| Trail/Hiking type | National park, Forest adventure, Trekking |
| Activity season | Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter |
| Tour Type | Private tour |
| Minimum participant requirement | 2 travelers |
| Activity level | Beginner |
■ We will issue a voucher for the Hotel, please show the voucher at the counter.
■ High-speed jetfoil “Toppy
Please complete boarding procedures at least 20 minutes before departure. You may not be able to board the ship after 20 minutes before departure.
From 1 hour before departure, you can select your seat at the boarding port window.
Seats cannot be reserved by phone or on the website.
Yakushima Island is renowned for its ancient primeval forests, featuring the iconic Yakusugi cedars, some over a thousand years old. Its unique ecosystem supports diverse flora and fauna, including shiny-leaved forests and a distinct vertical distribution of vegetation due to varied altitudes. This untouched wilderness and its high biodiversity contributed to its World Natural Heritage designation.
The most common and convenient way to reach Yakushima Island from Kagoshima is by high-speed jetfoil, such as the Toppy. These jetfoils offer direct routes from Kagoshima Port to Yakushima's Miyanoura Port or Anbo Port, with travel times typically around 2 to 3 hours, providing a scenic journey across the sea.
Yakushima Island offers a range of accommodation options, primarily focusing on lodges and guesthouses that blend with the natural environment. Popular choices include traditional Japanese inns (ryokan) and hotels such as Tashiro Bekkan and Jyomon no Yado Manten, which often provide meals and cater to trekkers. Many accommodations are located near major ports or trekking trailheads.
The ideal time for trekking in Yakushima Island's primeval forests, including the famous Yakusugi areas, is generally during spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November). During these seasons, the weather is milder, and there is typically less rain compared to the humid summer, making for more comfortable hiking conditions and clearer views.
Shiratani-unsui Gorge on Yakushima Island offers stunning trekking experiences through ancient cedar forests, known for inspiring Studio Ghibli's Princess Mononoke. Hikers can explore various trails, from short, easy walks suitable for families to more challenging routes leading to moss-covered forests, vibrant streams, and viewpoints with majestic Yakusugi cedars.
The Jomonsugi trekking course is significantly more challenging than Shiratani-unsui Gorge. The Jomonsugi trek is a long, arduous full-day hike, typically taking 10-12 hours round trip, involving considerable elevation gain and varied terrain. Shiratani-unsui Gorge offers shorter, less strenuous trails, suitable for various fitness levels, with options for a few hours of exploration.
Accommodation packages on Yakushima Island, especially those catering to multi-day trips, often include comprehensive amenities. Many hotels, such as Tashiro Bekkan and Jyomon no Yado Manten, typically provide daily breakfast and dinner, ensuring visitors are well-nourished before and after their adventures. Rooms usually offer basic comforts, and some may include facilities for drying trekking gear.
For booking a 2-night, 3-day adventure trip to Yakushima Island, it is highly recommended to use an online travel platform like KKday. Booking through KKday allows you to conveniently arrange your high-speed jetfoil transportation from Kagoshima, secure accommodation with meals, and pre-book trekking tours like Shiratani-unsui Gorge or Jomonsugi, simplifying your trip planning and ensuring a seamless experience.