Yakushima (Island) National Park

PARKHighlights

Yakushima (Island) National Park encompasses two remarkable contrasting islands in the southern reaches of Kagoshima Prefecture. Kuchinoerabujima, the smaller island, is an outpost of volcanic activity defined by steaming vents, natural hot springs, and fascinating rock formations. While the verdant Yakushima is the haven of the Yaku deer and Yaku monkey, this island’s steaming slopes are home to the rare Kuchinoerabu flying fox. The larger island, Yakushima, is dramatically mountainous and its heights are home to a fascinating unique ecosystem. Mt. Miyanoura is the highest peak in Kyushu, and the centerpiece of the island. Its slopes display a diversity of vegetation that changes dramatically as you ascend — from subtropical growth in the lower reaches to temperate zone plants as you pass 1,600 meters. Japan’s oldest cedar trees are found here too, with many over 1,000 years old. For these reasons and more, the island interior is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Getting There

From Haneda Airport, fly to Kagoshima (120 min). From there, take another flight to Yakushima Airport (30 min), or a bus to Kagoshima Port (60 min) then a hydrofoil boat to Miyanoura Port (110 min).

RecommendedSpots in this Park

UNESCO Site with Japan's Most Ancient Trees

Yakushima Island

Yakushima is an island of ancient forests and towering granite. Just 132 kilometers around, it has over 39 mountain peaks above 1,000 meters. Yakushima’s location combines with its dramatic heights to create an incredible ecosystem, ranging from subtropical shores to snow-capped peaks. Famously, the slopes are home to the Yakusugi, titanic trees over 1,000 years old. If you’re up for a full day of hiking, you can visit the Jomon Sugi, thought to be between 2,000 and 7,500 years old. The other gifts of Yakushima are many, from the incredible Oko and Senpiro Falls, to the mystical forested valley of Shiratani Unsuikyu. Seaside pools serve as natural onsens only accessible at low tide, like Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen.

Yakushima's Volcanic Sibling

Kuchinoerabu Island

Kuchinoerabu Island is smaller than its partner but demands attention, its active volcanic nature bestowing an entirely different character. See this for yourself by hiking to the still-active crater of Mt. Furudake — so long as no advisory warnings are in effect. You’ll see steaming fumaroles emitting volcanic gas, and the plants influenced by them. The slopes turn pink with marubasatsuki flowers from June to July, while the laurel forests and bamboo grassland are present year-round. This volcanic power also heats several rustic hot springs, perfect for a soak after hiking the island’s interior. Kuchinoerabu’s coastal landscape is just as remarkable. Tidal pools, sea caves, and cliffs make for dramatic scenery, most notably the fascinating formations called Standing Gods of Nemachi.

Rare Breeds Make Their Homes Amid Dramatic Scenery

Wildlife of Yakushima National Park

Loggerhead sea turtles favor some beaches on Yakushima, which is their favorite nesting spot in the whole Asia Pacific region. From May to July you can see them swimming in the daytime, or climbing ashore at night to lay their eggs. Inland on Yakushima, the Yaku deer and Yaku monkey roam freely. These two rare species are unique to the island, and can often be seen from the Seibu Rindo Forest Path. The volcanic slopes of Kuchinoerabu Island are less welcoming to creatures of the land, they are home to the erabu flying fox, a subspecies of megabat found only here and on the Tokara Islands to the south. Offshore, the coral and other marine life are the island’s hidden treasures, and a draw for the many divers that visit the park each year.

RECOMMENDEDItineraries

2 DAY TRIP / 1st day

Stay overnight at Miyanoura, YakushimaDepart Haneda Airport at 07:55, and arrive at Kagoshima Airport at 09:50. From there, take another plane to Yakushima Airport. Move to the Miyanoura area, where you'll spend the night, by bus (approx. 20 minutes).

8:15Trek Shiratani Unsuikyo RavineShiratani Unsuikyo's moss forest was the inspiration for the famous Studio Ghibli film, Princess Mononoke. From Miyanoura Port, this lush ravine is just 30 minutes away by bus. The trek to the moss forest takes about 1.5 hours from the entrance of Shiratani Unsuikyo.

14:20Shop for unique island souvenirs at Furusato IchibaFrom Shiratani Unsuikyo, take a bus back to Miyanoura Port. Stroll around the Furusato Ichiba market, and shop for all sorts of charming souvenirs.

Stay overnight at MiyanouraSpend another night here. For dinner, there are plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy local specialties, including locally brewed alcohol!

2 DAY TRIP / 2nd day

8:10Move to Kuchinoerabu IslandAfter checkout, take a ferry to Kuchinoerabu Island (approx. 1 hour and 40 minutes).

13:00Tour Kuchinoerabu-jima Island with a local storytellerHome to an active volcano and enormous bats called Erabu flying foxes, Kuchinoerabu-jima Island makes a name for itself despite its size. Take a tour with a local storyteller and learn about life on this tiny, verdant, volcanic island!

17:00Bathe at Honmura OnsenAs you relax in a hot-spring bath, admire the sunset and the view of the island's volcanoes.

Stay overnight at a guesthouse, and enjoy island delicaciesDine and spend the night at a Kuchinoerabu-jima guesthouse. Enjoy local hospitality and try the area's specialties. Finally, plan for the next day, and unwind.

Alternative: Challenge yourself with an overnight climbing tourAlternatively, if you're a seasoned hiker, we recommend this two-day, one-night tour, in which you'll climb some of Kyushu's highest and most challenging mountains — including Kagoshima Prefecture's Mt. Nagata. This challenging tour is perfect for mountaineering enthusiasts.