What other travelers are saying about Yakushima Island
I loved this beautiful place, real nature. Everything is expensive but it doesn't matter this place is amazing with beautiful mountains, fruit farm and waterfalls as well.
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!
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!
A real nature wonderland, to be explored by CAR ! do not plan a trip there if you can't drive, buses are so sparse it's extremely hard to plan anything, no way to complete a trail in the given time between rides.
IF you have a lot of money, a local phone, and can speak japanese, you might be able to get taxis. Don't expect help from the locals, who couldn't care less about tourism, barely anyone can speak a word of english, including in the tourist centers. Some restaurants or hotels might have lovely people that can help you out, otherwise don't even expect an eye contact with the locals.
there's no hub or activities where you could meet other tourists to organise something in group, come alone only if you are very comfortable with solitude.
plan very well ahead, if you want a guide it must be booked weeks in advance, you can't arrive there and improvise.
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.
