Complete Guide to Yakushima Sightseeing Spots! 9 recommended spots from classic to hidden gems!

Meet on a World Natural Heritage Island
Yakushima Sightseeing Spots with Spectacular Views and Healing

Yakushima is a beautiful island registered as a World Natural Heritage site.

Here we introduce 20 carefully selected sightseeing spots, ranging from classic spots such as Yakusugi cedars and Jomon cedars to hidden gems known only to those in the know.

We hope you will find this information useful in planning your trip to Yakushima.

How to get to Yakushima Island

Below are details on how to access Yakushima from major cities.

The most common means of transportation to Yakushima are airplanes and boats! Choose according to your destination and budget♪

⬇︎ for more information on how to get to Yakushima.

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 Weather, Precipitation

The climate of Yakushima is mild throughout the year and relatively comfortable even in summer, though,The island receives so much rainfall that there is a saying, "It rains 35 days out of the month.But there is also.

During the rainy season, it rains more than four times as much as in Tokyo!

When traveling, check the weather forecast carefully and take precautions against rain.

More about the annual weather in Yakushima at ⬇︎

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 [...]

If you visit Yakushima, you mustI want to go!
9 popular tourist spots

Here are some popular sightseeing spots in Yakushima that you should definitely visit.

Jomon cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)

Yakushima is probably best known for its Jomon Cedars!

Let's go see the stately Jomon cedars, which are worthy of being called the kings of the forests of Yakushima.

The schedule for visiting Jomon Cedars is as followsEarly morning departure is the rule!

The outward journey takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes, and the return journey takes about 4 hours, covering a distance of about 22 km.

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 5 hours trekking one way

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 [...].

Go to ⬇︎ to see the Jomon Cedars! Click here for recommended tours

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

Stop accepting applications: [Yakushima] Enjoy the charms of Yakushima in a day *One-day trekking tour to the mysterious forest "Shiratani Unsui Gorge - Jomon Cedars - Arakawa Trailhead" (No.33)開始時間4:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.所要時間Approx. 13 hours18,000 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

Yakusugiland

Yakusugiland is a forest canyon where visitors can easily experience the Yakusugi cedar forest.

There are a variety of courses to explore.Choose according to your fitness and time!

A wonderful sightseeing spot where you can enjoy the forests of Yakushima.A hole in the ground as it is relatively empty.It is also a spot for

Basic Information on Yakusugiland

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

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 [...].

Now at ⬇︎ Yaksgiriland! Click here for recommended tours.

Yaksgiriland Trekking] Private guided tour by a forest bathing specialist guide! One-day plan to visit the most suitable course for each customer in Yaksgiriland 《Private tour with a difference according to your wish》（No.17）.開始時間8:00-17:00所要時間6 to 7 hours12,100 yen

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 Island】Set and Save! Recommended for those who are not confident about their physical strength★Yakusugiland - Kigen Sugi Trekking & Island Sightseeing Tour (No.53)開始時間9:00-16:00所要時間Approx. 7 hours30,000 yen

Shiratani Unsui Gorge (Shiratani Unsui Gorge)

There are many popular spots such as "Taiko Iwa" and the "moss forest" which was the setting for a Ghibli movie.

Yakusugi" is also popular.Lots of must-see points.that (something mentioned before which is distant psychologically or in terms of time)The area is a great place to spend a day to explore!

Basic Information on Shiratani-unsui Gorge

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

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.

Visit ⬇︎ for more information on visiting Shiratani-Unsui Gorge! Click here for recommended tours.

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

Stop accepting applications: [Yakushima] Enjoy the charms of Yakushima in a day *One-day trekking tour to the mysterious forest "Shiratani Unsui Gorge - Jomon Cedars - Arakawa Trailhead" (No.33)開始時間4:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.所要時間Approx. 13 hours18,000 yen

hedge cedar (Cedrus deodara)

Kuguri cedars are located in Shiratani Unsui Gorge. They are cedars that have hollowed out at the base due to the decay of fallen trees.

The tree is supported by two-twisted roots, and the trail passes through a hollow in the tree.

It is a blessing to pass throughThere are also rumors that

Basic Information on Kuguri Cedar

Address: Yakushima-cho, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima Prefecture (in Yaksugiland)
Access: 1 hour drive from Miyanoura Port (located in Yakusugiland)

Visit ⬇︎Kuguri Cedar! Click here for recommended tours.

Yakushima】Early morning start to avoid crowds☆You can join before departure on the last day!開始時間5:30-11:00所要時間Approx. 4 hours9,350 yen

Shiratani Unsui Gorge Trekking & Snorkeling Tour with Lunch Box & Pick-up Service (No.3)開始時間9:00-16:00所要時間Approx. 7 hours14,850 yen

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

Wilson stock

This is a cedar stump on the way to Jomon Cedar.

Looking up.People talk about the sky looking like a heart shape.It is also a good spot for commemorative photos at

Please try to take great photos that will look great on social networking sites.

Basic Information on Wilson Shares

Address: Yakushima-cho, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima Prefecture
Access: Halfway along the Jomon-sugi trekking route (about a 3-hour walk from the Arakawa trailhead)

Yakushima - Wilson Stocks   What is Wilson's Stump? In the middle of the Jomon-cedar trekking course in Yakushima, there is a "Wilson's Stump" that is ideal for installation. The name "Wilson's Stump" comes from Dr. Wilson, an American botanist who came to Japan to study this stump [...].

Mt Miyanoura

Miyanoura-dake, at 1,936 meters above sea level, is Kyushu's highest and most famous mountain.

If you are lucky, you may be able to see the mysterious "Yakushika" and "Yakusaru" that live on Yakushima up close♪.

It's an advanced course mountain.Recommended for regular hikers and those who are confident in their physical strength.It is!

Basic Information on Mt.

Address: Yakushima-cho, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima Prefecture
Access: Start climbing from Yodogawa trailhead (about 1 hour by car from Miyanoura Port)

Yakushima-Miyanoura-dake Mt. Miyanoura is the main peak of Yakushima. The summit rises 1,936 meters, making it the highest peak in Kyushu. It is also one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan. Furthermore, since Yakushima became a World Natural Heritage site in 1993, many climbers visit the mountain every year [...].

⬇︎ Let's climb Mt. Miyanoura! Click here for recommended tours

Yakushima/Chartered]75 years old people can also join this tour! Popular among mountaineers☆Eco-trekking tour to Kyushu's highest peak "Miyanoura-dake", one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan (No.41)開始時間4:00-18:00所要時間Approx. 10 hours18,000 yen

Yakushima】Only available from May to the end of November! Trekking tour to "Miyanoura-dake," Japan's southernmost 100-meter-high mountain (No.74)開始時間4:00-17:00所要時間Approx. 10 hours19,250 yen

Okawa Falls

Ooko-no-Taki Waterfall is located atBoasts the island's largest drop of approximately 88 meters and the largest volume of water.Ootaki Falls is full of negative ions!

The sight of the waterfall sliding down with a splash is truly spectacular. You can enjoy the contrast between the blue of the sky and the white of the waterfall on a clear day.

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 [...].

Mt. Tachu (in Kyoto)

Tachudake (1497 m above sea level) is one of the representative mountains of Yakushima.

At the top of the mountainIt is famous for Tenpushuseki, a huge rock 50 meters high!

Basic Information on Taichudake

Address: Yakushima-cho, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima Prefecture (behind Shiratani Unsui Gorge)
Access: 4-hour walk from the Shiratani-unsui Gorge trailhead

Yakushima-Taichudake Taichudake is one of the 1497-meter-high mountains of Yakushima, and the Tenpushuseki at the top of the mountain is extremely famous, and many people have probably seen it on film. The granite is a very unusual rock on Yakushima Island, where you can find many granite megaliths.

Visit ⬇︎ to climb Mt. Taichung! Click here for recommended tours.

Yakushima / 1 day] The Tenpashira Stone seen from below is a sight to behold! Mt. Tachudake" trekking tour (No.77), a mysterious mountain towering over the forests of Yakushima開始時間5:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.所要時間Approx. 10 hours13,750 yen

Nagata Inaka Beach

Nagata Inaka Beach is the best beach on the island with beautiful white sand.

It is also famous as a sunset spot, and the orange glow of the ocean is romantic.

Also every year from May to July.Loggerhead and green turtles come ashore to lay eggsI will do so.

During the sea turtle spawning season, observation events are held, so please visit if you wish to observe the turtles!

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 [...].

You can enjoy the sights more!
Activities Recommended by Local Staff

To fully enjoy the spots we have just mentioned, we recommend participating in an activity tour!

Next, here are some recommended activities you can enjoy at popular tourist spots♪

trekking

Trekking is "mountain walking" and its purpose is to enjoy walking in the mountains.

Whether you climb to the top or not,Walk along the mountain paths and enjoy nature.That is a fine trek!

To see the Jomon cedars and Wilson's stumps I mentioned earlier, you will need to walk along the mountain path on your own feet.

Trekking courses range from easy for beginners to more advanced courses.

Choose a course that suits your fitness level without overdoing it.

Click here for ⬇︎ trekking recommendations

Yakushima / 1 Day] A female guide will take you on a private tour! Completely customized tour☆Yakushima recommended natural spots and famous sightseeing spots are available upon request!開始時間9:00-16:00所要時間Approx. 7 hours15,000 yen

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

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

Learn more about ⬇︎ trekking

Yakushima Mountain Climbing/Trekking Tour Let's enjoy trekking (mountain climbing) to the unexplored region of Yakushima, a World Heritage Site! Trekking is one of the most popular activities to enjoy the nature of Yakushima. You can fully experience the fantastic scenery of lush green forests, beautiful rivers, and ancient trees [...]. (32 total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

diving

Diving can be experienced on Yakushima Island, where you can enjoy the mysterious sea to your heart's content.

If you want to try divingYou don't have to have a license to participate♪

Why don't you try diving in the rich sea of Yakushima where sea turtles also swim?

Click here for recommended tours for ⬇︎ diving

Yakushima Island/3.5 hours】We welcome beginners to experience the mysterious sensation! Encounter rate is more than 80%! Sea Turtle Experience Diving ★Free Photo (No.64)開始時間8:00 / 10:00 / 11:00 / 13:00 / 14:00 / 15:00 (March - October)所要時間Approx. 3.5 hours12,000 yen

Yakushima Island / 3 hours] Beginners are welcome to experience diving 1 dive course with free underwater photography! (No.8)開始時間8:00 / 10:00 / 11:00 / 13:00 / 14:00 / 15:00 (March - October)所要時間Approx. 3 hours7,000 yen

Yakushima Island/4.5 hours]Beginners are welcome☆Trial Diving 2 Dive Course (No.63)開始時間8:00 / 11:00 / 13:00 / 14:00所要時間Approx. 4.5 hours14,000 yen

Learn more about diving at ⬇︎

Yakushima Diving (Scuba Diving) Tour Enjoy the clear waters of Yakushima! Welcome First-Time Divers☆Yakushima Diving Tour Diving is one of the popular activities in Yakushima, where you can dive deeper and enjoy the ocean more than snorkeling. Because you can breathe underwater, you can enjoy beautiful coral reefs and [...]... (8 in total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

SUP

SUP is an abbreviation for stand-up paddle.

This is an activity to enjoy walking on the water on a large surfboard on the crystal clear water!

Two people on one board can enjoy a walk on the water.

Small children and the elderly who are concerned about their physical fitness can create wonderful memories in the ocean by riding together with their parents or instructors!

Click here for recommended tours at ⬇︎SUP

Yakushima Island/3 hours] Beginners welcome☆Leisurely SUP tour on the Awa River, the No.1 and largest river in Yakushima, a World Natural Heritage site★Photo free (No.83)開始時間9:00-12:00 / 13:00-16:00所要時間Approx. 3 hours7,700 yen

Yakushima Island / 1 Day] 70 years old and up OK! Let's spend the whole day playing!開始時間9:00-16:00所要時間Approx. 7 hours13,200 yen

Shiratani Unsui Gorge Trekking & SUP Tour (with packed lunch & pick-up) (No.10)開始時間9:00-16:00所要時間Approx. 7 hours17,050 yen

Learn more about ⬇︎SUP

Yakushima SUP and Stand Up Paddle Tour Let's enjoy SUP in Yakushima, a luxurious time surrounded by nature! SUP stands for "Stand Up Paddle Surfing", a marine activity in which you ride on a special board like a surfboard and paddle on the water. SUP [...]. (4 in total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

Canoe (Kayak)

Canoeing (kayaking) is easy and safe even for beginners!

The canoes used in the activity are very stable and there is little risk of capsizing, even for first-timers.

In Yakushima, kayaking on the Awa River, which flows through the World Heritage forest, is popular♪.

Enjoy the comfortable rocking of the boat, the sound of the water as the paddles stir the water, and the ancient landscape that spreads out all around you!

Click here for recommended canoe (kayak) tours at ⬇︎

Yakushima Island/3 hours] Beginners welcome☆River kayak tour on the Awa River, the No.1 and largest river in Yakushima, a World Natural Heritage site (No.82)開始時間9:00-12:00 / 13:00-16:00所要時間Approx. 3 hours7,700 yen

Yakushima Island/One-Day River Kayak & Snorkeling Tour (with free rental of underwater digital camera and lunch)開始時間9:00-16:00所要時間Approx. 7 hours13,200 yen

Yakushima Island/One-day River Kayak & Diving Tour (with free rental of an underwater digital camera and lunch)開始時間9:00-16:00所要時間Approx. 7 hours17,600 yen

Learn more about ⬇︎ canoeing (kayaking)

Yakushima River Kayak Canoe Tour Welcome to join alone☆Explore the deep nature! Introducing Yakushima Canoe and Kayak Tours Canoeing (kayaking) tours in Yakushima are activities in which you can paddle while enjoying the rich nature. You can enjoy the unique charm of Yakushima while observing the unique ecosystem [...]. (4 in total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

snorkeling

In the sea of Yakushima, where life is abundant, snorkeling is a great way to see colorful fish and beautiful coral reefs, of course.Very high possibility of seeing sea turtles.It is.

Instructors provide support, so even those who are not good at swimming can participate with ease.

⬇︎ for recommended snorkeling tours.

Yakushima Island/3 hours】March〜November limited！OK from 5 years old☆Encounter rate 80% or more! Sea Turtle Snorkeling Tour *Free Photo & Movie (No.11)開始時間8:00 / 10:00 / 11:00 / 13:00 / 14:00 / 15:00 (March - October)所要時間Approx. 3 hours5,500 yen

Yakushima Island / 1 Day] 70 years old and up OK! Let's spend the whole day playing!開始時間9:00-16:00所要時間Approx. 7 hours13,200 yen

Shiratani Unsui Gorge Trekking & Snorkeling Tour with Lunch Box & Pick-up Service (No.3)開始時間9:00-16:00所要時間Approx. 7 hours14,850 yen

Learn more about snorkeling at ⬇︎

Yakushima Snorkeling Tour Let's swim with sea turtles in Yakushima☆ Excellent transparency! Snorkeling is an easy and fun marine activity where you dive into the ocean with a breathing tube called a "snorkel" in your mouth. It is an easy and fun marine activity that even beginners can enjoy. (5 in total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

Points to keep in mind when traveling to Yakushima

Lastly, here are some points to keep in mind when traveling to Yakushima.

Be careful what you wear.

In Yakushima trekking and climbingPrepare long sleeves and long pants regardless of the seasonThe following is a brief overview of the steps to take when walking in the park.

It can prevent your skin from being damaged by plants and trees, and keep insects out. Also, in hot weather, choose materials that can easily dry out sweat and rain!

Trekking shoes are recommended for shoes♪

Make your hotel and tour reservations early!

If you are going to Yakushima on a limited itinerary for a tripArrive in the morning.

However, flights arriving on the island in the morning by air are popular, so early reservations are important!

The key to securing a hotel in a good location is to book as early as possible.

Pay attention to the closing time of restaurants.

Although there are convenience stores in YakushimaIt is not open 24 hours a day!Please secure food as soon as possible.

If you have a restaurant in mind, call ahead to make a reservation!

Cherish the nature of Yakushima!

Yakushima Island was registered as Japan's first World Natural Heritage site in 1993, along with Shirakami Sanchi.

Recently, however, the effects of global climate change, such as soil erosion caused by excessive use of trails by tourists, acid rain, yellow sand, and global warming, have also been pointed out.

Enjoy Yakushima Island while observing the rules.

Pay attention to the intensity of sunlight.

Hats, long-sleeved shirts, and sunscreen cream are essential for sun protection in Yakushima!

Furthermore, not staying well hydrated increases the risk of heat stroke and dehydration.

Be aware of the intensity of the sun's rays when trekking or climbing mountains.

summary

There are so many wonderful places in the mountains, ocean, and rivers that it is difficult to see them all in one trip to Yakushima!

We hope you enjoy your trip to Yakushima by referring to this article.

Also, make good use of guided tours to fully enjoy the nature of Yakushima♪

⬇︎ Read the article at ⬇︎

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