A natural getaway in Yakushima
Embark on a 4-day road trip by car through the mystical island of Yakushima, located off the coast of Kagoshima, Japan.
Yakushima has a unique atmosphere for you to immerse yourself in, an island run wild with lush forests and sandy beaches unlike most places found in Japan.
From discovering the island landscapes by car, to hiking in the heart of the thousand-year-old trees, this excursion will make you discover all the mysteries the island mysteries and provide you with an unforgettable adventure in Japan!
You'll discover majestic waterfalls, suspension bridges that seamlessly blend with the island's scenery, make unexpected encounters with the island wildlife, such as deer, and relax in an open-air onsen!
Soak up the mesmerizing natural beauty of Yakushima Island, which served as the inspiration for the legendary Hayao Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke!
IMPORTANT: If your driving license was issued in France, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, or Taiwan, it is not valid in Japan, so you will need a certified Japanese translation, included in the price of your excursion.
4 days / 3 nights itinerary:
- Departure city: Kagoshima
- Nagata (1 night)
- Anbo (2 nights)
- Return city: Kagoshima
Please find itinerary details below
Why choose this excursion to Japan?
- Discover Yakushima, a small, surprising island, almost entirely covered in forest.
- Car rental and driving license translation
- Enter the magical world of Miyazaki by following in the footsteps of Princess Mononoke
- Go hiking in the mountains with one of our guides
- Enter into total immersion with Japanese culture
- Detailed itinerary and recommendations from our experts available in your digital travel diary
Your excursion in detail
itinerary
Giorno 1 : First steps on the island
Depart from Kagoshima in the south of Kyushu by ferry out to the port of Miyanoura.
This is your arrival destination on the island of Yakushima itself, a true green haven of peace!
You'll arrive around noon and start your journey by enjoying a quality Japanese lunch at a restaurant specializing in local cuisine.
Then, it's time to pick up your rental car to start exploring the island!
After a few minutes of driving, you can already stop to do your first short hike which takes you to visit a Shinto shrine in the heart of the dense forest.
A few steps away, you will also find a picturesque beach.
Don't hesitate to go swimming if the weather is nice!
Continue on your way and take a break at a scenic viewpoint to take photos of the natural scenery, which is especially beautiful during sunset!
You will then arrive at your hotel where you will spend the evening with dinner included!
Giorno 2 : Coastal Treasures & Magnificent Valley
Depart by car to explore one of the largest valleys of Yakushima: You will discover a peaceful corner of nature in the heart of a forest with dense vegetation with its crystal clear streams and picturesque waterfalls.
After this escapade, hit the road again. You will pass by many places that are worth the detour:
- With its bright white sand stretching for several kilometers along the coast, this beach offers a striking contrast to the turquoise and crystal clear waters of the Pacific Ocean!
- An incredible lighthouse which will allow you to have a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean
- A road where you will come across wild animals
- A magnificent natural waterfallYou will have lunch in the pretty town of Kurio where you will find many local restaurants.
Then head back on your way by car where you will see some very beautiful places:
- Several Shinto shrines
- Magnificent waterfalls
- A majestic Banyan Tree, which is a dizzying variety of fig tree. It has roots that emerge from its branches and descend toward the ground, forming new trunks. This gives the impression that the tree has several trunks connected together. It’s very surprising and beautiful to see!Then go to your accommodation: Yakushima Green Hotel or equivalent.
Dinner and overnight in your hotel.
Giorno 3 : A trip up the mountain of Yakushima Island
Breakfast is complimentary at your accommodation, and after, your guide will pick you up from your hotel. You will continue to discover the awe-inspiring scenery of the island of Yakushima during this day of mountain climbing (approx 8 hours) on less trails that are not as frequented by most out hiking! Your guide will be sure to accommodate with your hiking abilities, comfort levels, and the weather conditions of that time!
With its elevation of 1936 meters, Mount Miyanoura is the highest point, not just on Yakushima Island, but in all of southern Japan. This brings a variety of climates that allows the growth of alpine or subtropical plants, including many endemic species. The most recognizable are perhaps the “Yakusugi”, imposing multi-millennial cedars that can be found at altitude. To ensure the preservation of its ecosystems, the central part of the island has been classified as a UNESCO world heritage site since 1993, in addition to the national park as a whole.
For fans of Studio Ghibli, this is a place of magnificent nature that inspired Hayao Miyazaki's “Princess Mononoke”. You will have the chance to follow in San's footsteps and, if you pay enough attention, you may even meet Kodama, the little spirits of the forest!
Lunch is included for the day. Return to your accommodation after a long day of hiking for dinner, also included.
Giorno 4 : Coastal Walk and Return to Kagoshima
Once again enjoy breakfast at your hotel and depart by car for this last day on the island of Yakushima!
Along the way, you can admire several gems of the coastline, with panoramic views of the ocean, tall cliffs, and white sand beaches.
You will then arrive at Miyanoura, where your journey on Yakushima Island first started!
Go to the car rental agency to return your vehicle, then enjoy one last lunchtime meal on the island in a traditional restaurant!
It's time to return to Kagoshima!
The departure of the ferry from the island's port is at 1:30 p.m.
Arrival in Kagoshima on the island of Kyushu in southern Japan is at 5:40 p.m.
![Yakushima Yakushima](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_470/public/images/2023-10/Yakushima%20%C2%A9%20marek-piwnicki-Tsk9zZv_sg0-unsplash.jpg.webp?itok=TlFyYIPr)
![Nagata - Yakushima Nagata - Yakushima](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_470/public/images/2023-10/Nagata%20-%20Yakushima%20%C2%A9%20landscape-8032549_1920.jpg.webp?itok=OQa8WkFZ)
![Yakushima - Nature Yakushima - Nature](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_470/public/images/2023-10/Yakushima%20-%20Nature%20-%20123RF%20_%20paylessimages.jpg.webp?itok=CcLQvUTe)
![Kagoshima - port Kagoshima - port](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_470/public/images/2023-10/Kagoshima%20-%20port%20-%20christian-chen-ecs28JwtELU-unsplash.jpg.webp?itok=DTHCtZr_)
Accommodations
1 night in 3* accommodation in Nagata
2 nights in 3* accommodation in Anbo
Transportation
- A round trip by Ferry: Kagoshima - Miyanoura
- Car rental for 4 days
Visits and meals
-Half board in all establishments
-Mountain ascent with a guide
-Lunch included
Included in your self-guided excursion
Additional services
- Driving license translation
- Complete digital travel diary before your departure
- 24/7 telephone support, in English
Not included in the price of your excursion
- Optional insurance
- Personal expenses (including lunches)
- Everything that is not in the “included in your tour” section