Yakushima National Park

Yakushima National Park (屋久島国立公園) encompasses Yakushima Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site off the southern coast of Kagoshima Prefecture. The island is famous for its ancient cedar forests, including Jomon-sugi — a cedar tree estimated to be 2,000–7,000 years old. The island's mountainous interior receives some of Japan's heaviest rainfall, creating a unique ecosystem of moss-covered forests, rushing streams, and dramatic granite peaks. Yakushima inspired the setting of Studio Ghibli's "Princess Mononoke." Spring and autumn are the best hiking seasons; summer is hot and humid, winter is cool.

By Plane

Yakushima Airport (KUM) has flights from Kagoshima (35 min), Osaka, and Fukuoka.

By Ferry

High-speed jetfoils from Kagoshima take about 2.5 hours (¥8,000+). Slower car ferries take about 4 hours.

A car is essential. Buses connect the port and main trailheads but are infrequent. Rental cars should be booked in advance.

• Jomon-sugi (縄文杉) — The most famous ancient cedar. A full-day hike (10–12 hours) from the Arakawa trailhead. Stunning but demanding.

• Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine (白谷雲水峡) — A magical moss-covered ravine with hiking trails from 1 to 4 hours. The "Mononoke Hime" forest.

• Yakusugi Land (屋久杉ランド) — An area of ancient cedars with elevated boardwalks and shorter trails (30 min–3 hours).

• Cape Nagata (永田岬) — The northern tip of the island, famous for sea turtle nesting (May–August).

• Oko no Taki (大幸の滝) — A beautiful waterfall accessible by a short walk.

• Hiking — The main activity. Trails from 30-minute walks to 12-hour treks.

• Sea turtle watching — Night-time nesting observation at Cape Nagata (May–August, permit required).

• Snorkeling — Clear waters on the south coast.

• Onsen — Several hot spring facilities on the island.

• Kayaking — Coastal and river kayaking.

Flying fish (tobiuo) is a local specialty — try it as sashimi or fried. Yakushima soba and local shochu are also excellent.

Tap water is safe — Yakushima has some of Japan's purest water, filtered through the ancient granite.

• Budget: Guesthouses and minshuku, ¥4,000–8,000.
• Mid-range: Hotels and lodges, ¥8,000–18,000.
• Upscale: Mountain lodges and ryokan, ¥18,000–45,000. Book well in advance, especially in peak seasons.

Yakushima cedar products (carvings, coasters, accessories), local crafts, and food products.

• Kagoshima City — 2.5 hours by jetfoil or 35 min by plane.
• Tanegashima — 30 min by jetfoil, with the space center.
• Yoronjima — Further south, a small tropical island.
• Amami Oshima — Ferries connect to the Amami islands.