Yakushima
Japan · Kagoshima · 100 m
Description
Yakushima (屋久島) is a remote, mountainous island south of Kyushu and one of Japan’s most spectacular natural landscapes. Part of the island is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its ancient Yakusugi cedars, including the legendary Jomon Sugi, as well as its dense moss-covered forests, mist-shrouded mountains, and dramatic waterfalls. The mystical scenery of Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is often associated with the inspiration for the forest world of Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke. Yakushima combines subtropical coastlines, lush rainforests, and mountains rising to nearly 2,000 meters, along with natural hot springs and sea turtle nesting beaches. Exceptionally rainy and remarkably pristine, the island is a paradise for hikers, nature lovers, and photographers, and is considered one of Japan’s most unspoiled destinations.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 5 days (optimal 3 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: April – May or October – November
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Jomon Sugi ancient cedar
- Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine
- Yakusugi Land
- Jomon Sugi hiking trail
- Wilson's Stump
- Taikoiwa Rock viewpoint
- Yayoi Sugi ancient cedar
- Kigensugi ancient cedar
- Oko-no-taki Waterfall
- Senpiro-no-taki Waterfall
- Toroki-no-taki Waterfall
- Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen
- Yudomari Onsen
- Nagata Inakahama sea turtle nesting (May - August)
- Nagata Inakahama Beach
- Isso Beach
- Yakushima World Heritage Area (UNESCO)
- Seibu Rindo Forest Road & wild macaques and deer
- Yakushima macaques
- Yakushima sika deer
- Mount Miyanoura summit hike
- Kuromidake summit hike
- Yakushima coastal road trip
- Yakushima Environmental and Cultural Village Center
Getting there
- Airports:
- KUM
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry