Explore the enchanting island of Yakushima in Kyushu, renowned for its stunning mountain cherry blossoms that bloom for only a week in early April. Experience the ancient atmosphere of the mystical forests and enjoy a beautiful view of the cherry blossoms from the Taikoiwa plateau. A must-visit destination for nature and mountain lovers seeking an unforgettable experience.
The videos I’ve selected from YouTube are right here.
Tourist Attractions and Activities
Yakushima is a mountainous island located in the Kyushu region, with 10 peaks over 1,800m and 46 peaks over 1,000m, including the highest peak of Mount Miyanoura standing at 1,936m. This beautiful island is renowned for its preserved natural environment, and notably, its ancient cedar trees that are over 3,000 years old. Yakushima is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves mountains and nature, offering an unforgettable and unique experience.
If you’re planning a trip to the lush and natural Yakushima, you’ll find a variety of enjoyable activities to make the most of your time. Let me share a few popular options with you.
Yakusugi Museum
There’s a museum near Anbo Port where you can learn about places like Yakushima and Jomon Sugi. It’s a great spot to visit on days when you’re tired from hiking or when the weather keeps you from exploring the mountains, providing a chance to deepen your knowledge about Yakushima.
If you’re traveling by car, it takes around 35 minutes to reach Miyanoura Port or approximately 10 minutes to reach Anbo Port. The admission fee for adults is 600 yen. You can find more information on their website.
The museum is closed on the first Tuesday of each month (except for May and August) and during the year-end and New Year holidays (from December 29th to January 1st). It’s open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 4:30 PM.
Exploring Yakushima's Forest
Yakushima’s lush forest presents a range of trails that invite you to experience ancient cedar trees and moss-covered landscapes that have flourished for centuries. The trails come with varying levels of difficulty, offering options that cater to both avid trekkers seeking a challenge and those looking for gentler paths. You can choose a trail that suits your level of experience and physical fitness.
Introduction to Trails
Today, we’ll select a handful of trails from the extensive choices and present them in order of increasing difficulty, beginning with the more demanding routes.
Exploring the Ancient Cedars: Jomon Sugi Trail
Embark on a journey to experience the awe-inspiring ancient cedars, including the venerable ones with names that pay homage to their magnificence.
This trail presents a round trip lasting approximately 10 hours, covering a distance of roughly 20 kilometers. It’s a challenging and extensive route that requires a good level of physical fitness and trekking experience. As it’s not easily accessible for casual sightseeing, I strongly recommend conducting thorough research and considering guided tours. If you have limited trekking experience, opting for a “guided tour with an exclusive guide” allows you to progress at your own pace.
- Jomon Sugi, renowned for being one of the largest ancient trees among the confirmed Jomon Sugi, celebrated as one of the largest ancient trees among the confirmed Yakusugi cedars, is estimated to be around 2,000 to 7,200 years old, with varying viewpoints.
- Meoto Sugi, affectionately known as the “husband and wife cedar,” is believed to be approximately 1,500 years old. This towering marvel features two massive trees with intertwining branches, standing around 10 meters high and about 3 meters apart.
- Daiou Sugi, previously considered the oldest cedar until the discovery of Jomon Sugi, is thought to be around 3,000 years old.
- Sandai Sugi, which translates to “third-generation cedar,” comes with a captivating tale. The first generation fell after about 2,000 years, the second generation that sprouted from the fallen trunk was felled around 1,000 years later, and the third generation, emerging from the second stump, is estimated to be around 500 years old. This tree’s legacy spans over 3,700 years.
- Wilson Kabu, named after the American botanist who chanced upon it, is a hollowed-out cut trunk. It’s believed to have been felled around 400 years ago during the Shimazu clan era. The interior of the trunk forms a spacious hollow, offering a view of the surroundings since it was cut. Its shape intriguingly resembles that of a heart.
Taikoiwa Trekking Trail
Embark on a journey along the scenic Taikoiwa trekking trail, leading you through the enchanting “Mossy Forest,” thought to have inspired scenes from Hayao Miyazaki’s animated masterpiece “Princess Mononoke.” The trail then guides you to the awe-inspiring “Taikoiwa,” a massive granite rock formation that offers breathtaking panoramic views.
Completing this trail takes approximately 4 hours, covering a distance of about 6 kilometers. However, given the mesmerizing vistas and the time to fully enjoy them, this adventure could easily extend into a full-day experience. Please be aware that there are steep inclines on the path to the highland. If you’re not accustomed to mountain climbing or regular exercise, you might find it physically demanding. Additionally, some parts of the route could be a bit confusing, making a guided tour an excellent option for added confidence.
If the weather allows, you can enjoy views of towering mountains in the distance from the highland. You can also experience the usual views through Google Maps’ Street View. Furthermore, the area visible from this viewpoint, you can witness a unique natural spectacle: cherry blossoms that bloom for just one week in early April. If your visit coincides with this short period, you’ll be treated to a stunning display of blooming mountain cherry trees, casting their beauty below you.
Yakusugi Land Trekking or Hiking Routes
Yakusugi Land, situated within the vast Yakusugi forest, offers a variety of trails to explore. There are shorter 30-minute and 50-minute hiking routes, as well as longer 80-minute, 150-minute, and 210-minute trekking routes. You can choose the route that suits your interests and physical fitness level.
Since the trekking routes at Yakusugi Land are less frequented compared to popular spots like Jomon Sugi and Shiratani Unsuikyo, some parts of the paths might be less clearly marked. It’s recommended to walk carefully to avoid wandering off the trail. It’s worth noting that the longer routes, from 80 to 210 minutes, have had instances of hikers losing their way in the past. Taking part in guided tours is highly recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
210-Minute Trail
Take on the adventure of the 210-minute trekking trail at Yakusugi Land. This route allows you to explore the entire area and requires some mountain climbing experience. The ultimate goal is to reach the ancient Shakasugi Cedar, estimated to be around 2,000 years old, hidden deep within the Astronomical Forest. Due to its fewer visitors, this route allows you to truly immerse yourself in the iconic mossy landscapes that define Yakushima.
As you explore the lush forest, you’ll discover the captivating magnificence of the towering Yakusugi cedars and the tranquil ambiance of the surrounding environment. Keep in mind that this trail transforms into a true mountain path, so be sure to gear up appropriately, including wearing sturdy trekking shoes.
150-Minute Trail
Explore deeper into the heart of Yakusugi Land with the 150-minute trail. This route offers you the chance to encounter numerous ancient Yakusugi cedars, immersing you in the rich natural heritage of the area.
Branching off from the 210-minute route, this path also transforms into a genuine mountain trail. Be ready with suitable equipment, including trekking shoes, as this route demands a more serious approach.
80-Minute Trail
For a quintessential Yakushima experience, choose the 80-minute trail. This course treats you to the iconic moss-covered landscapes that define Yakushima’s beauty. Starting from a well-maintained path and gradually transitioning into a true mountain trail, this route captures the essence of the island’s nature. While it’s slightly less challenging than the 150-minute route, remember to gear up with appropriate equipment, including reliable trekking shoes.
30-Minute and 50-Minute Hiking Paths
Explore these trails for a relaxed and enjoyable experience, perfect even for those who are new to hiking. Meandering through the natural forest, you’ll come across wooden staircases, wooden pathways, and stone-paved trails that stretch from the entrance, providing a highly convenient walking route.
Whether you’re not used to frequent physical activity or just want to immerse yourself in the beauty of Yakushima’s forest, choosing these paths is a fantastic decision.
Princess Mononoke's Backdrop
The island’s beautiful scenery also served as the backdrop for the beloved anime film “Princess Mononoke,” and in the spring, the landscape comes alive with vibrant new growth as banyan and Lithocarpus edulis trees sprout fresh leaves.
This is a leisurely hiking route that guides you to and from the ‘Mossy Forest,’ beginning at the trailhead. It’s a simple way to experience the natural feel of Yakushima’s forest.
You should expect to spend about 3 hours on this trail, not counting the time you take to enjoy the scenery. Planning for half a day should be enough. Even though it’s just a short hike of around 1 hour and 30 minutes from the trailhead, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the breathtaking moss-covered landscapes that define Yakushima.
Important Tips for an Adventure
Remember that Yakushima experiences a lot of rain. Heavy rainfall or rain from the previous day can cause streams along hiking trails to rise, making access challenging.
To account for this, it’s a good idea to plan your schedule with some flexibility. For more challenging routes, it’s worth noting that there are reports of hikers getting lost or facing challenges every year. To ensure your safety, it’s recommended to prepare appropriate trekking gear and think about joining guided tours.
The Yakushima Tourism Association’s website provides a list of guides and their contact information. You can also easily find details about English-language tours on various websites through a Google search.
You can easily find tours by searching online with keywords like “yakushima, tour, guide.” Especially if you’re new to mountaineering or trekking, or if you’re not used to regular exercise, considering hiring a personal guide or selecting easier trekking routes is a good option.
Sea Turtle Watching Experience
Yakushima is a fantastic place to catch a glimpse of sea turtles. The best time to see them is during June when they come ashore to lay their eggs. If you’re interested in this unique opportunity, you might want to participate in the sea turtle watching event at “Nagatahama,” which is a prominent sea turtle landing site on Yakushima. However, remember that it’s necessary to book in advance through the Nagata Sea Turtle Council’s website.
Exciting Activities Await in Yakushima
Additionally, Yakushima offers various enjoyable activities such as river kayaking, sea kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. If you visit in April when cherry blossoms adorn the riversides, you can even blend cherry blossom viewing with a river kayaking adventure.
Culture, History, and Traditions
Yakushima became one of Japan’s initial World Heritage Sites in 1993, and it’s no wonder why. This island emerged from the sea around 14 million years ago through tectonic activity during the Cenozoic era. At present, more than 90% of the island is covered by lush forests, home to a variety of plants, animals, and birds.
At the peak of Mount Miyanoura, you can observe the diverse array of plant life, extending from subtropical flora along the coastline to alpine plants at the summit where snowfall is common during winter. While cedar trees generally have a lifespan of about 500 years, the cedars of Yakushima grow slowly on granite mountain slopes with limited nutrients.
As a result, they develop durable and resin-rich wood that is resistant to decay.. Among these remarkable trees, some are over 2000 years old, and those over 1000 years old, known as “Yakusugi,” thrive naturally at altitudes higher than 500 meters in the island’s mountainous regions.
Dining Guide
On Yakushima Island, surrounded by the sea, you can find many restaurants offering fresh seafood dishes. Yakushima is known for a significant catch of flying fish, referred to as ‘tobiuo’ in Japanese, which can be savored in numerous restaurants across the island.
Kyushu, the region where Yakushima is located, is known for ‘shochu,’ a type of alcoholic beverage crafted from ingredients like potatoes. With dozens of varieties made on the island, you can enjoy the unique flavors of shochu at local restaurants and izakayas.
There are many dining options, including restaurants, cafes, and izakayas, on Yakushima Island. For detailed information, visit the Yakushima Tourism Association website. If you want more information or links to individual restaurant websites, be sure to check out the Japanese website.
Preparing Meals for Trekking Adventures
If you’re planning to go trekking, it’s recommended to pack plenty of snacks and portable foods for the journey. Also, be sure to bring an adequate supply of drinking water. Fortunately, there are several water sources available along the trekking routes where you can refill your water bottles. Unless you’re hesitant about consuming this water, carrying the minimum required amount of water should suffice.
If you’re embarking on a full-day trek starting early in the morning, it’s important to make sure you have bento boxes for breakfast and lunch as there are no 24-hour convenience stores on Yakushima Island.
Fortunately, two shops on the island offer bento boxes that you can pick up from 4am on the same day. Just keep in mind that you need to call and reserve ahead of time for both shops. The Japanese page of the Yakushima Tourism Association has a link to these shops, and it’s highly recommended that you utilize your browser’s translation function to check it out.
Accommodation
There are affordable accommodation options on Yakushima starting from as low as 3000 yen, with a variety of choices available including hotels, ryokans and guesthouses, allowing you to select the perfect place to stay based on your preferences.
For those planning to visit Shiratani Unsuikyo, buses depart from around the Miyanoura Port area, which is conveniently located. If you’re planning to rent a car, the Miyanoura Port or airport areas are the most convenient.
The Yakushima Tourism Association website provides a list of accommodations, sorted by price range and bus stops. The Japanese site also has a helpful filtering system and links to each accommodation’s website, so we highly recommend using a browser with translation functionality to make the most of it.
Transportation
Transportation between Kagoshima and the Island
If you’re considering a trip to Yakushima, there are two ways to reach the island: by plane or by boat. Given that transportation to Yakushima is frequently cancelled due to inclement weather, it’s recommended that you allow ample time for travel planning.
By plane
Opting to fly will bring you to Yakushima Airport, where you can hop on regular 35-minute flights to and from Kagoshima Airport, which is situated close by. Although the number of flights is restricted, there are additional flights that link Osaka (Itami) Airport and Fukuoka Airport. For more comprehensive information on flights, you can refer to their website.
By boat
If you’re considering traveling to Yakushima, you have the option of taking a boat, either a high-speed ferry that connects Kagoshima Port and Yakushima Port in 2 to 2.5 hours, or a slower ferry that runs once a day and takes about 4 hours. Please note that both websites are available only in Japanese.
It’s important to note that it takes additional time to travel to Kagoshima Port from Kagoshima Airport or Kagoshima Station by local bus, and there may be transfers, making it a challenging route for international travelers.
Transportation Options on the Island
When it comes to getting around the island, your options are renting a car, taking the local bus, or hiring a taxi. The Yakushima Tourism Association’s website provides information on how to contact each of these services.
While there are several car rental options around the port and airport, it’s important to note that availability may be limited, so it’s recommended to book in advance to ensure you have a vehicle.
If you plan on taking the bus to the Shiratani Unsuikyo Trailhead for the Yakusugi Land trek, note that there are only two buses departing from Miyanoura Port at around 8am and 12pm each day, limiting the flexibility of your itinerary.
Many tours offer transportation to and from your accommodations. Although it may limit your freedom compared to traveling on your own, it’s recommended for travelers as it provides the opportunity to learn from knowledgeable guides and reduces the risk of getting lost or injured while hiking off the beaten path.
Budget and Transportation Tips
Exploring Yakushima usually takes a few days, and that means you’ll need a place to stay. If the weather doesn’t cooperate and you can’t make it to Yakushima, you’ll have to cancel your plans for flights, accommodations, tours, and rental cars. This is where package deals can save the day.
One option to consider is Japan Airlines’ convenient package for 3-4 days. It includes guided trekking tours, flights, hotel stays, and transportation around the island. The best part is that if the weather messes up your plans, you can cancel everything right at the departure airport. You might not find this information on their English website, but you can see it on the “Tour” page of their Japanese website.
Also, you can check out guided tours from companies like:
- JTRIP: https://www.jtrip.co.jp/
- RAKUEN TRAVEL: https://travel.rakuten.co.jp/
- JTB: https://www.jtb.co.jp/kokunai_tour/
- JALAN: https://www.jalan.net/
Weather Guide
Yakushima Island has a reputation for being a rainy place and is famously known for being described by a novelist who visited the island as receiving “35 days of rain a month.” In this already rainy island, the Shiratani Unsuikyo area is known to be even rainier. Even if it’s sunny in the morning, the temperature can suddenly drop and clouds may appear, leading to a downpour.
By the way, for the best times to visit Yakushima, when you won’t have to worry about the rain too much, are the spring season of April and May, and the autumn season of October and November.
With the varying altitudes and as you delve into the forests, even during the summer, it feels refreshingly cool, almost like a hill station. It’s a good idea to avoid clothing made of materials like cotton or heat-tech. Also, if you’re planning to tackle the more challenging trails, be sure to bring along proper trekking gear, rainwear, and warm clothing.
Additionally, we’d like to introduce you to a website called “Tenki to Kurasu” , where you can check the weather forecast for the area we’ve introduced today. Although the website is in Japanese only, I highly suggest using a browser with a translation function to check it out. It’s sure to be a valuable resource for planning your trip.
