Yakushima 1-day Road Trip (around the island)

Yahazudake Shrine

Small shrine placed inside a cave close to the surface of the ocean. A torii gate is placed at the entrance of the cave, and a small shrine is hidden all the way in the back. Access by stairs and a short footpath.

Ichiminato Lighthouse

A lighthouse located at the tip of the small peninsula that is home to Yahazudake Shrine. It isn’t possible to enter the lighthouse, but the view is nice from the base of the tower.

Sunset Hill Observation Deck

A roadside observation deck with a nice view over the east china sea. Ideal for sunsets, but beautiful at all times of day.

Inakahama Beach (and view point)

A stunning sand beach located on the western side of Yakushima. It is a turtle beach, where the sea turtles lay their eggs. Come at the right time and you might see baby turtles run for the waves. Other times of year it is a really nice place for a beach walk and the best sunset beach on the island.

Sea Turtle Hall

An exhibition hall dedicated to the sea turtles which live in the waters around Yakushima and breed on the beaches. The exhibition is run by the non-profit organization Yakushima Sea Turtle Museum, which conducts research. Open 09:00 – 17:00. Closed on Tuesdays all year, and Wednesday from October-March.

Photo by yuichi hayakawa. CC BY-SA 2.0.

Yakushima-todai Lighthouse

Beautiful lighthouse located at the tip of Nagata Cape. There are magnificent views from the area in front of the lighthouse. If you climb over the wall in front of the tower, you can find a small, hidden shrine. The road leading to the lighthouse is very narrow, but there is a spacious parking area at the end.

Seibu Rindo Forest Road

The Seibu Rindo forest road is a very narrow stretch of road which runs through a section of the island that is part of the UNESCO world heritage area. The road is often filled with wildlife, both monkeys and deer, so you should drive very carefully. The animals are used to cars, and won’t scare off easily. it’s an amazing area to observe the Yakushima Macaque.

Oko-no-taki Waterfall

The 88 meters tall Oko-no-taki waterfall is possibly the most impressive fall on Yakushima. Be prepared to get a bit wet! There is no hiking needed to get to the fall, which is also wheelchair accessible. Read more.

Shakunage-no-mori Park

A small park area with a board walk (stairs) running along the peaceful river. There are many plants and flowers to be seen here, including Rhododendron. Open 9:00 – 18:30. September-March open 9:00- 16:30. Entry ¥500. Closed first tuesday of each month, and over christmas and new years.

Kurio Coast Marine Park

This small cape jutting out of the south-western side of the island is part of a designated marine park. The marine park, which was designated in 2002, is home to a large number of corals and fish. The waters are exceptionally clear (good for snorkeling/diving) and at low tide there are tide pools which can be easily explored by foot. Be careful – the rocks can be slippery.

Hirauchi Kaichu Natural Onsen

This is a natural onsen (hot spring bath) located right next to the ocean. Actually, it is so close to the ocean that the baths are covered by the ocean at high tide. It is an amazing onsen experience to sit so close to the water. The onsen is shared (both men and women) and bathing suits are forbidden (must be naked). The water is mixed with ocean water.

Photo by Bokanmania of wikimedia commons. CC BY-SA 4.0.

Ryujinno-taki Falls

Beautiful waterfall emerging from the forest. The fall can be seen on the way to Senpiro-no-taki Falls. Pull over the car on the side of the road (there is only room for a few cars at a time).

Senpiro-no-taki Falls Observation Deck

Large and very powerful waterfall which has cut a deep valley in the granite over the years. There is a big and modern visitors area with multiple observation platforms.

Torohki falls

The Torohki Waterfall is of the same river as the Senpiro-no-taki fall. The water continues from Senpiro-no-taki, towards the ocean, and falls over the Torohki fall, directly into the ocean. There are only two waterfalls in Japan which end directly in the ocean, and this is one of them. There is a viewpoint which can be accessed by a narrow footpath through the woods. Park at the farmers market and cross the road by foot.

Photo by Σ64. CC BY 3.0.

Yakusugi Museum

An interesting museum dedicated to the ancient and gigantic Yakushima Cedar Trees. The museum covers the nature and the former logging activities in the area. It is a must-visit museum for understanding the history of Yakushima. Open 9:00 – 17:00. Closed 1st Tuesday on the month.

Yakushima World Heritage Conservation Center

The Yakushima World Heritage Conservation Center opened as a research and education center in 1996, three years after Yakushima was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can learn why Yakushima has been designated a World Heritage Site. Open 9:00 – 17:00. Closed on Saturday from December – February, and around New Years. Free entry.

Tashiro Coast and Pillow Lava

A natural coastal area which was shaped by lava. There are some interesting rock formations and tide pools to be explored here. Often overlooked by tourists.

Crystal Cape

This is an almost tourist-free spot. It is a rocky section of the coast, just near the southern end of the airport. The cliffs, which have caves in them, look amazing with their layered structure. This location can only be accessed by foot. Take great care, as it can be a dangerous location.