Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Yakushima, Japan

Yakushima is one of the most unique destinations in Kyushu, situated in the southeast. This area is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting the stunning beauty of the Kagoshima Prefecture, making it an essential inclusion on your itinerary while visiting Japan.

This region remains relatively undiscovered by international tourists, despite its popularity among domestic visitors. Therefore, Yakushima offers a less commercialized experience compared to other locations in Japan, allowing you to escape the fast pace of larger cities such as Kyoto and Osaka.

Among the premier activities available in Yakushima are hiking and exploring its picturesque scenery and waterfalls. This island presents an opportunity to unwind and appreciate the extraordinary countryside of Kyushu in all its splendor.

Here are the 15 best activities to enjoy in Yakushima…

1. Spend time on the beach

As an island, Yakushima is enveloped by seas that lead to beautiful beaches.

One of the most renowned is Isso-kaisuiyokujo, a sandy beach located in the north of Yakushima.

You may stroll along the beach known for its coarse sand and absorb the beauty of this area, or alternatively, visit larger and more popular beaches such as Nagata or Miyanoura.

2. Check out the waterfalls

Yakushima’s natural beauty extends to its waterfalls, which are among the most stunning in Japan.

One of the most famous is Oko-no-taki, accessible through a trek in the forest.

Upon arrival, you may refresh yourself by swimming in the plunge pool at its base, enjoying this tranquil part of the island where you might find yourself as the sole visitor.

3. Sample the famous fruit

Being an island, Yakushima boasts an extensive variety of delicious fruits cultivated in its fertile interior.

Thus, it is essential to sample the delectable local produce during your visit, particularly at the Yakushima Fruit Garden, which is home to numerous tropical fruit trees, including papaya, oranges, mango, and guava.

You may also enjoy these delicacies at the adjacent café, where refreshing fruit smoothies are served.

4. Go for a hike

True to its island nature, Yakushima offers a multitude of hiking opportunities, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Japan.

For those seeking to immerse themselves in the island’s terrain, a trek across Yakushima typically takes around two days with camping available along the route.

Explore a variety of hiking trails which lead to mountains on Yakushima, including Miyanoura-dake, rising 1867 meters high, providing breathtaking views of the island.

Additionally, you may hike to another peak, Nagata-dake, which reaches an elevation of 1886 meters.

5. Check out Jomon-sugi

Yakushima is renowned for its ancient Yakusugi trees, among which Jomon-sugi is particularly well-known.

This tree is estimated to be between 3,000 and 7,000 years old, representing one of Yakushima’s most remarkable attractions.

Reaching the tree involves a hike from Arakawa-tozanguchi, typically taking eight to ten hours for a round trip, covering close to twenty kilometers.

6. Tour the Yakusugi Museum

To gain deeper insights into the fascinating Yakusugi trees, do not miss the Yakusugi Museum, which provides detailed information about their history and cultural significance.

The museum features various galleries that illustrate the logging industry on Yakushima through the centuries, accompanied by dioramas that depict the origins of these ancient trees.

Additionally, one can see a piece of a Yakusugi tree believed to date back to 1660.

7. Bathe in the local onsen

Japan is celebrated for its onsen, or public bathhouses, featuring therapeutic hot spring water, and you can enjoy one of these in Yakushima.

Given its island nature, many of the onsens are positioned near the coast, offering scenic views of the sea, enhancing the feeling of an infinity pool.

Some onsens even have their own private beaches, further enriching the relaxing and magical spa experience.

8. Go diving

If you are enthusiastic about diving, you will be delighted to know that the waters surrounding Yakushima offer excellent diving opportunities.

The beaches are known for their immaculate sands, complemented by crystal-clear waters, resulting in superb visibility for diving enthusiasts.

Many divers opt for the area located opposite Nagata-no-hama, where a vibrant reef hosts a diverse array of marine life.

9. Visit Umigame-kan

Umigame-kan is the designation for an NGO dedicated to conservation efforts and educational initiatives regarding turtles in Japan and globally.

Yakushima is renowned for its nesting turtle population, which arrives on the shores to lay eggs from June to August.

If you visit Yakushima during this period, you can participate in a night tour organized by this NGO, which teaches how to observe the turtles safely and without disturbance.

10. Try the local delicacies

When visiting Yakushima, it is advisable to take the time to savor the local culinary specialties offered on this island.

Given Yakushima’s maritime location, seafood features prominently on many menus, in addition to local varieties such as flying fish.

The island is also distinguished for its fruit, particularly ponkan and tankan oranges, with refreshing tankan juice or ice cream available at numerous cafés throughout Yakushima.

A local distilled spirit called shochu, resembling vodka, is also produced here and is known as Mitake.

11. Visit the Yakushima Environmental and Cultural Village Centre

The Yakushima Environmental and Cultural Village Centre, located in Miyanoura, is an excellent destination to learn more about the island’s history.

Visitors can view a film showcasing the geology of Yakushima, making this a worthwhile stop since there are limited museums on the island.

The film lasts approximately 25 minutes and is screened every hour.

12. Explore the island by bicycle

One of the most enjoyable methods to explore Yakushima is by bicycle; rentals for bikes and motorbikes are readily available at reasonable prices across the island.

This enables you to cycle along the enchanting coastal roads, offering breathtaking views of the ocean.

You can also navigate the charming byways throughout the island, and with minimal vehicular traffic, this creates a serene atmosphere to experience the exquisite flora and fauna for which Yakushima is renowned in Japan.

13. Stock up on souvenirs

Yakushima offers an impressive selection of local products that serve as meaningful mementos of your trip to the island.

Many souvenirs are crafted from wood, particularly from the traditional cedar trees for which the region is famous. Artisans create a variety of items from these materials.

Examples include chopsticks and ornate sake cups, and by purchasing these goods, you also contribute to sustaining the local community and supporting traditional crafts.

14. Check out the turtles

One of the most iconic sights on Yakushima is the resident turtles that arrive from June to August to nest on the shores.

These majestic marine turtles swim to the notable Nagata-inaka-hama Beach to lay their eggs in the sand, and you may join a guided tour to observe these remarkable creatures, or witness the hatchlings as they embark on their journey to the open sea.

It is important to note, however, that participating in an official tour is necessary, as entering the turtle habitat uninvited poses risks to the turtles.

15. Hike in the Shiratani Unsuikyo Forest

A notable location on Yakushima is the Shiratani Unsuikyo Forest, characterized by its majestic cedar trees, some of which have been thriving for approximately 3,000 years.

To access the forest, hikers can choose from several trails that lead into the interior, allowing for exploration of the towering trees while traversing mountain streams and moss-covered rocks.

Visitors can even take a dip in some of the pools along the way; moreover, the forest is inhabited by local deer and playful monkeys.