World Natural Heritage Yakushima/Amami Oshima features and popular activities

Yakushima and Amami-Oshima

Yakushima Island belongs to Kagoshima Prefecture.

Yakushima Island is approximately 500 square kilometers in area and is shaped like a circle with an east-west dimension of about 28 kilometers and a north-south dimension of about 24 kilometers.

Since 90% of the island is covered with forests, it is known as the "Alps of the Seas" and the "Galapagos of the East" for its diverse ecosystems.

In 1993, it was registered as a World Heritage Site (World Natural Heritage) for the first time in Japan, attracting even more attention.

Even as the popularity of the island has grown, the islanders' way of following the rules and coexisting with the magnificent nature has been passed down and is admired around the world.

Amami Oshima Island is located roughly halfway between Kagoshima and Okinawa.

It is the second largest of Japan's remote islands after Sado Island and is about 80% the size of the main island of Okinawa.

Rich in nature, Amami Islands National Park was designated as the 34th national park on March 7, 2017.

The intricate rias coastline and lush forests continue to attract visitors.

 

What is Yakushima?

Access to Yakushima Island and its features are introduced here.

 

How to get to Yakushima

Here is how to get to Yakushima from major cities in Japan.

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

There is also a way to get to Yakushima from Kagoshima by high-speed boat.

However, if you take a bus from Kagoshima Airport to the port and then a high-speed boat to Yakushima, it will take about 2 hours.

Therefore, if time is limited, such as for a weekend trip, flying is recommended.

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

This is a good option for those who want to save as much time as possible, but book early as it is very popular.

Next, as for how to get to Yakushima from Fukuoka, there is one direct flight per day to Yakushima as well as Itami Airport.

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

Lastly, as for how to get there from Nagoya, we recommend taking the Shinkansen bullet train to Itami Airport and then taking a direct flight from there.

Alternatively, you can go from Komaki Airport to Fukuoka Airport and take a direct flight from there.

Please consider the best means for your own trip in terms of time and cost.

 

Characteristics of Yakushima

 

The weather on Yakushima is characterized by a large temperature difference between the ground and the summit.

Nevertheless, even in winter, temperatures are never negative, and maximum temperatures rarely fall below 15°C (59°F).

In the summer, temperatures exceed 30°C (86°F) on many days, and even just standing up makes you sweat nonstop.

However, the average temperature near the summit is 12°C lower than on the ground, and in the fall and spring, the area is sometimes covered with snow.

Yakushima is an attractive place for trekking, where you can experience nature firsthand, but be sure to prepare carefully, keeping in mind that the temperature on the ground is completely different from that at the top of the mountain.

Careful preparation will make your trek a safer experience.

Please enjoy the diversity of ecosystems that can only be seen on Yakushima, such as wild animals, Yakusugi cedars, and Jomon cedars.

 

How many people visit the island annually?

The annual number of visitors to Yakushima is about 280,000 in 2018, with an increasing number of foreign tourists.

With the launch of LCCs and the increase in regular flights, many tourists from East Asia are now visiting the region.

To ensure that these foreign visitors can enjoy their trip with ease, English guided tours and Wi-Fi facilities are available.

 

Yakushima is recommended for these people!

Trekking is the most popular activity on Yakushima, but the beautiful ocean is also a recommended destination for those who want to spend time actively.

It has a different atmosphere from Okinawa, so if you want to make memories in contact with rich nature, please visit on weekends, summer vacation, or GW!

 

Popular Activities in Yakushima

Here are three popular activities in Yakushima.

 

trekking tour

Trekking tours are recommended for those who want to experience the beautiful mountains of Yakushima firsthand.

The tour to the Jomon Cedars, the symbol of the island, is a full-scale course that takes 10 hours for the round trip, but you can rest assured that the guide will carefully instruct you on how to walk and pace yourself.

There are tours that will pick you up and drop you off at the trailhead, so if you are unsure about the directions, sign up for one.

Enjoy the beautiful and magnificent nature of Yakushima on this 10-hour trek.

 

Eco-tour (island sightseeing)

 

During the eco-tour (sightseeing in the island), you can learn about the rich nature of Yakushima and the life and culture of the people living on the island.

By participating in a tour, you can learn more about Yakushima, so you will gain more knowledge than if you were to just go sightseeing on the island.

 

Canoe Tour

A canoe tour is an adventurous way to enjoy the clear rivers that flow through Yakushima.

Even beginners can enjoy it easily once they get the hang of it.

The sound of the river flowing and the magnificent scenery will surely provide great comfort.

 

What is Amami Oshima?

Access and features of Amami Oshima are introduced here.

 

How to get to Amami Oshima Island

The fastest route to Amami Oshima from Tokyo is direct flights from Haneda and Narita.

LCCs are also in service, so if you go on a weekday, you can save money and time.

Direct flights are available not only from Tokyo, but also from Osaka, Fukuoka, Kagoshima, and Okinawa, making it ideal for those who want to reduce travel time as much as possible.

There are also means to go to Kagoshima Airport from each city and transfer to a ferry.

For those who wish to go there while relaxing and enjoying the sea scenery, we recommend that you consider a trip by ferry.

 

Characteristics of Amami Oshima Island

Amami Oshima is characterized by strong virgin forests and beautiful beaches.

The vast mangrove forests are a sightseeing spot that is hard to find elsewhere.

Among these, the "Kinsakubaru Primeval Forest" is a virgin forest where many subtropical broad-leaved trees remain.

The jungle, with its dinosaur-like atmosphere, is full of an extraordinary feeling, so take an exciting stroll through it in an exploratory mood.

Kurasaki Beach, said to be the most beautiful beach on Amami Oshima, is also popular with children because of its gentle waves.

Enjoy the marine world with its coral reefs and abundant tropical fish.

 

How many people visit the island annually?

The annual number of visitors to the island in 2019 is approximately 680,000.

Many people visit in the summer, but because the climate is mild throughout the year, many people come for sightseeing to experience the tropical atmosphere when it starts to get cold on the mainland.

 

Amami Oshima is recommended for people like this!

Amami Oshima is the perfect place to visit for those who want to enjoy nature.

You can feel the sea breeze on the nice beach, take a walk in the forest, and have lots of contact with nature.

This is a good choice for those who want to forget their daily routines and enjoy nature to the fullest!

 

Popular Activities in Amami Oshima

Here are three popular activities on Amami Oshima.

 

Snorkeling Tour

The waters of Amami Oshima are crystal clear, and many tourists are attracted by the sea and repeat visitors.

If you join a snorkeling tour, you may be lucky enough to see sea turtles, not to mention colorful tropical fish.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery in the sea to the fullest.

 

SUP Tour

SUP, which has become popular in recent years, especially among the younger generation, is a marine activity in which you stand on a special board and paddle along the surface of the water.

You may find it difficult to stand on the board at first, but once you get used to it, you can stand firmly.

 

Canoe Tour

Canoe tours are recommended for those who wish to observe mangroves up close.

At the Mangrove Park (Roadside Station, Sumiyou, Amami-Oshima Island), visitors can take a canoe tour to explore the mangrove forest in a stable canoe that is safe even for children.

Guides will give you detailed instructions, so beginners can of course participate.

 

 

Both Yakushima and Amami Oshima are recommended!

I recommend Yakushima and Amami Oshima because both have good points and lots of nature!

To protect the natural environment, please feel the goodness of each island while observing the rules.

 

summary

Yakushima and Amami Oshima have a different charm from the southern island atmosphere of Okinawa.