Yakushima Island

Name: Yakushima Island
Address: Yakushima Island, Yakushima, Kumage District, Kagoshima, Japan
Rating: 4.7

4.7 (200)・Natural Feature・Establishment

Yakushima Island, located off the southern coast of Kyushu in Japan, is a natural wonderland. Famous for its ancient cedar trees, some of which are over 1,000 years old, the island is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The most famous tree, Jomon Sugi, is believed to be more than 7,000 years old, making it one of the oldest living things on Earth.

The island's diverse ecosystem ranges from warm coastal areas to cool, misty mountains. This creates a unique environment where tropical and temperate plants coexist. Hiking through Yakushima’s dense forests, you’ll encounter lush moss, flowing streams, and a variety of wildlife, including deer and monkeys.

The island receives heavy rainfall, which contributes to its lush greenery. This frequent rain, along with the island's unique climate, has led to the saying that it "rains 35 days a month" on Yakushima.

Beaches like Isso and Kurio offer stunning coastal views, while waterfalls such as Oko-no-taki provide breathtaking scenery. Yakushima's natural beauty inspired the setting for Studio Ghibli's film "Princess Mononoke," adding a touch of magic to its already enchanting landscape.

Hours:

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Closed:

Irregular Holidays

Available:

All Year (Except Irregular Holidays)

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome

Admission Fee:

1,400 yen (Arakawa Mountain Entry bus)

300 yen (Onsen)

*Yakushima Island offers a variety of admission fees

The area

Address

Yakushima Island, Yakushima, Kumage District, Kagoshima, Japan

Top ways to experience Yakushima Island

Private Yakushima Trekking Tour: Unveiling Shiratani-Unsuikyo's Beauty

From $404 /person

5hrs

Explore Yakushima's Enchanting Forests on our Yakusugi Land Walking Tour

From $384 /person

3 hours

Snorkeling Tour to Swim with Sea Turtles at Yakushima Island

From $45 /person

What other travelers are saying about Yakushima Island

One of those places that magic you away from the rest of the world. Incredible views of clouds over mountains, forests, cliffs and heaps of deer and monkeys. A car is a must! I recommend the travel company YES Yakushima. They make everything very easy and will organise your car, ferry and accommodation if you want it (free service). The car through them was $350aud ishh for 5 days. We spent 5 days, did the Jomon Sugi hike and part of the Shiratani Unsuikyo trail, do Jomon Sugi but don't underestimate it. Food around is great when the restaurants are open, very friendly and helpful locals. Also recommend the kayak tour!

Maxwell Swaney

May 10, 2024

I highly recommend visiting this island. One of the best destinations to hike and roam around, the secluded nature setting is just very heart warming. The waterfalls are amazing, the people are really kind. This island is famous for the UNESCO, world heritage, and has the oldest cedar tree in Japan! Better to rent a car and drive around, it rains very often so please have all the gear needed for very heavy rain, just to be safe! Don’t forget to try the flying fish!

Jane

May 7, 2021

Mountains, forests, beaches, rivers - what else could you ask for? The perfect escape from city life, do spend at least 3 days on this beautiful island.

Viraf Patrawala

May 3, 2021

This Island is very-well know for UNESCO world heritage and Moss forest, everywhere it is green and thick, good place to escape from all your stress, not crowded countryside with limited buses where you could have new experience, it is worth a visit just try once