The World Heritage Listed Coastal Road in Yakushima Island is nothing short of a breathtaking adventure that immerses you in the island's stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity. This scenic drive is an absolute must for anyone visiting Yakushima, offering a unique opportunity to experience the island's lush ancient forests and abundant wildlife.
As you wind your way along the coastal road, you are greeted by panoramic views of the azure sea, dramatic cliffs, and the emerald-green canopy of the forest. The air is fresh and invigorating, filled with the sounds of nature that create a serene and peaceful ambiance. Each turn reveals a new vista that takes your breath away, making every moment of the journey a feast for the senses.
One of the most delightful aspects of this drive is the wildlife that you encounter along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for the playful Yakushima macaques, which can often be seen swinging through the trees or foraging along the roadside. These fascinating monkeys add a touch of wild charm to your journey, and their antics are sure to bring a smile to your face. Additionally, the friendly deer that roam freely throughout the area are another highlight, often appearing unexpectedly and adding to the enchanting atmosphere of the island.
The coastal road is surrounded by ancient cedar trees, some of which are thousands of years old, creating a magical forest setting that feels almost otherworldly. The lush greenery and towering trees evoke a sense of timelessness and connection to nature that is truly special. It’s a place where you can feel the spirit of the island and gain a deeper appreciation for its ecological significance.
Along the route, there are also several lookout points and stops where you can take a break to soak in the scenery, snap some photos, and truly connect with the environment. Whether you choose to hike a short trail or simply enjoy the views from your vehicle, each moment spent on this road is an invitation to marvel at the beauty of Yakushima.
Overall, the World Heritage Listed Coastal Road with Wildlife in Yakushima Island is an unforgettable experience that beautifully showcases the island's natural wonders. It’s a perfect blend of adventure, tranquility, and wildlife encounters that will create lasting memories. If you find yourself on Yakushima, don’t miss the chance to explore this incredible coastal road—it's a journey you won’t soon forget!
Long narrow road, best done from north to south if you prefer to be at the hill side when making space for oncoming traffic. Drive slowly to avoid hitting animals and oncoming cars, and to simply savour the fresh air and nature.
This road has fantastic views and there is a high chance to see the wild deers and monkeys. It is, however, a very long narrow road, with many curves. You need to be careful and have patience while driving, and to be alert for coming cars, animals and sharp turns.
Unique and beautiful, one of my fave section of roads ever, same level as icefields parkway of banff.
The roads are very narrow and wet, there's rocks and trees on the road, animals are constantly running across the road and could be foggy depending on weather. When driving be careful especially if in a motorcycle like I was. It's also a forested area so it gets less sunlight, further reducing visibility, try to go well before sunset
We drove south to north, and its really not such a big deal - we had no issues. Saw many many many monkeys and deer on the way - including together as you can see in the attached photo
