Introducing sightseeing spots and activity tours that you should not miss on your trip to Yakushima!
Table of Contents
- 1 A must-see for those traveling to the World Heritage Site of Yakushima! Thorough explanation of recommended tours and sightseeing spots
- 2 How to get to Yakushima Island?
- 3 Weather in Yakushima (weather and temperature)
- 4 A must for your trip to Yakushima! 6 Recommended Activity Tours
- 5 10 Popular Sightseeing Spots in Yakushima
- 6 Points to keep in mind when traveling to Yakushima
- 7 summary
A must-see for those traveling to the World Heritage Site of Yakushima!
Thorough description of recommended tours and sights
Yakushima Island, registered as a World Heritage Site, is an attractive tourist destination with abundant nature and activities.
◆If you are considering a trip to Yakushima
◆If you want to know the recommended sightseeing spots in Yakushima
◆Those looking for popular activity tours in Yakushima
In this issue, we will introduce recommended tours and must-see sights in the World Heritage Site of Yakushima.
If you are considering a trip to Yakushima, please read to the end!
How to get to Yakushima Island?
There are two ways to get to Yakushima: by plane or by boat.
From Haneda/Narita Airport to Kagoshima Airport (approx. 2 hours) → Transfer to a domestic flight to Yakushima (approx. 35 minutes)
Take a direct flight from Osaka Itami Airport to Yakushima (about 1 hour and 20 minutes)
Take a direct flight from Fukuoka Airport to Yakushima (about 70 minutes)
◆If you are going to Yakushima by high speed boat
From Haneda/Narita Airport to Kagoshima Airport (approx. 2 hours) → Board the "High Speed Boat Toppy" or "High Speed Boat Rocket" at Kagoshima Port (approx. 80 minutes)
*High-speed boats operate seven times a day between Yakushima and Kagoshima Port.
From Kagoshima Airport, it takes less than one hour to reach the Toppy Rocket high-speed boat terminal.
The fastest way to get to Yakushima from anywhere in Japan is by air.
Choose the access method that fits your budget and travel plans♪
Learn more about access to Yakushima Island
Weather in Yakushima (weather and temperature)
The climate of Yakushima is mild throughout the year,Relatively comfortable even in summerIt is.
However, typhoons tend to approach in August and September, and there is a considerable temperature difference between the foothills and mountain areas. Deep snowfall can be seen in winter.
It is indispensable for a trip to Yakushima!
Six recommended activity tours
Here are seven essential activities for your trip to Yakushima.
Click here for a ranking of recommended tours in Yakushima!
trekking
The main tourist attraction of Yakushima is the beautiful forests of the World Natural Heritage site.
There are a variety of trekking courses, including courses suitable for physically fit people, courses that can be enjoyed by beginners, and courses recommended for families.
Choose a course that suits your fitness level without overdoing it!
Morning and afternoon starts available according to ◆plan
◆Option to charter a guide is available.
diving
Diving tours are the most popular marine activity on Yakushima.
The varied topography and the abundance of fish, said to be more than 950 species, make it one of the best in Japan.
Why don't you try diving in the rich sea of Yakushima where sea turtles also swim?
◆High encounter rate with sea turtles
◆Colorful tropical fish can be observed!
snorkeling
Snorkeling is a tour to enjoy the underwater world from the surface of the sea wearing a mask, snorkel, and fins.
In the sea of Yakushima, which is rich in living creatures, snorkeling is a great way to see colorful fish and beautiful coral reefs, of course,Very high possibility of seeing sea turtles.It is.
The tour is supported by an instructor using floatation devices, so even those who are not good at swimming can participate with ease♪.
◆Sea turtle encounter rate: 901 TP3T or higher
You can easily participate in the program with no need to bring anything!
◆Pick-up and drop-off service to accommodations is available.
SUP
SUP is an activity to enjoy walking on the water on a large surfboard in crystal clear water.
Greater buoyancy than surfboardsVery high stabilityis a feature of this product.
Please enjoy SUP in the relaxing space where Yakushima time flows!
◆Children can also enjoy walking on the water together
◆Enjoy the spectacular view of the forest and sky reflected on the surface of the water.
Canoe/Kayak
One of the most popular river activities on Yakushima is canoeing.
In particular, the river canoe tour on the Awa River, where the current is gentle, is recommended for family trips, even for children.
Enjoy the pleasant swaying of the clear Awa River, the sound of the water as it rushes past you, and the ancient landscape that spreads out before your very eyes.
◆Easy to enjoy for everyone, young and old.
◆Beautiful river flowing through the World Heritage Site is very satisfying.
Eco-tour (island sightseeing)
An eco-tour is a trip to enjoy nature while taking care of it.
For example, observing nature and learning about its origins during a trek, or participating in activities to protect wild creatures are part of an eco-tour.
Eco-tours that play with nature, such as diving, canoeing, and river climbing, will teach you every detail of the island's charms♪.
◆Tours can be organized according to your objectives.
◆Custom-made tour contents can be discussed
10 Popular Sightseeing Spots in Yakushima
Here are some popular sightseeing spots on Yakushima that you should definitely visit.
Jomon cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)
The Jomon cedars, said to be more than 1,000 years old and clad in a divine aura, are coveted by trekkers throughout Japan.
Along the way, you will be surprised and impressed by giant trees, huge rocks, oddly shaped rocks, and streams full of moisture.
▼Click here for recommended tours ▼
Yakusugiland
Yakusugiland is a natural recreation forest where Yakusugi cedars thousands of years old grow, and you can learn about the ecology of Yakusugi cedars, including fallen trees, renewal, and coalescence.
There are five exploration courses of 30, 50, 80, 150, and 210 minutes, so it is recommended to choose according to your stamina and time.
Get a route map at the administration building and check it as you go.
▼Click here for recommended tours ▼
Shiratani Unsui Gorge (Shiratani Unsui Gorge)
Shiratani-unsuikyo is a forest stretching upstream from the Shiratani River, a tributary of the Miyanoura River.
A 6.5-km promenade stretches from about 600 m to 1,050 m above sea level, where visitors can observe giant moss-covered trees and the flow of natural water.
It is a nature spot that can be easily enjoyed by beginners without much ups and downs, and the time required is about 2 hours and 45 minutes for the outward trip and about 2 hours and 6.5 km for the return trip.
▼Click here for recommended tours ▼
Nagata Inaka Beach
Nagata Inaka Beach is the best beach on the island with beautiful white sand where loggerhead and green turtles come ashore to lay their eggs every year from May to July.
Observation sessions are held during the sea turtle spawning season.
It is also famous as a sunset spot, and the orange glow of the ocean is romantic.
Wilson stock
Located on the way to Jomon Cedars,Popular among women for its effectiveness in fulfilling love.The Wilson strain is characterized by a heart-shaped cavity.
The estimated height of the tree is 42 meters, and the interior cavity of the stump is large enough to accommodate a dozen adults.
Looking up, the sky looks like a heart shape, which is a popular topic of conversation and a great place to take commemorative photos.
▼Click here for recommended tours ▼
seven-leaved cedar tree
Shichibonsugi is a large cedar located in Shiratani Unsui Gorge and is called "Shiratani no Nushi.
If you look up, you can see the branches spreading out in all directions.
Many epiphytes can also be found on its imposing trunk.
▼Click here for recommended tours ▼
Mt Miyanoura
The first half of the route takes you through a deep forest with large cedar, fir, and tsuga trees and a clear stream.
The series of breathtaking mountainous landscapes will allow you to enjoy scenery that is worthy of the name "Western Alps.
Once you reach the summit, a panoramic view from the primeval forest to the ocean awaits you.
▼Click here for recommended tours ▼
Okawa Falls
Ooko-no-taki Falls is the largest waterfall on the island, with a drop of approximately 88 meters and the largest volume of water, and is filled with negative ions.
The sight of the waterfall sliding down with a spray of water is truly spectacular, and you will enjoy the contrast between the blue of the sky and the white of the waterfall on a clear day.
Mt. Tachu (in Kyoto)
Tachudake (1497 m above sea level) is one of the representative mountains of Yakushima.
At the top of the mountain is the very unique Tenpushuseki, a huge stone about 40 meters high, made of monolithic granite.
The size of the rock can be clearly seen from the town of Awa at the foot of the mountain, and it rises toward the sky as if it were a thumb sticking out.
▼Click here for recommended tours ▼
hedge cedar (Cedrus deodara)
Kuguri cedar is a cedar located in Shiratani Unsui Gorge. After renewal of a fallen tree, the fallen tree decays and forms a hollow at the base.
The tree is supported by two-twisted roots, and the trail passes through a hollow in the tree.
There is a rumor that going through it will bring good luck.It is a famous tourist spot.
▼Click here for recommended tours ▼
Points to keep in mind when traveling to Yakushima
Lastly, here are some points to keep in mind when traveling to Yakushima.
⇒Flights arriving on the island in the morning by air are very popular, so it is important to book early.
If you stay at the same lodge before and after the trek, you can leave all your luggage except for what you need for the trek.
The key to securing a hotel in a good location is to book as early as possible!
(2) Pay attention to the closing time of restaurants.
⇒In Yakushima, most of them are privately owned convenience stores,As a rule of thumb, open from 7:00-9:00 a.m. and close at 8:00-10:00 p.m.
Cherish the nature of Yakushima!
Be sure to take your trash home!
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.
Try not to bring anything that might become trash from the beginning, and be sure to take home any trash that is generated!
summary
Yakushima's tourist attractions offer an array of authentic nature.
The mountains, ocean, and rivers are so spectacular that it is difficult to see them all in one trip to Yakushima.
Sightseeing in Yakushima is,The focus is still on enjoying nature.It is.
Make good use of guided tours to fully enjoy the natural beauty of Yakushima.
▼Click here for articles to read in conjunction with this article.
