Yakushima | MTJ | The Japan Specialist

THE BREATHTAKING NATURE OF YAKUSHIMA

Yakushima is a subtropical island with millenarian cedar forests, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. The Japanese word that defines them is “Yaku sugi”, a name reserved only for cedar trees older than 1000 years.

The island is the ideal destination for hikers and nature lovers both for the variety of the landscape and for the outdoor activities: you can hike ancient forests, reach the tops of the mountains or walk along the beaches. Because of its uniqueness, Yakushima was the inspiration for the animation film “Princess Mononoke” by Studio Ghibli.

Travelers can create a tailor-made itinerary based on duration, budget, and personal interest. The tour can be developed independently by renting a car, thus optimizing transfer times, especially in the interior of the island. We recommend the presence of a local guide to enjoy the beauty of the area.

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4 Days/3 Nights

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Travel program

DAY 1: KAGOSHIMA/YAKUSHIMA ISLAND

We reach Yakushima from Kagoshima, using the convenient hydrofoil that connects the two locations in less than 3 hours. We travel along the eastern part of the island and enjoy the impressive variety of landscape, the magnificent endemic subtropical flora next to the typical plants of cold climates while experiencing the extraordinarily variable weather.

To respect the uniqueness of the island, we overnight in an eco-sustainable resort with beautiful sea views and organic food, cultivated on the hotel premises.

DAY 2: YAKUSHIMA ISLAND

Today we explore the trails of the island’s thousand-year-old cedar trees, nicknamed the Alps of the Ocean. Do not miss “Jomonsugi”, the oldest tree in Japan. There are various theories about its age, ranging from 2170 to 7200 years; equally spectacular “Meotosuji”: two trees whose shape recalls a romantic couple embraced. We proceed towards the waterfalls to refresh ourselves: Ooko-no-taki, the highest on the island, and Sempiro-no-taki, where the water flows from about 66 meters on a gigantic granite monolith. In this unusual alpine vegetation, you can see the monkey and the Yaku deer, endemic to Yakushima.

DAY 3: YAKUSHIMA ISLAND

Today is dedicated to the sea of Yakushima. We recommend a walk along the coral coast of Sango-no-hama, with its characteristic star-shaped grains of sand, or a dive in the sea of the north coast, home to marine life of all shapes, sizes and colors.

Yakushima is the largest nesting place for sea turtles in the North Pacific and in June and July you can see them nesting on the coast. Do not forget to try the tropical fruits such as papaya, mango and guava, provided by local farmers. We suggest you to enjoy them while paddling in the quiet coves of the island!

DAY 4: YAKUSHIMA ISLAND/KAGOSHIMA

On the way back to Kagoshima, we recommend a visit to Senganen Garden, a Japanese style landscaped garden with small ponds, streams, sanctuaries, and even a bamboo grove. It was built during the Edo period (1603-1867) by the wealthy Shimazu clan, one of the most powerful feudal families of Kagoshima. In the center of the garden, you can visit the Iso Residence, the main house of the Shimazu family.

The journey ends with the return to Kagoshima ….and the heart on the island of Yakushima!