Yakushima Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)

Yakushima

A very primitive place, the only drawback is inconvenient transportation. It's impossible to visit all the attractions on the island in one day. There are just too many sights on this small island. The most famous are several hiking trails. I took the Jomon Sugi and Shiratani Unsuikyo trails. The moss forest in Shiratani Unsuikyo is the location for the film Princess Mononoke. The experience is ordinary when you are there. If you go further into the forest to Taiko-iwa Rock, the view is better. The Jomon Sugi trail is 22km round trip, suitable for those who are very confident in their physical strength. Because the bus ends early, but hiking takes at least 10 hours, so I hired a guide at the time. But actually, there are paths in the forest, so you don't have to worry about getting lost in it. So people who walk fast can save the cost of hiring a guide.

The Baigu Yunshui Gorge is a valley that flows through the Baigu River, a tributary of the Urawa River in the northern part of Yakushima. Due to the abundant rainfall, the huge rock such as Taiguyan formed by the erosion of granite is covered with dense primary forest. The native forest has a 3,000-year-old "Baishengshan" that makes Kagoshima people very proud. Most people who like Japanese cartoons know that Miyazaki is also familiar with "The Valley of the Winds", "City of the Sky", "My Neighbor Totoro", "The Witch's Delivery Service", "Magic Princess" "Spirited Away", "Hal's Moving Castle", "The Goldfish Princess on the Cliff" and his last "Wind Up" in 2013. is not only the model of the mountain beast god forest scene in Hayao Miyazaki's "Magic Princess", but also the most beautiful hiking route on Yakushima. There are waterfalls, streams and suspension bridges at the entrance. The map of the Yakushima Forest Conservation Management Association began to hike, and the red line was the shortest. It took about an hour to walk around, mainly to see the cedar and the second generation Dashan.

The prototype of "Princess Mononoke": Yakushima White Valley Yunshui Gorge About Baigu Yunshui Gorge: It is a valley flowing through the Baigu River, a tributary of the Puji River in the northern part of Yakushima. Due to the abundant rainfall, the huge rock such as Taiguyan formed by the erosion of granite is covered with dense native forest. The valley is covered with moss, flowing water, and there are often wild deer and wild monkeys. Miyazaki's "Princess Mononoke" was inspired by the mossy forest in the Baishui Yunshui Gorge. There are three routes to choose from in the Baigu Yunshuixia Scenic Area, one hour to watch the 3,000-year-old Yayoi, three hours to the White Valley Lodge and the Princess of the Monsters, and five hours to the Taikoyan route. is located in the northern part of Yakushima and is a 424-hectare natural recreation forest. Here, the stream rushes down, and the evergreen broad-leaved trees and the ancient house long-sleeved shirts are row upon row. There is also a virgin forest of moss and ferns that is the source of inspiration for Miyazaki's animated film Princess Mononoke. belongs to the primary-intermediate line, and most people can walk down. Yakushima, regardless of the hiking route, is marked with a pink tape, usually tied to a branch, sometimes on the ground, the Baigu Yunshuixia line is clearly marked, and there is no guide and it is completely ok. Be careful, don't slip. About transportation: Gongzhipu Port-- Baigu Yunshui Gorge has a bus to and from the city, four shifts a day. You can also go to Miyakoura Port or Yakushima Airport. Of course, you can also complete a group tour of Yakushima in Kagoshima. In Yakushima, except for self-driving, it is basically a group tour~ Its really not much like I have to walk freely... English is almost impossible in this place. Friendly Tips: 1. Don't be smug, be sure to wear hiking gear to go hiking!! personally feel that the Shanshou Trail is much better than the Yasugi Trail. After all, it is a mountain road. The scenery is completely different. Because it is a bus trip in Yakushima, it is regrettable to give up the Taiguyan Trail in order to catch up with the last bus.

Hiking through the trail of Yakushima Island

Yakushima Island is about 60km south of Kagoshima city in Kyushu , Japan. It can be reached by ferry from Kagoshima, or by plane from Kagoshima, Fukuoka, or Osaka ( about one hour). Yakushima gained UNESCO world heritage status in 1993 and is known for its natural beauty, including wildlife and cedar forests. Some of the cedars are over 1000 years old, with diameter of 7-8meters. A few animals are also unique to the island - including the Yaku Monkey and the Yaku deer. We were so lucky to have seen both of them at the end of our trekking. To get to the main trail at Shiratani Unsuikyu, take the bus from the main port of Miyanoura. The fare costs 560 yen one way and only takes 25 minutes uphill. The buses do not run frequently, so renting a car may be a better option if you want to see more of the island within a short time (1-2 days). It takes 3-5 hours to complete the trails at Shiratani, so it is best to start in the early morning. We arrived the island by plane at 11am, and barely made it to the 1pm bus. The last bus that returns to Miyanoura leaves at 4:10pm. So you will have about three hours for the hike. We were lucky to have a cool and dry day, which helped us to complete the trail and see the cedar, moss forest , and the animals on this trip! ##Yakushima ##kyushu ##unescoworldheritage ##hiking

Yakushima

A very primitive place, the only drawback is inconvenient transportation. It's impossible to visit all the attractions on the island in one day. There are just too many sights on this small island. The most famous are several hiking trails. I took the Jomon Sugi and Shiratani Unsuikyo trails. The moss forest in Shiratani Unsuikyo is the location for the film Princess Mononoke. The experience is ordinary when you are there. If you go further into the forest to Taiko-iwa Rock, the view is better. The Jomon Sugi trail is 22km round trip, suitable for those who are very confident in their physical strength. Because the bus ends early, but hiking takes at least 10 hours, so I hired a guide at the time. But actually, there are paths in the forest, so you don't have to worry about getting lost in it. So people who walk fast can save the cost of hiring a guide.

If you want to recommend Japanese attractions, the first thing you think of is Yakushima. On the plane that flew to Japan, I watched Miyazakis ghost princess again. The scenery I saw on the island was very close to the movie. The deepest impression is Jomon Pine walking. Although it was said that I had to go to Yakushima for a few years, but Jomons hiking was never planned, I dont know how to get up at three in the middle of the night, six in the mountains, and five in the evening. 40,000 steps - not too many photos (when you take pictures, think about other teams, you can only wait behind you). The cedar trees for thousands of years are really amazing. When you touch the trunk, you seem to have it. The power to walk again.

In the evening, walk freely on the streets of Yakushima. The boat is quietly docked at the port, the mountains are beautiful and the breeze is blowing, quiet and beautiful. Yakushima is a very valuable World Heritage Site in Japan. In 1993, Yakushima and the Shirakami Mountain were listed on the World Heritage List. It is the first natural landscape in Japan to be included in the World Heritage, but not the entire island. It belongs to the World Heritage Site, but is located in the center of the Palace of Puyue and the Shenmu Forest District in the west (more than 1,000 years). The area of about 107.47 square kilometers is included in the World Heritage.

Must-Stay Hotels in Kagoshima

Sankara Hotel & Spa Yakushima After hiking in Yakushima, there's no better place to relax than Sankara Hotel & Spa Yakushima ⛰️. Take a comfortable bath in the tub♨️, and the daybed is so cozy you won't want to get up😴! The butler service and food are top-notch! Where to go tomorrow? The butler will tell you everything👌! 📍Address: Mugio 553, Yakushima Miru Amami When on a road trip to Amami Oshima, choose Miru Amami for its ocean views!🏞️ It has its own beach🏖️, and the hotel shuttle driver enthusiastically recommends places to visit and ice cream🍦, making it an unforgettable experience. The sea view villas are the perfect pick-me-up! 📍Address: 800 Ashitoku, Tatsugo-cho, Oshima-gun, Kagoshima SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima Choosing SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima in Kagoshima is a no-brainer! In a rush? They have a bus that goes directly to the city center, super convenient💥! Sakurajima volcano is right before your eyes, and the breakfast includes delicious Kagoshima black pork hot pot🍲! Enjoying the moon while soaking in an open-air bath at night is better than watching TV🌕! 📍Address: 41-1 Shinshoin-cho, Kagoshima City La Vista Kirishima Hills The view from the floor-to-ceiling windows at La Vista Kirishima Hills in the Kirishima Mountains is worth the room price💸! Each room has an open-air hot spring, and it feels great even when taking a cool shower! For dinner, you can enjoy Western cuisine, which is a real treat in the highlands at night! 📍Address: 3812-6 Makizonocho Takachiho Hoshino Resorts Kai Kirishima Finally, introducing 'Kai Kirishima' by Hoshino Resorts😉! A new vacation spot in the heart of the Kirishima Highlands, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Sakurajima. The open-air baths are set amidst the grasslands, allowing you to enjoy the hot springs while gazing out at Kinko Bay. Such room design is truly clever🤗! 📍Address: 2583-21 Kirishimayama, Kirishimataguchi

Must-Stay Hotels in Kagoshima

Sankara Hotel & Spa Yakushima After hiking in Yakushima, there's no better place to relax than Sankara Hotel & Spa Yakushima ⛰️. Take a comfortable bath in the tub♨️, and the daybed is so cozy you won't want to get up😴! The butler service and food are top-notch! Where to go tomorrow? The butler will tell you everything👌! 📍Address: Mugio 553, Yakushima Miru Amami When on a road trip to Amami Oshima, choose Miru Amami for its ocean views!🏞️ It has its own beach🏖️, and the hotel shuttle driver enthusiastically recommends places to visit and ice cream🍦, making it an unforgettable experience. The sea view villas are the perfect pick-me-up! 📍Address: 800 Ashitoku, Tatsugo-cho, Oshima-gun, Kagoshima SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima Choosing SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima in Kagoshima is a no-brainer! In a rush? They have a bus that goes directly to the city center, super convenient💥! Sakurajima volcano is right before your eyes, and the breakfast includes delicious Kagoshima black pork hot pot🍲! Enjoying the moon while soaking in an open-air bath at night is better than watching TV🌕! 📍Address: 41-1 Shinshoin-cho, Kagoshima City La Vista Kirishima Hills The view from the floor-to-ceiling windows at La Vista Kirishima Hills in the Kirishima Mountains is worth the room price💸! Each room has an open-air hot spring, and it feels great even when taking a cool shower! For dinner, you can enjoy Western cuisine, which is a real treat in the highlands at night! 📍Address: 3812-6 Makizonocho Takachiho Hoshino Resorts Kai Kirishima Finally, introducing 'Kai Kirishima' by Hoshino Resorts😉! A new vacation spot in the heart of the Kirishima Highlands, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Sakurajima. The open-air baths are set amidst the grasslands, allowing you to enjoy the hot springs while gazing out at Kinko Bay. Such room design is truly clever🤗! 📍Address: 2583-21 Kirishimayama, Kirishimataguchi

Must-Stay Hotels in Kagoshima

Sankara Hotel & Spa Yakushima After hiking in Yakushima, there's no better place to relax than Sankara Hotel & Spa Yakushima ⛰️. Take a comfortable bath in the tub♨️, and the daybed is so cozy you won't want to get up😴! The butler service and food are top-notch! Where to go tomorrow? The butler will tell you everything👌! 📍Address: Mugio 553, Yakushima Miru Amami When on a road trip to Amami Oshima, choose Miru Amami for its ocean views!🏞️ It has its own beach🏖️, and the hotel shuttle driver enthusiastically recommends places to visit and ice cream🍦, making it an unforgettable experience. The sea view villas are the perfect pick-me-up! 📍Address: 800 Ashitoku, Tatsugo-cho, Oshima-gun, Kagoshima SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima Choosing SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima in Kagoshima is a no-brainer! In a rush? They have a bus that goes directly to the city center, super convenient💥! Sakurajima volcano is right before your eyes, and the breakfast includes delicious Kagoshima black pork hot pot🍲! Enjoying the moon while soaking in an open-air bath at night is better than watching TV🌕! 📍Address: 41-1 Shinshoin-cho, Kagoshima City La Vista Kirishima Hills The view from the floor-to-ceiling windows at La Vista Kirishima Hills in the Kirishima Mountains is worth the room price💸! Each room has an open-air hot spring, and it feels great even when taking a cool shower! For dinner, you can enjoy Western cuisine, which is a real treat in the highlands at night! 📍Address: 3812-6 Makizonocho Takachiho Hoshino Resorts Kai Kirishima Finally, introducing 'Kai Kirishima' by Hoshino Resorts😉! A new vacation spot in the heart of the Kirishima Highlands, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Sakurajima. The open-air baths are set amidst the grasslands, allowing you to enjoy the hot springs while gazing out at Kinko Bay. Such room design is truly clever🤗! 📍Address: 2583-21 Kirishimayama, Kirishimataguchi