the Kuroshio Current, are crystal clear, andYou can see the ocean stretching out into the distanceSo, it's perfect for diving.
With a variety of environments—including spots where large migratory fish swim, white sandy beaches, and areas where you can leisurely observe the underwater world—it’s popular with a wide range of travelers.
Also,The summer months mark the sea turtle nesting season.As a result, you're more likely to encounter sea turtles.
SUP Tour
SUP (short for "stand-up paddleboard") is,Water Activities Originating in HawaiiThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.
The board is floated on the surface of the water with the stability of a surfing board, and you stand on it and paddle with a single paddle to explore the ocean.
In addition to the pre-tour training session, since this is an activity you can enjoy in calm waters,No worries for first-timersThere are many tours available that you can join.
With a wide variety of options, including half-day courses and full-day tours combined with snorkeling, it’s one of the most popular activities that’s easy to fit into your schedule.
In addition to the ocean, the Anbo River—one of Yakushima’s most iconic features—has a gentle current, so even beginners and children can enjoy SUP♪
Canoe Tour
A canoe is a general term for a boat that moves across the water's surface by using a paddle to propel it.
Surrounded by the sea,Yakushima, home to as many as 140 riversSo, everyone from beginners to advanced paddlers can enjoy a wide range of canoeing experiences♪
The forests of Yakushima Island, where there is abundant rainfall throughout the year, are well watered here and there, and the river water is very clear because the beautiful forests filter the rainwater.
Canoeing, which can be enjoyed on both the river and the ocean, is a popular activity on Yakushima, and many tours are offered.
In particular, the Awa River,One of Yakushima's most popular canoeing spotsIt is.
The Awa River is a wide, clear river with a gentle current, making it easy and exhilarating to paddle even for beginners.
Click here for popular Awa River tour packages
Eco-tour (island sightseeing)
An eco-tour is a trip to learn about nature and culture and enjoy it while preserving the natural environment and the lives of the people who live there.
Trekking to observe nature, learn about the origins of the island, and participate in activities to protect the natural environment and wildlife is one of the eco-tours.
On Yakushima, you can find the World Heritage-listed primeval forest and the Yakusugi cedars,Hiking through a forest lined with giant trees, ,Observing Sea Turtles Laying EggsYou can enjoy tours unique to Yakushima, such as these.
There are also many other activities to enjoy, such as the aerial boardwalk, where you can walk across bridges suspended among the trees and view the forest from above, and the zip line experience, where you can glide through the forest like Tarzan.
There are many optionsTherefore, it’s safe to say that everyone—from young children to the elderly—can enjoy it.
Snorkeling Tour
Snorkeling is a classic activity.
Wearing snorkeling goggles, fins, and a wetsuit to breathe while keeping your face underwater, you can look into the ocean surface and enjoy the underwater world while floating in the water.
Since you can have fun while wearing a life jacket or using a swim ring,Recommended for those who aren't strong swimmers and for young childrenHere are some activities you can do♪
The Yakushima Snorkeling Tour is
this way (direction close to the speaker or towards the speaker)
Also,The waters around Yakushima have the greatest variety of fish species in Japan.It is said that this area is home to a large number of tropical fish, particularly sea turtles, clownfish, and blue damselfish.
Thanks to the Kuroshio Current, you can observe marine life up close in the crystal-clear blue waters, soThere are many snorkeling spotsFor these reasons, it’s a very popular marine activity on Yakushima.
In addition, snorkeling can be experienced on Yakushima not only in summer, but also in October and November.We recommend joining a tour led by a guide who knows Yakushima inside and out—they’ll take you to the best spots for the season!
You may see sea turtles!
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Yakushima Sea Turtle Tour
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Shower trekking tour (climbing a stream)
Shower trekking (stream climbing) is a tour where you wade through a stream while climbing over rocks and waterfalls to make your way upstream.
Originally,Japan's Unique Style of Mountain ClimbingIt is said to have evolved to help people climb mountains without trails.
Swimming across the beautiful, crystal-clear river, climbing up the waterfall while getting splashed by the water, and on the way back, jumping off a high rock,Water SlideYou can enjoy a thrilling experience, such as letting the current carry you downstream.
Yakushima/Half-day Charter] July to September only!開始時間9:00-12:00 / 13:30-16:30所要時間3 hours12,100 yen
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It is a rare and precious time to experience an adventure and a great opportunity to get in touch with the great outdoors.
For beginners,The Lower Nagata River Basin, ,Yokogawa ValleyThere are courses that start from a bright, open valley known as [...].
You can also choose a course based on your own experience, so you can enjoy yourself at your own pace.When you join a tour, you can rent the necessary gear and have a guide with you, so you can participate with peace of mind♪
10 Popular Spots in Yakushima
Yakushima Island, registered as a World Heritage site, has many attractions and is a famous tourist spot in Japan.
Here are some of the popular spots on Yakushima that are so attractive that travelers from all over Japan come to visit.
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Jomon cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)
Among the Japanese cedar trees, which are native to Japan, on YakushimaCedar trees over 1,000 years old are known as Yakusugi, andYoung trees that are several hundred years old are called “kosugi.”
Among the Yakusugi cedars, the Jomon cedar is famous as one of the largest and oldest cedar trees, and there are various theories about the age of the tree, ranging from 2,000 to 7,200 years.
Yakushima Island
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Unavailable during the Edo periodIt remains by a stroke of luck, having been spared from being cut down as a giant treeThe so-called Jomon Sugi stands approximately 25.3 meters tall and has a circumference at breast height of about 16.4 meters; its severely gnarled trunk and rugged surface seem to tell the story of how it has survived the harsh natural environment.
Since many climbers come to see the Jomon cedars, the view can be seen from the observation deck to prevent damage to the roots due to tread pressure.
To see the Jomon cedars, walk about 5 hours one way from the Arakawa trailhead on a flat trolley path or mountain.
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Yakusugiland
Yakusugi Land is located upstream on the Arakawa River, a tributary of the Awa River, and along with Shiratani Unsuikyo,Forests Designated as Natural Recreation Forests by the Forestry AgencyThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.
Cedar trees over 1,000 years old, called Yakusugi, grow only deep in the mountains where the terrain is steep.
In Yakusugiland, visitors can view old-growth cedar forests that have almost disappeared in Japan.
Yakusugi Land Trekking Tour
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There are several walking trails in the forest, where large cedar, tsuga, and fir trees can be seen, showing the life force of the Yakusugi cedar that has lived since ancient times.
The trail leading to Mt. Taichu turns off partway along the wayWorld Natural Heritage Sites and National Park Special Protection AreasAs you enter the area, you can see giant Japanese hackberry and Japanese hemlock trees, and near the summit, there are Yakushima rhododendrons and Japanese yew, which bloom beautifully in season.
To get to Yakusugi Land by public bus, take the Miyanoura–Yakusugi Land line and get off at the final stop, Yakusugi Land.
We recommend that you check the timetable as the number of buses is limited.
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Shiratani Unsui Gorge (Shiratani Unsui Gorge)
Shiratani Unsui Gorge was selected by the Forestry Agency in 1979 as a natural recreational forest in the Shiratani River basin.
The atmosphere of the mysterious forest is,The Forest That Served as the Model for the Movie "Princess Mononoke"It is said to have become [...], and it is particularly popular on Yakushima, attracting many tourists every day.
The course, which allows visitors to slowly observe a beautiful mountain stream and a rich green forest covered with hundreds of varieties of moss, is a popular course that is easy to visit for beginners and those who are not good at serious mountain climbing, as the entrance elevation is approximately 620 meters.
The Shiratani Unsui Gorge, with its lush moss and oddly shaped old trees, has rivers running through it at various places, and there are spots where you can take a sip of water, so if you bring a bottle, you can taste natural water.
Also, at Shiratani Unsuikyo, there ishedge cedar (Cedrus deodara)and ... andTaikoiwaThese are just some of the highlights.
Kuguri-Sugi is a cedar that you can walk under, and Taiko Iwa is a large granite rock that juts out from the mountainside, offering beautiful views and a panoramic view of the sky and the forests of Yakushima.
Yakushima Taiko-iwa Hiking Tour
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Nagata Inaka Beach
Nagata Inakahama isA beautiful beach located in northwestern YakushimaAnd one of the few precious sandy beaches.
It is famous as the best sea turtle spawning ground in Japan and is registered under the Ramsar Convention as a wetland.
Yakushima Sea Turtle Tour
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The sandy beach extends about 1 km to the nose of Yotsuse, and is rough yellow sand made of crushed granite, which falls off easily if you brush it off with your hands.
From May through July, green sea turtles and loggerhead sea turtlesComing ashore on the sandy beach to lay eggsI will do so.
During the spawning and hatching season from May to August, access to the beach is restricted from 19:30 at night to 5:00 the next morning, so you can observe the spawning by participating in a sea turtle observation session.
Wilson stock
The Wilson Stump is a stump of a Yakusugi cedar; it is said to have been felled about 400 years ago during the Shimazu domain era, andThere is a large cavity insideThe company is now in the process of
The estimated age of the tree is approximately 2000 years, and the stump is approximately 4 meters high and 13.8 meters in circumference.There is a small shrine with fresh water flowing inside.
It is named after Dr. Wilson, a British botanist who investigated the Yakusugi cedar in the Taisho era (1912-1926) and introduced this large plant to the world.
It takes about 3 hours from the Arakawa trailhead, and you can see it along the Jomon Sugi hiking trail; currently, it features a heart-shaped hollow, which is whyEffective for love fulfillmentIt's popular with women.
seven-leaved cedar tree
Located at the innermost part of Shiratani Unsui Gorge, Shichibonsugi is a Yakusugi cedar with seven branches growing out of the tip of its trunk, which was broken by strong winds, and numerous plants growing on its undulating, moss-covered trunk.
The Shichibonsugi cedar, which has survived the long years of typhoon-prone Yakushima and bears the marks of broken trunk branches that remain on most of the old trees, is about 8.3 meters around the trunk and about 18 meters tall.
It takes about 10 minutes from Kuguri-Sugi, the turnaround point of the primeval forest course, on the way to Taikoiwa and back in Shiratani-Unsui Gorge.
Mt Miyanoura
Mt. Miyanoura, one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, is located in the central part of Yakushima. With an elevation of approximately 1,936 meters, it is the highest peak on Yakushima, andThe Highest Peak in the Kyushu RegionBut there is also.
The geology consists of granite, and near the summit—at an elevation of approximately 1,600 meters or higher—plants such as Yakushima bamboo, Yakushima rhododendron, and Japanese andromeda can be found, while below that lies a forest zone featuring Yakusugi cedars and Japanese white birch.
One of the attractions is that you can enjoy different plants depending on the season.
You can choose from overnight tours, day tours, and tours that take you to the Jomon cedars, as well as tents and mountain huts for a more relaxing stay.
Since snow accumulates near the summit in winter and temperatures vary greatly between morning and evening in spring and fall, clothing and physical condition are important depending on the time of year for climbing.
Okawa Falls
Located on the western side of the island, Okawa Falls is the largest waterfall on Yakushima, andA waterfall selected as one of Japan's Top 100 WaterfallsIt is.
This waterfall, which plunges spectacularly from a cliff approximately 88 meters high—the tallest in Kyushu—is truly awe-inspiring♪
In addition, the geology around Okawa Falls consists of sedimentary rocks that have undergone thermal metamorphism.A type of rock called hornfelsIt consists of...
Since you can walk right up to the base of the waterfall, it’s a great spot to cool off in the summer with plenty of negative ions.
Nearby is the Okawa Spring, which is said to be good for one's health if one drinks the water that flows out from between the rocks.
Mt. Tachu (in Kyoto)
Mt. Taichu has an elevation of approximately 1,497 meters, andOne of the representative mountains of YakushimaIt is.
Since it was recognized as a World Heritage site, many climbers have been climbing to the summit.
At the top of the mountainThe Tenchū-ishi, a monolithic rock approximately 40 meters highFrom the town, you can clearly see just how large the Tenchū-ishi is—a unique, massive rock that towers overhead, looking just like a thumb held aloft.
The trailhead for Mount Taichu is at Yakusugi Land. While the path through Yakusugi Land is relatively easy to walk, once you reach the section leading up to Mount Taichu, the trail becomes more rugged, soYou'll need sturdy gear, such as hiking boots.The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.
Arriving at the summit of Taichudake, you can see the rocky peaks of Aiko-dake and Hanaori-dake, Mt. Ishizuka, and if the weather is good, you can see as far as the rocket base on Tanegashima.
hedge cedar (Cedrus deodara)
Kuguri cedar is a cedar located in Shiratani Unsui Gorge. It has a hollow enough for people to pass under its roots, and the trail itself passes under the Kuguri cedar.
There is a theory that the Kuguri-Sugi in Shiratani Unsui Gorge was renewed on top of a fallen hardwood tree such as Tsuga, which easily decays, because there is no fallen tree left as a foundation for the Kuguri-Sugi.
The age of the tree is unknown. The tree is approximately 22 meters tall with a breast height circumference of 3.1 meters.
It made me feel the mystery of its origins and its vitality, andIf you go through it, you'll get smarterSome people say that.The "Kuguri Sugi" is located on the Primeval Forest Trail in Shiratani UnsuikyoYou can view it here.
Points to keep in mind when traveling to Yakushima
Yakushima, a designated World Heritage Site, is a popular tourist destination that attracts many visitors throughout the year.
While preserving the magnificent natural environment of Yakushima,Tips for Enjoying Your TripHere are a few examples♪
Make your hotel and tour reservations early!
Yakushima is,The peak season runs from late July through Septemberwill be.
The area is the liveliest of the year, with families coming through the end of August and groups of college students and others starting in September.
The Obon season in particular tends to be very busy, and accommodations, rental cars, and tours may sell out, soWe recommend booking early.It is!
On some days, around 200 to 300 people visit the Jomon Sugi on Yakushima alone, so be sure to plan your trip with plenty of time to spare♪
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Pay attention to the closing time of restaurants.
There are some restaurants and supermarkets within walking distance around Yakushima Airport, Miyanoura Port, and Awa Port.
However, once you get a little further away, there are very few restaurants within walking distance, and many of them close early for dinner, so,Do your research thoroughly in advanceI recommend doing this.
Also, popular restaurants can be fully booked, so be sure to make a reservation in advance!
Cherish the nature of Yakushima!
Yakushima is a World Natural Heritage island.A must-see when visiting as a touristRespect for Nature, ,Strictly observe etiquetteIt is important to
When visiting the Jomon cedars, please remember the rules and be sure to act in a manner that preserves nature, as overnight stays in tents, the use of firearms, etc. are prohibited and toilet facilities are designated.
In addition, at Wilson Tree, climbing the trees or damaging them is strictly prohibited, and animals such as deer and monkeys—Feeding wild animals is also prohibitedSince this is the case, please be careful.
Pay attention to the intensity of sunlight.
Yakushima is famous for its frequent rain, but the sun can be quite strong, especially in the summer, soRain gear and hats, ,sunscreenIt's a must-have.
Climbing Mt. Miyanoura and Mt. Kuromi is hot due to direct sunlight, and the strong tropical sun increases the risk of heat stroke and dehydration.
Especially during the summerStaying Hydrated RegularlyIt's very important to do this!
Yakushima Activities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
On Yakushima Island, you can enjoy nature experience activities such as trekking, kayaking, SUP, snorkeling, and diving. The attraction is that you can experience the great nature unique to Yakushima, including the World Natural Heritage forests and crystal-clear rivers and ocean.
Especially popular are Jomon Cedar trekking and Shiratani-unsui Gorge trekking. Kayaking and SUP on the Awa River are also popular, and are chosen by many tourists as activities that allow them to enjoy the nature of the river as well as the forest.
Yes, there are many activities that beginners can participate in. Guided tours provide detailed explanations on how to use equipment and safety aspects, so first-timers can enjoy nature experiences with peace of mind.
Many activity tours require advance reservations. Since tours are often fully booked, especially during the tourist season and consecutive holidays, it is best to make reservations as soon as possible after you have decided on your travel itinerary.
Activities on Yakushima can be enjoyed all year round, but spring (March to May) and fall (October to November) are especially popular due to the mild weather. Summer is recommended for river and ocean activities, and winter for quiet forest walks.
For trekking, it is basic to prepare trekking shoes, rainwear, a backpack, and drinks. For kayaking and ocean activities, you should prepare a swimsuit, clothes that can get wet, a towel, and a change of clothes.
summary
What do you think about the charms of Yakushima?
A source of pride for JapanDesignated as a World Heritage SiteYakushima is an island with a wealth of natural beauty that captivates many people.
Please be sure to visit Yakushima at least once to feel the breath of life and experience healing for both body and mind♪
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