What other travelers are saying about Yakushima National Park
We visited Yakushima National Park during a cruise stop and decided to explore it by bicycle. It was an incredibly beautiful ride—about 11 km from the cruise wharf—and every minute felt magical. The scenery changed constantly, from coastal views to lush green forests, and the air felt unbelievably fresh.
The highlight was seeing the ancient cedar trees, some thousands of years old. The atmosphere in the forest is calm, almost mystical, and completely worth the effort of the ride.
The roads were manageable, with a few hills, but the peaceful environment and stunning nature made it an unforgettable experience. If you love exploring outdoors, cycling, or discovering unique natural wonders, Yakushima is a must-visit. Highly recommend!
Yakushima is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Yakushima macaque, Japanese deer, and the endangered Yakushima rat. Bird watchers may also spot species like the Japanese woodpecker and the Amami raven.
You can reach Yakushima Island by taking a flight from major cities in Japan like Tokyo or Kagoshima, or by ferry from Kagoshima. Once on the island, you can use local buses, taxis, or rental cars to access various parts of the park.
Popular trails include the Jomon Sugi Trail, which leads to the ancient cedar, and the Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine, known for its moss-covered trees and beautiful landscapes. The Yakusugi Land and the Kigen-sugi Trail are also worth exploring.
The tiny, circular island of Yakushima to the south of Honshu is a dense, lush, semi-tropical forest of ancient cedar trees, some that have made the forest their home for over 1,000 years. It was a Stop on our cruise, and was fantastic. If you have a chance to go here while visiting Japan, do it!
This place is paradise. The trees here are among the oldest on Earth and everything is covered in this lush green moss that feels like it’s straight out of a scene from Princess Mononoke. If you’re a nature lover, this place is an absolute must-visit. I highly recommend packing waterproof gear and warm layers, as the weather can be completely unpredictable.
