Yakushima Island Complete Travel Guide
Yakushima is a mountainous island off the southern tip of Kyushu and one of Japan's first UNESCO World Heritage sites, protected for its ancient yakusugi cedar forest, some trees estimated to be over a thousand years old. It takes real planning to reach and explore, but the moss-covered forest trails are unlike anywhere else in Japan.
Quick Facts
Best Things to Do
- Walk the boardwalk and forest trails at Shiratani Unsuikyo, the mossy ravine said to have inspired parts of Princess Mononoke.
- If you have the stamina and time, hike to the Jomon Sugi cedar, a four-to-five-hour trek one way through old-growth forest.
- Explore the more accessible Yakusugi Land trails if a full-day hike isn't practical for your schedule.
- Budget an extra buffer day, since ferries and flights to and from the island can be disrupted by weather.
Tickets and Fees
Checked in July 2026: jetfoil and flight schedules and fares change with the season and can be affected by weather, so confirm current departure times and prices with the ferry or airline operator shortly before your trip rather than booking on old figures.
How to Get There
High-speed jetfoils run several times daily from Kagoshima's ferry terminal to Miyanoura or Anbo port on Yakushima, taking around 2 to 3 hours. A slower car ferry also runs once daily. Alternatively, JAC operates short flights from Kagoshima Airport to Yakushima Airport.
Nearby Attractions
Yakushima is a standalone trip from Kagoshima City rather than a same-day add-on; pair it with a Kagoshima City stop at Sengan-en Garden before or after your ferry.
Book Before You Go
Use official information for opening hours and ticket rules, then book tours or tickets only when they fit your route.