Information on sightseeing spots in Yakushima, a World Heritage Site! Introducing sightseeing spots and famous foods carefully selected by our local staff!

What is the attraction of Yakushima?
World Heritage Sites and Nature's Remarkable Landscape

Yakushima is an island rich in nature located in the southern part of Kyushu, and its value is recognized by being registered as a World Heritage site.

Famous for its overwhelming natural beauty and rich unique ecosystemIt is.

Yakushima Island is home to many virgin forests, giving visitors a sense of the grandeur and mystery of nature♪

The environment where many plants and animals coexist creates a landscape unique to Yakushima.

In this issue, we will introduce Yakushima's recommended sightseeing spots, famous foods, and the unique ecosystem of Yakushima!

Click here for the latest tour ranking of Yakushima

What is Yakushima Island famous for?

Yakushima is, after all, famous for its "Yakusugi" cedars.

The Yakusugi cedar forest that stretches across the center of Yakushima has become a world-famous tourist attraction, and the Jomon cedars are among the most well-known.

Jomon cedar trees are approximately 7,000 years oldIt is said to be one of the most famous sightseeing spots on Yakushima.

Yakushima is also attractive not only for its natural beauty, but also for its diversity of flora and fauna. Numerous endemic and endangered species inhabit the island.

Furthermore, Yakushima's beautiful coastline and hot springs, as well as its abundance of gourmet food, are among the island's attractions!

All of these factors make Yakushima a special place, attracting tourists from home and abroad.

Why was Yakushima Island registered as a World Heritage Site?

Yakushima was registered as a World Heritage site in 1993 because of its "pristine natural environment.

Yakushima is,Unique ecosystem developed over a long period of timeand forests, especially Yakusugi cedars, are symbolic of this.

The flora and fauna inhabiting Yakushima have adapted to the unique climate and topography of the island,Characteristics not found in other areasThere are

The registration of Yakushima as a World Heritage site has brought worldwide recognition of the importance of nature on Yakushima, and conservation efforts are underway.

Yakushima also has a unique landscape that combines sea and mountains, which is another major factor in its registration as a World Heritage site.

These natural landscapes have impressed many people and have become a major tourist attraction on Yakushima.

Should go in Yakushima!
Recommended sightseeing spots carefully selected by local staff

Yakushima is dotted with many tourist attractions, all of which are worth a visit.

Here we introduce eight sightseeing spots where you can enjoy the charms of Yakushima.

Click here for a tour of the sights

Yakushima Eco Tour (Island Sightseeing Tour) Let's enjoy Yakushima, a World Natural Heritage Site! Eco-tour of Yakushima (Island Sightseeing Tour) Eco-tour is a trip to enjoy nature while respecting it. For example, observing nature and learning about its origins when trekking, and activities to protect wild creatures [...]. (6 in total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

Jomon Cedars, one of the most famous sightseeing spots on Yakushima

Jomon Cedar is the most famous tourist attraction on Yakushima, a giant Yakusugi tree that overwhelms visitors.

The tree is estimated to be about 7,000 years old, and its grandeur is well worth seeing.

To see the Jomon Cedars,Climbing in the mountains of Yakushima, taking more than 10 hours round trip.It is necessary, but the beauty of nature that unfolds in the process can also be enjoyed.

The moment you see the Jomon cedars, you are sure to be overwhelmed by their mysterious presence.

Basic Information on Jomon Cedars

Address: Yakushima-cho, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima Prefecture
Access: 30 minutes by car from Yakusugi Nature Center to the trailhead, then 10 hours of trekking round trip.

For more information about Jomon Cedars, click here↓.

Yakushima - Jomon Cedars   What is Jomon Cedar? Jomon Cedar is the symbol of Yakushima, nestled in a deep forest. It is said to be several thousand years old, and since its discovery in 1966, it has become the thickest cedar in Japan. The rough, wavy bark of the tree resembles Jomon pottery [...].

Click here for recommended tours to Jomon Cedars

Yakushima/Chartered]Even 75-year-olds can participate! You can choose the route according to your fitness level☆Estimated age of the 7200-year-old "Jomon Cedar" trekking tour (No.38)開始時間4:00-18:00所要時間Approx. 10 hours16,000 yen

Yakushima Island] 2-day set tour! 1-day trekking tour of 7200-year-old "Jomon Cedars" + half-day trekking tour of "Shiratani Unsui Gorge" (Popular with 3-day/2-night travelers☆ (No.68)開始時間: (Day 1) 4:00-5:00 p.m.
(Day 2) 7:45-12:30所要時間: (Day 1) approx. 10 hrs.
(Day 2) Approx. 4 hours23,650 yen

Yakushima】Yakushima's oldest cedar tree, Yakusugi, is a World Heritage Site! 7,200 year old "Jomon Cedar" Trekking Tour (No.67)開始時間4:00-17:00所要時間Approx. 8 to 10 hours15,400 yen

Shiratani-unsui Gorge, a fantastic moss forest

Shiratani Unsui Gorge is a beautiful valley,An area of beautiful virgin forest in YakushimaIt is known as the

Here, moss-covered trees create a mysterious atmosphere that makes you feel as if you have wandered into another world.

It is also famous for being said to be the setting for the movie "Princess Mononoke," and is considered a sacred spot for fans.

By strolling through Shiratani-unsui Gorge, you will be able to experience the great nature of Yakushima and heal your mind♪

Basic Information on Shiratani-unsui Gorge

Address: Yakushima-cho, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima Prefecture
Access: 30 minutes by car from Miyanoura Port

For more information about Shiratani-unsui Gorge, click here↓.

Shiratani Unsui Gorge   Shiratani Unsui Gorge, located on a tributary of the Miyanoura River, is one of the most popular wildernesses in Yakushima. It is said that Hayao Miyazaki, the director of Studio Ghibli, visited Shiratani Unsui Gorge many times and used it as the setting for the movie "Princess Mononoke.

Click here for recommended tours of Shiratani-Unsui Gorge.

Yakushima/Half Day] Beginners are welcome! Shiratani-unsuikyo" standard trekking tour to the Mononoke Forest 《Participation OK up to 70 years old, pick-up and drop-off included》（No.71）.開始時間7:45-12:30 / 12:00-16:30所要時間Approx. 4 hours8,250 yen

Yakushima/Half-day charter] Even 75-year-olds can participate! Trekking tour to enjoy the Mononoke Forest of "Shiratani-unsui Gorge," which was the setting of a movie (No.39)開始時間9:00-12:00 / 13:30-16:30所要時間Approx. 3 hours10,000 yen

Shiratani-unsui Gorge Trekking] A private tour with a forest bathing female guide! One-day plan to visit the most suitable course for each customer in Shiratani-unsui Gorge 《Private tour with a difference according to your wishes》 (No.16)開始時間8:00-17:00所要時間6 to 7 hours12,100 yen

It is also enjoyable with children!
Yakusugiland, a place to see giant Yakusugi cedars up close and personal

Yakusugiland is a spot where visitors can easily see the Yakusugi cedars that live on Yakushima Island.

Here, visitors can get up close and personal with giant Yakusugi cedar trees, which are more than several hundred years old, and feel the power of nature.

Also,There is a well-maintained promenade that can be enjoyed with children.Families can also visit with peace of mind.

Basic Information on Yakusugiland

Address: Awa, Yakushima-cho, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima
Access: 1 hour by car from Miyanoura Port

For more information about Yakusugiland, click here↓.

Yakushima-Yakusugiland   Yakusugiland is a well-known trekking course where visitors can easily enjoy the Yakusugi cedar forest. Unlike Jomon cedars and Shiratani Unsuikyo, the paths are paved and there are short courses, so it is a good trekking course for beginners and children [...].

Click here for recommended tours to Yakusugiland.

Trekking tour from Yakusugiland to Kigen Sugi, one of the representative forests of Yakushima (No.21)開始時間9:00-12:30所要時間Approx. 3.5 hours15,000 yen

Yakushima】Trekking tour to "Yakusugiland" to experience the forest of Yakusugi cedars (No.79)開始時間7:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.所要時間Approx. 8 hours11,000 yen

Encounter with wild creatures "Western Forest Road

The Western Forest Road stretches across the western part of Yakushima Island.A 20-km drive with spectacular viewsIt is an It is an unspoiled area and is home to wild Yakushima macaques.

Along the way, visitors can enjoy the unique scenery and landscapes of Yakushima, which is especially popular for its beautiful contrast between the ocean and mountains.

This is a recommended place to enjoy the natural beauty of Yakushima, not only for driving, but also for walking along the way★.

Basic Information on Western Forest Road

Address: Nagata, Yakushima-cho, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima
Access: 41 minutes by car from Miyanoura to the western forest road entrance on the Nagata side
47 minutes by car from Awa to the western forest road entrance on the Kurio side

For more information about the Western Forest Road, click here↓.

Yakushima - Western Forest Road   What is Seibu Rindo (Western Forest Road)? Seibu Rindo is located on the west side of Yakushima Island and is so blessed with nature that it is designated as a "World Natural Heritage Site. It is a popular driving course. Seibu Rindo has no clear entrance or exit, [...].

Click here for the Western Forest Road Walking Trail.

Western Forest Road Forest Trekking] Private guided tour by a forest bathing specialist guide! One-day plan to visit the best course for each customer in the forests of Western Forest Road 《Private and different tour according to your wish》(No.18)開始時間8:00-17:00所要時間6 to 7 hours12,100 yen

The "Spirited Away Falls," a giant granite V-shaped valley

Senpiro no Taki (Senpiro Falls) is a huge waterfall in the southern part of Yakushima,Magnificent water flow through a granite V-shaped valleyIt is.

Its beautiful scenery attracts visitors, and the power of the falls is overwhelming.

This is a spot where you can feel the power of nature and is good for photography!

Basic information on Chihiro Falls

Address: Mugu, Yakushima-cho, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima 891-4202
Access: 35 minutes by car from Awa Port

Yakushima - Chihiro no Taki Waterfall   Senpiro no Taki is a waterfall located upstream from the Tai-no-gawa River, which flows through Yakushima Island. It is a dynamic waterfall with a drop of 60 meters. The smooth-surfaced granite monolith to the left of the waterfall looks like the wall of a skyscraper [...].

Okawa Falls, the largest and most famous waterfall on Yakushima Island

Okawa Falls is one of the largest waterfalls on Yakushima Island, with a spectacular stream of water cascading down from a height of approximately 88 meters.

Selected as one of the "100 Best Waterfalls in JapanIt is one of the representative tourist attractions of Yakushima, and its powerful scenery is well worth a visit!

It is also good for cooling off in the summer.

Basic information on Okawa Falls

Address: Kurio, Yakushima-cho, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima
Access: 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Miyanoura Port

Yakushima-Ogawa Falls   About Okawa Falls The largest waterfall on Yakushima Island is Okawa Falls, which has been selected as one of the 100 most famous waterfalls in Japan. It is located at the southern entrance of the western forest road in Yakushima Town. The waterfall rises 88 meters from a rugged granite cliff to a height of 9 [...].

Nagata Inaka Beach, a spawning ground for sea turtles

Nagata Inaka Beach is a beautiful beach on the coast of Yakushima.

With its white sandy beaches and blue ocean, this is a place to relax, swim, and stroll.

It is also famous as a spawning ground for sea turtles, and snorkeling is recommended♪

Click here for recommended Yakushima sea turtle tours

Yakushima Sea Turtle Tour One of the world's leading sea turtle spawning grounds! Let's go to Yakushima Island to meet sea turtles☆ Yakushima Island, a World Natural Heritage Site, is not only a place of lush nature, but also has outstandingly clear waters! Moreover, sea turtles live only in the clean sea. The island is full of diversity and is a habitable environment for living creatures [...]. (7 in total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

Basic Information on Nagata Inaka Beach

Address: Nagata, Yakushima-cho, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima
Access: 40 minutes by car from Miyanoura Port

Yakushima - Nagata Beach (Inaka Beach, Maehama, Yotsusehama)   About Nagata Beach (Inaka Beach, Maehama Beach, Yotsuse Beach) Nagata Beach is located in the northwestern part of Yakushima. Many sea turtles lay their eggs from May to July every year on this beach, which is created by white sand of weathered granite carried by the Nagata River from Okudake [...].

Hirauchi Underwater Hot Spring" where you can bathe only at low tide

Hirauchi Kainaka Onsen is a rare spot where visitors can soak in a hot spring right in front of the ocean.

Visitors can enjoy a very unique experience by soaking in the hot springs while being rocked by the waves.Natural hot springs that can only be experienced in YakushimaEnjoy the

Basic information about Hirauchi Kainaka Onsen

Address: Hiranai, Yakushima-cho, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima
Access: 5 min. walk from bus stop Hirauchi Kainaka Onsen
Parking: Available
Fee: 200 yen as a cooperation fee
Nearby tourist attractions: 30 minutes drive to Okawa Falls, 35 minutes drive to Seibu Forest Road.

Yakushima - Hirauchi Underwater Hot Springs   About Hirauchi Kainaka Onsen Hirauchi Kainaka Onsen is located about 1 hour and 10 minutes by bus from Miyanoura Port, getting off at the Kainaka Onsen bus stop and walking 5 minutes. There are 4 parking lots, and it is open year-round. The bathing fee is about Kokorozashi. The flat [...].

Learn more about the hot springs of Yakushima

8 recommended hot springs in Yakushima! Introducing a model day trip course combined with sightseeing in Yakushima!Contents1 Let's enjoy the hot springs in the nature of Yakushima! Recommended natural hot springs in Yakushima 2.1 ①Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen 2.2 ②Yunokonoyu 2.3 ③Yudomari Onsen 2.4 ④Onoma [...

Specialty Gourmet Foods to Taste in Yakushima

Yakushima has many delicious local foods.

When you travel, be sure to try some of Yakushima's specialties!

flying fish (esp. the Japanese flying fish, Cypselurus agoo)

On Yakushima Island, dishes using flying fish are popular.

Fresh flying fish, which can be caught all year round, can be enjoyed as sashimi, grilled, or simmered.

especiallyGrilled flying fish with salt is a unique taste of YakushimaIt is.

wild game

Yakushima Island has an abundance of gibier such as deer and wild boar. You will be able to taste gibier dishes at various places from cafes to taverns.

It is a local burgerYakushima Burgeris a dish made with Yaku deer.

the Bank of Japan's quarterly Short-term Economic Survey of Principal Enterprise in Japan

Tankan is a citrus fruit that is a specialty of Yakushima. It is characterized by its sweet and sour taste and is popular as a fruit of Amami Oshima and Yaku Island.

You can eat the fruit as it is, or enjoy it as a juice or a sweet,It might be a good souvenir... ♪

Yakushima Shochu

Yakushima shochu is a special kind of shochu that can only be enjoyed locally. The deep flavor of the shochu made from the pure water of Yakushima is its signature.

When you travel to Yakushima, be sure to try the local shochu!

Some rare creatures can only be found on Yakushima!
Famous animals in Yakushima

Yakushima Island is also known as a habitat for rare animals. Here we introduce some of the animals unique to Yakushima.

If you join a trekking or forest walking tour,You can enjoy encounters with the creatures of Yakushima.The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

Click here for the latest tour ranking of Yakushima

Yakushima sika (Cervus nippon yakushimae)

The yakushika is a type of deer, an endemic subspecies that lives on Yakushima Island in Japan.

Their bodies are small, and males have short horns. They are adapted to the harsh natural environment of Yakushima and live in forests and mountainous areas.

They are important to the island's ecosystem and are now considered protected species.

Yakushima macaque (Macaca fuscata yakui)

The Yakushima macaque is a type of monkey that lives only on Yakushima Island and is familiar to tourists.

It can also be seen in tourist areas such as the Western Forest Road,Its charming appearance is attractive.It is.

Click here for the Western Forest Road Walking Trail.

Western Forest Road Forest Trekking] Private guided tour by a forest bathing specialist guide! One-day plan to visit the best course for each customer in the forests of Western Forest Road 《Private and different tour according to your wish》(No.18)開始時間8:00-17:00所要時間6 to 7 hours12,100 yen

Cynanchum caudatum (species of swallowwort)

The Yakushima white-eye is a subspecies of the white-eye, endemic to Yakushima Island. It is characterized by its overall yellowish-green body and white eye rings (white rings around the eyes).

Slightly smaller than mainland whitebait,There is a difference in chirpingThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

They live in forests and feed on nectar, fruits, and insects, which you may find while trekking!

sea turtle

Yakushima is also famous as a spawning ground for sea turtles.

May through August is the spawning season, and sea turtles can be seen laying eggs, especially on beaches such as Nagata Inaka Beach.

Sea turtle encounter rate for snorkeling is also very high.The feature of the ☆ is that it is

Click here for recommended Yakushima sea turtle tours

Yakushima Sea Turtle Tour One of the world's leading sea turtle spawning grounds! Let's go to Yakushima Island to meet sea turtles☆ Yakushima Island, a World Natural Heritage Site, is not only a place of lush nature, but also has outstandingly clear waters! Moreover, sea turtles live only in the clean sea. The island is full of diversity and is a habitable environment for living creatures [...]. (7 in total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

The best season for sightseeing in Yakushima and
Access Information

We will briefly tell you about the best time of year to visit Yakushima and how to get there.

Best season in Yakushima

What is the best season to visit Yakushima?Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November)It is.

At this time of year, temperatures are moderate and pleasant, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature at its best.

Yakushima may have a tropical image, but in winter it snows and the mountains are sometimes closed to traffic.

Click here to read the article in conjunction with this one.

When is the best season to travel to Yakushima? When is it raining most? Seasonal characteristics, climate, and precipitation!Contents1 Before you go, you should know! What is the best season in Yakushima? 2 The best season in Yakushima depends on activities3 Spring climate in Yakushima3.1 Spring temperature and rainfall4 Summer climate in Yakushima4.1 Summer temperature and rainfall5 Yakushima [...]

Access Information to Yakushima

Yakushima is generally accessible by ferry or airplane from Kagoshima.

Airplane,Direct flights from Kagoshima, Osaka (Itami), Fukuoka to Yakushima Airportand takes about 30 minutes to 1.5 hours.

Click here to read the article in conjunction with this one.

A thorough explanation of how to get to Yakushima Island from various cities!Contents1 If you are going to Yakushima for the first time, this will help you! How to get to Yakushima Island2 Where is Yakushima Island3 How to get to Yakushima Island3.1 Airplane3.2 Ferry/High speed boat4 How to get to Yakushima Island from each city4.1 Seki [...

Yakushima Tourist Map

Since Yakushima is dotted with many tourist attractions, a sightseeing map will help you get around the island efficiently!

The map includes information on major tourist attractions, restaurants, and accommodations, making it useful for planning a trip.

summary

Yakushima is a tourist destination that attracts visitors with its beautiful natural environment and rich ecosystem.

Yakushima Island, registered as a World Heritage site, offers visitors the opportunity to relax in the overwhelming natural environment and enjoy encounters with a variety of flora and fauna.

The gourmet food and hot springs that are unique to Yakushima are also an attraction of sightseeing. We hope that those who visit Yakushima in the future will fully enjoy the charms of Yakushima, along with its rich nature.

Click here to read the article in conjunction with this one.

What is the average cost of a trip to Yakushima? Estimated travel costs by model plan and actual transportation costsContents1 How much does it cost to travel to Yakushima Island2 How much does it cost to travel to Yakushima Island and how to get there2.1 Comparison of the cost of flying and taking a ferry2.2 Approximate cost from Kagoshima to Yakushima Island2.3 Approximate cost from Honshu to Yakushima Airport2.4 Within Yakushima [...].

Preservation Edition] 18 recommended sightseeing spots in Yakushima that you must visit! A thorough explanation of the highlights of the World Natural Heritage Site "YakushimaContents1 What are the highlights of Yakushima? 2 What kind of place is Yakushima? 2.1 Warm and rainy climate 2.2 How to get to Yakushima 2.3 Attractions of Yakushima☆Mysterious giant trees thousands years old Surprisingly unknown marine leisure [...].