Visit Yakushima: Where Ancient Cedars and Wild Coastlines Meet

Yakushima: Japan's Secret Island Escape

Tucked away in Japan’s southern waters, Yakushima is an island of surreal landscapes, ancient cedar forests, and breathtaking marine life. Just two hours by jet foil from Kagoshima, this UNESCO-listed island remains a hidden treasure for nature lovers and adventurers alike. From hiking through misty forests that inspired Princess Mononoke to watching sea turtles hatch under a starlit sky, Yakushima offers an unforgettable island experience far from Japan’s busy tourist trails.

Getting to Yakushima

Your journey to this lush island paradise begins at Kagoshima, where high-speed jet foils glide over the waves to Yakushima in about two hours. If you have time, make a quick stop at Sakurajima, the active volcano that looms over Kagoshima Bay. The short ferry ride to Sakurajima costs just 200 yen, and you’ll witness the surreal sight of plumes of smoke rising from the crater—an iconic image of the region.

Once you arrive at Anbo Port, rent a bike or pick up a multi-day bus pass (about ¥3,000) to get around. Public transportation is limited, and since the island follows “island time,” many shops close early—so plan ahead unless you want to miss dinner.

Exploring Yakushima's Ancient Forests

The Jomon Sugi Hike: A Journey Through Time

One of the greatest treasures of Yakushima is the Jomon Sugi, Japan’s oldest and largest tree, estimated to be between 2,000 and 7,000 years old. The trek to Jomon Sugi is an 8-hour round-trip hike through a landscape straight out of a fairytale.

Your adventure begins at Arakawa Trailhead, accessible only by an early morning bus or special taxi. The first part of the trail follows an abandoned logging railway, winding past ancient trees, moss-covered rocks, and babbling brooks. Along the way, you’ll see massive cedar stumps, some so large they’ve become shrines or even hollowed-out shelters.

As you get deeper into the forest, the landscape turns magical—twisted roots, towering cedar giants, and mossy boulders that seem to whisper secrets of the past. This enchanting scenery even inspired Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke, and you can easily imagine kodama (forest spirits) peeking out from behind the trees.

Reaching Jomon Sugi is like stepping into another era. The sheer size of the tree is humbling—it would take 10 people to wrap their arms around its trunk. Standing before this ancient giant, surrounded by mist and birdsong, you can’t help but feel the deep, unspoiled spirit of Yakushima.

Yakushima's Waterfalls & Tide Pools

Yakushima’s rugged terrain creates some of Japan’s most spectacular waterfalls, and since the island is small, you can visit several in a single day.

• Oko no Taki – One of the tallest waterfalls on the island, perfect for catching the sunset.
• Senpiro no Taki – Offers breathtaking views of Yakushima’s granite cliffs.
• Tsukasaki Tide Pools – A great place to explore marine life, just a short ride from Kurio town.

For those fascinated by sea turtles, Yakushima is home to one of the largest nesting grounds in the Northern Hemisphere. Every year, thousands of loggerhead and green sea turtles return to the island’s shores. If you’re lucky, you might witness the incredible moment when baby turtles hatch and scramble toward the sea under the Milky Way.

Unwinding in Yakushima's Natural Hot Springs

After a long hike, there’s no better way to relax than soaking in a natural rotenburo (outdoor hot spring). Yakushima has something truly special: an ocean hot spring!

The Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen is a geothermal bath submerged at high tide and exposed at low tide. When the timing is just right, you can soak in the warm water while waves crash gently over the rocks. It’s one of the last mixed-gender onsens in Japan, so if you can get past the initial awkwardness, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience.

Wildlife Encounters & Starry Nights

Yakushima’s isolation has allowed it to become a sanctuary for unique wildlife. While hiking or cycling around the island, you might encounter:

• Yakushima macaques, the island’s playful monkeys.
• Yakushika, a unique species of small deer found only here.
• Flying fish, which glide over the waves for up to 45 seconds.

For an unforgettable nighttime experience, stargazing in Yakushima is pure magic. With minimal light pollution, the island offers some of the clearest views of the Milky Way. If you visit in August, you’ll also catch the Perseid meteor shower, with up to 100 shooting stars per hour.

A Final Farewell to Yakushima

As the trip comes to an end, it’s hard to say goodbye to this hidden paradise. Whether it’s hiking beneath ancient trees, soaking in ocean hot springs, or watching sea turtles hatch under the stars, Yakushima offers an experience like no other.

As the ferry pulls away from Anbo Port, you’ll look back at the mist-covered peaks and lush forests, already planning your return. Because once you’ve set foot on Yakushima, a part of your heart stays behind.