Introducing Recommended Yakushima Tour Plans! We Explain Average Prices for Jomon Sugi and Shiratani Unsuikyo, Plus Guided Tours for Beginners
Recommended Yakushima Tour Itineraries and
Key Points for Choosing

For beginners, we recommend choosing a guided half-day to full-day tour of Yakushima. Estimated prices for trekking are:in the 8,000 yen rangeIt's in the 17,000-yen range.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of how to choose a tour, the cost of tours departing from Tokyo, five popular tours, and the best times to visit.
◆ For those who want to choose a tour that’s suitable for beginners or solo travelers
◆ For those who want to know the costs and typical rates for flights departing from Tokyo
◆ For those who want to decide when to visit Jomon Sugi or Yakusugi Land
↓Click here for popular activities in Yakushima.
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 hours17,600 yen
Yakushima/One-day charter] 75-year-olds can also join this tour! You can choose the route ☆ "Shiratani-unsui Gorge" of mossy forest & "Taikoiwa" of 1,050m high "Trekking tour with spectacular view (No.40)開始時間9:00-15:00所要時間Approx. 6 hours13,500 yen
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
How to Choose a Yakushima Tour
Reasons Why Beginners and Solo Participants Can Feel at Ease

Since the weather in the mountains on Yakushima changes quickly and the journey is long, choosing the right tour can make or break your trip.
Whether you're a beginner or traveling alone, you can participate with confidence as long as you keep these key points in mind. Here, we'll focus on three key points.
Yakushima Hiking Tours Recommended for Beginners

For beginners, choose a route that's a bit shorterHalf-Day PlanYou can’t go wrong with these options. For example, the half-day tour to Mononoke Forest in Shiratani Unsuikyo is a popular option that welcomes beginners and includes round-trip transportation.
Yakusugi Land features well-maintained walking trails, making it a popular spot even for those who aren't particularly confident in their physical fitness.
If you'd like to take on the Jomon Sugi challenge, we highly recommend choosing a private tour plan that lets you select a route suited to your fitness level.
↓Click here for Yakushima activity plans that welcome beginners↓
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 hours11,000 yen
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
Tours Limited】【Yakushima/1 day】One private tour by a female guide! 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
How to Find Yakushima Tours That Welcome Solo Travelers

Even if you're traveling alone, you can easily join a Yakushima tour. Some of the private tour plans—which are limited to one group per day—accept bookings for as few as one person, and the appeal is that you can explore at your own pace.
Just like the day trip to the Jomon Sugi, “Single participants welcomeYou can also choose a plan that clearly states "". Since the price varies depending on the number of people, be sure to check the price for a single participant before making a reservation.
↓Click here for Yakushima activity plans that accommodate single participants↓
Yakushima / 1 day】One-day trekking tour with a certified PRO guide! One-day trekking tour of "Jomon Cedars" 《One person participation OK・Yakushima snacks included》(No. 100).開始時間4:00~18:00所要時間Approx. 14 hours16,500 yen
Yakushima / 1 day] Fully chartered tour for your peace of mind! Jomon Cedars Trekking in Yakushima, a World Natural Heritage Site《Age 6 years old and up, pick-up and drop-off included》(No.90)開始時間4:00 - 7:00 p.m.所要時間1 day10,800 yen
Yakushima Island/Half Day] Awa River River Kayak Tour ☆Abo River Kayak Tour 《1-person〜OK・360-degree camera photo gift》 (No.109)開始時間8:30 / 13:30所要時間Approx. 3.5 hours7,700 yen
The Benefits of Choosing a Guided Tour

If you're taking a guided tour,Worrying about getting lostThere are no crowds, so you can walk through the forest with peace of mind. You’ll hear stories about the history of the Yakusugi cedars and the local plants, making it much more enjoyable than just walking.
With a package that includes transportation, you won’t have to worry about getting around in an unfamiliar area. Another benefit of a guided tour is that the itinerary can be adjusted to suit your physical condition.
↓Click here for recommended tours on Yakushima Island that include transportation↓
Yakushima Island/3 hours】May see sea turtles☆Easy snorkeling tour in the crystal clear ocean (No.80)開始時間9:00-12:00 / 13:00-16:00所要時間Approx. 3 hours5,500 yen
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
Average Prices for Yakushima Tours and
Estimated Costs from Tokyo

The cost of a Yakushima tour varies depending on the destination, duration, and number of participants.
Here, based on the listed plans, we provide an estimate of the tour cost and,Total Cost Estimate from TokyoHere is a summary. Since rates are subject to change, please check the latest prices before making a reservation.
Click here for recommended tour ranking of Yakushima
Average Prices for Trekking Tours

Half-day tours of Shiratani Unsuikyo start at 8,250 yen (for groups of 3), and full-day private tour plans are13,500 yenis the standard.
Prices at Yakusugi Land range from 8,250 yen for a half-day to around 10,000 yen.
One-day tours to the Jomon Sugi range from 10,800 yen (for a group of 6) to about 17,600 yen (private tour for one person).
Prices vary depending on the number of people and whether it's a private booking, so be sure to compare the options before making your choice.
Total Cost for a Yakushima Tour Departing from Tokyo

There are no direct flights from Tokyo to Yakushima; you’ll generally need to transfer in Kagoshima. The flight from Haneda to Kagoshima takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, and the flight from Kagoshima to Yakushima takes around 40 minutes.
Airline tickets areAround 30,000 yen one wayThat's a rough estimate, but for a round-trip, it's best to budget around 70,000 yen to be on the safe side.
In addition to this, you'll need to pay for lodging and a tour fee ranging from the 8,000-yen to 17,000-yen range. Since prices vary significantly depending on the season and when you book, we recommend making your arrangements as early as possible.
↓Click here for details on direct and connecting flights↓
Thorough comparison of flights to Yakushima: ANA, LCC, low fares, direct flights and connecting flights.Thorough comparison of flights to Yakushima! Recommended Flights by ANA, LCC, and Fare If you are going to Yakushima, your first concern is which airline is the most economical and convenient. In this article, we will compare the 3 [...] of fare, convenience, and comfort, from ANA and LCC flights to [...].If you're considering taking the ferry from Kagoshima to Yakushima,
↓Check this out too↓
How to Get to Yakushima by Ferry from Kagoshima! A Comprehensive Guide to Travel Time, Fares, and Tips for Booking Without Any HassleLet's go to Yakushima, a World Natural Heritage Site! Yakushima Island was registered as a World Natural Heritage site in 1993 and is one of the best tourist spots in Kyushu! The rich forests and rare flora and fauna, especially the Jomon cedars and Shiratani Unsui Gorge, are the highlights of Yakushima sightseeing and attract many visitors. Kagoshima or [...].
5 Popular Tours on Yakushima

Here are five popular, real-life itineraries featured on the Yakushima Activities page. From hiking to water activities, choose the one that best suits your travel style.
Prices vary depending on factors such as the number of participants, so please be sure to check the details page for each plan as well.
Jomon Cedar Trekking Tour

This is a private tour package that takes you to the Jomon Sugi, a cedar tree estimated to be 7,200 years old. One of the attractions of this tour is that even 75-year-olds can participate, and you can choose a route that suits your physical condition.
The fee is per person for the Arakawa Mountain Trail entrance route17,600 yenIf you'd like to see the symbol of Yakushima—an experience you'll want to have at least once in your lifetime—be sure to check it out.
↓Click here for details on the Jomon Sugi Trekking Tour↓
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 hours17,600 yen
Shiratani Unsuikyo & Taiko-iwa Hiking Tour

Shiratani Unsuikyo, with its vast, moss-covered forest, and,Elevation: 1,050 mThis is a one-day private tour of Taiko-iwa. Even people as old as 75 can participate, and since you can choose your route, you can enjoy the hike at a pace that suits your fitness level.
The fee for the Kusunoki River Trail course is 13,500 yen per person. The breathtaking view from Taiko Rock is sure to leave you in awe!
Shiratani Unsuikyo & Taiko-iwa Trekking Tour
↓Click here for details↓
Yakushima/One-day charter] 75-year-olds can also join this tour! You can choose the route ☆ "Shiratani-unsui Gorge" of mossy forest & "Taikoiwa" of 1,050m high "Trekking tour with spectacular view (No.40)開始時間9:00-15:00所要時間Approx. 6 hours13,500 yen
Morning and Afternoon Tours! The Forest of Spirits: "Shiratani Unsuikyo"
Half-Day Hiking Tour

This is a classic half-day itinerary in Shiratani Unsuikyo that takes you on a walk to Mononoke Forest.Beginners are more than welcomePlus, you can participate until you're 70, and transportation is included.
The price is 8,250 yen per person for a group of three. This tour is recommended for those who are short on time or who simply want to get a casual first taste of Yakushima’s forests.
↓Click here for details on the Shiraya-Unsui Gorge Half-Day Hiking Tour↓
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 hours8,800 yen
Sea Turtle Snorkeling Tour

From March through November, you can enjoy a roughly 3-hour sea turtle snorkeling tour. Children ages 5 and up are welcome to participate, andEncounter rate: 801 TP3T or higher...and photos and videos are free.
The price is 5,500 yen per person for groups of 3 to 4 people. Perfect for those who want to enjoy not only mountain trekking but also ocean activities.
↓Click here for details on the sea turtle snorkeling tour↓
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
Yakusugiland - Kigen Sugi Trekking Tour

A Tour of the Kigen Cedar Trees at Yakusugi Land, One of Yakushima’s Most Iconic ForestsApprox. 3.5 hoursThis is the plan. Children are welcome to join, and it’s a popular, easy-to-walk course perfect for beginners.
The tour starts at 9:00 a.m., and the price is 15,000 yen for one person, or 12,000 yen per person for groups of two or more. It’s perfect for creating memories on a family trip!
Yakusugi Land—Ancient Cedar Trekking Tour
↓Click here for details↓
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 hours20,000 yen
Best Time to Visit Yakushima

On Yakushima, both the forest’s appearance and the weather change with the seasons. Choose the best time to visit based on the purpose of your trip.
The Best Season for a Yakushima Tour

From spring through early summer, the fresh greenery is beautiful, andOctober and November tend to have relatively many sunny days.Time.
In the summer, high-altitude forests such as Yakusugi Land are about 6°C cooler than the lowlands, making them the perfect place to escape the heat.
Since the sea turtle snorkeling tour is only available from March through November, be sure to check the dates if you want to enjoy the ocean. Rain gear is a must no matter the season.
↓Click here for an article on the best time to visit Yakushima↓
When is the best season to travel to Yakushima? Recommended time for Jomon cedar sightseeing and 3-day/2-night model plans by budget.A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Time to Visit Yakushima! Many of you are probably wondering, “When is the best time to visit Yakushima?” In fact, the best time to visit Yakushima varies greatly depending on your purpose—for hiking, it’s spring or fall, and if you’re looking for the best value, March or winter are ideal. In this article […]
When is the best time to go on a Jomon Sugi tour?

The Jomon Sugi Tour tends to have relatively more sunny days.October–Novemberis a good choice. In winter, roads in the mountains may be impassable due to icy conditions, or the itinerary may change.
It’s a good idea to leave some wiggle room in your schedule and set aside a backup day. If you’re not confident in your stamina, why not consider a private tour package that lets you choose your route?
Yakushima Jomon Cedar Trekking Tour
Click here to see the popularity ranking
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Yakushima Tours
You can join. The half-day tour to Mononoke Forest in Shiratani Unsuikyo is perfect for beginners and includes round-trip transportation; the price is 8,250 yen per person for groups of three. Since there are areas with well-maintained walking trails, like Yakusugi Land, it’s a good idea to start with a half-day plan.
You can participate. There are private tour plans available for as few as one person, as well as day trips to the Jomon Sugi that are explicitly marked as “Open to single participants.” Since the price varies depending on the number of participants, be sure to check the cost for a single participant before making a reservation.
There are no direct flights from Tokyo to Yakushima, so you’ll need to transfer in Kagoshima. The flight from Haneda to Kagoshima takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, and the flight from Kagoshima to Yakushima takes around 40 minutes. One-way airfare typically starts in the 30,000-yen range, and tour prices range from the 8,000-yen to 17,000-yen range.
summary

For beginners, the Yakushima tour is...GuidedWe recommend the half-day to one-day plans. Prices for trekking tours range from the 8,000-yen to 17,000-yen range, and flights departing from Tokyo include a layover in Kagoshima.
Choose from the Jomon Sugi, Shiratani Unsuikyo, Yakusugi Land, and sea turtles, depending on what you're looking for.
We recommend visiting during spring, when the leaves are fresh and green, through early summer, as well as from October to November, so be sure to make your reservations early to fully enjoy the forests of Yakushima!
↓Click here to read the article.
Into the World of Princess Mononoke! Model sites and recommended tours in Shiratani-unsuikyo, Yakushima IslandQ. How far in advance should I book a guided tour of Shiratani Unsuikyo? A. We recommend booking at least one month before the tour date. Most guided tours at Shiratani Unsuikyo are limited to small groups, so last-minute bookings may not be able to secure a guide. Especially during Golden Week, you may need to book a private guide or […]
First trip to Yakushima! Complete coverage of the famous Jomon Cedars, Shiratani Unsui Gorge, and must-try gourmet foods!What Makes Yakushima, Famous for Its World Heritage Site, So Charming? Yakushima is a nature-rich island located in southern Kyushu, and its value is recognized through its designation as a World Heritage Site. It is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich, unique ecosystem. Yakushima is home to many virgin forests […]
The Complete Guide to Yakushima and Yakusugi Land! A Comprehensive Guide to Hiking Trails, Recommended Tours, and How to Get ThereWhat is Yakusugiland? Yakusugiland is a natural recreation forest located at an altitude of 1,000 meters on Yakushima Island, where you can observe giant Yakusugi cedar trees up close. There are five walking courses that can be enjoyed by both beginners and advanced [...].












