As I mentioned in my previous entries, my husband and I traveled to Yakushima Island last year. We wanted to drive along the entire coastline of Yakushima Island, which spans about 135 kilometers and typically takes around 3 to 4 hours without stops. However, with the island's scenic beauty, you'll likely want to take breaks to enjoy the views and attractions along the way. For example, we started driving from Tirol, where we stayed, around 7 a.m. and finished at 5 p.m., so it took us 10 hours. Today, I'm going to share with you 13 areas we stopped by during this journey. Each stop had its own unique charm, making the long drive an unforgettable experience.
1. Harutahama Beach (春田浜海水浴場)
★★★★☆
Beach
Anbo, Yakushima, Kumage District, Kagoshima 891-4311, Japan
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| Harutahama Beach (春田浜海水浴場) |
From Tirol, where we stayed, it was just a quick three-minute drive to Harutahama Beach. We arrived at 7 a.m., and the beach was beautifully quiet, with only two other visitors who appeared to be international travelers. It felt serene and peaceful, a perfect start to the day.
We thoroughly enjoyed observing the beautiful small tropical fish in the tide pools.
We also admired another fish with distinctive black and yellow vertical stripes. The beach was incredibly quiet, but we had such a wonderful time that we ended up staying longer than we had anticipated.
2. Pontan-kan (ぽん・たん館)
★★★★★
Gift Shop
JA Tanega Yaku Pontan-kan
898-2 Mugio, Yakushima, Kumage District, Kagoshima 891-4402, Japan
Open: 8:30 am to 4 pm
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| Pontan-kan (ぽん・たん館) |
Then, we visited Pontan-Kan (ぽんたん館), a charming gift shop that offers a variety of local foods and goods. It is conveniently located near the trailhead of the Toroki no Taki waterfall.
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| Pontan-kan (ぽん・たん館) |
The store opens at 8:30 a.m., and we entered as soon as it opened. We picked out some local items and decided to enjoy them in our car.
We bought this dango for 130 yen, and it was absolutely delicious. It was coated in a savory soy sauce glaze and wrapped in nori, or seaweed. The texture was wonderfully chewy, and I guessed that it was likely made from a mix of rice flour and potato. If I ever have the chance to visit again, I will definitely buy it once more.
We bought a pouch of tankan orange juice for 290 yen. I had heard that tankan oranges are one of the must-try local specialties on Yakushima Island, and it truly lived up to the hype. The juice was perfectly sweet and sour, and it tasted absolutely delightful!
While we were at the store, we noticed a local elderly man dropping off several bunches of bananas. I guessed that he had grown the bananas at home and brought them to the store to sell. As we were shopping, he suddenly handed us two bananas with a warm smile and said in Japanese, "Enjoy! They're nice and good." It was our first time trying these small bananas, which I later learned are called shima bananas (島バナナ), meaning "Island Bananas" in English. The experience was truly special—the bananas were wonderfully sweet and delicious.
3. Toroki no Taki Waterfall (トローキの滝)
★★★★☆
Toroki Falls Observatory
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| Toroki no Taki Waterfall (トローキの滝) |
The walk took only about five minutes, leading us to the Toroki Falls Observatory. There, we were rewarded with a breathtaking view of Toroki no Taki Waterfall cascading gracefully into the ocean and the mist-shrouded Mocchomudake (モッチョム岳) mountain standing majestically in the background.
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| The View from Toroki Falls Observatory |
Although the hike was brief, it was incredibly refreshing and left us feeling rejuvenated.
4. Senpiro no Taki Waterfall (千尋の滝)
★★★★★
Senpiro Falls Observation Deck
We made our way toward the Senpiro Falls Observation Deck, passing by Gejibe no Sato (げじべえの里), a charming gift shop located next to the parking lot.
Along the route, we also noticed the trailhead for Mocchomudake (モッチョム岳) mountain. Although we didn’t have time to hike Mocchomudake on this trip, we’re determined to tackle it during our next visit to Yakushima Island.
After a short journey, we finally arrived at the Senpiro Falls Observation Deck.
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| Senpiro no Taki Waterfall (千尋の滝) |
Unfortunately, the Senpironotaki Waterfall Hiking Trail was closed that day due to the aftermath of a typhoon. However, the breathtaking view from the observation deck more than made up for it and made the visit truly worthwhile.
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| Senpirodake Shrine (千尋嶽神社) |
This sign provided historical and cultural information about Yakushima Island, highlighting its significance in mountain worship and the pilgrimage route known as Takeme. It mentions that pilgrims used this route to pray for bountiful harvests, successful fishing, and to give thanks to the mountain gods, with the mountains Mocchomudake, Yuki-dake, Tachu-dake, Hananogawa-dake, Kurio-dake and Miyanoura-dake being particularly significant. I realized this could be why Yakushima Island is home to so many hiking trails that lead to its majestic mountains.
5. Onoaida Onsen (尾之間温泉)
★★★★★
Hot Spring
1291 Onoaida, Yakushima, Kumage District, Kagoshima 891-4404, Japan
Open: 7 am to 9 pm (Monday 12 pm to 9 pm)
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| Onoaida Onsen (尾之間温泉) |
Onoaida Onsen (尾之間温泉) is a traditional hot spring located on Yakushima Island. Entry is incredibly affordable at just 300 yen, allowing visitors to relax and soak in the rejuvenating waters. Additionally, you can enjoy the ashiyu, a Japanese foot bath, completely free of charge—a perfect way to unwind while experiencing the charm of this onsen.
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| Onoaida Onsen (尾之間温泉) Ashiyu |
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| Onoaida Onsen (尾之間温泉) Ashiyu |
6. Tsukazaki Tidal Pool (塚崎タイドプール)
★★★★☆
Tidal Pool
We visited Tsukazaki Tidal Pool and were captivated by the stunning view of the clear blue ocean framed by the lush green slopes of Mocchomudake.
The beach was scattered with an array of coral pieces, creating a fascinating natural mosaic. As I explored, I even discovered a few adorable little hermit crabs, adding a playful charm to the tranquil scene.
7. Ohko no Taki Waterfall (大川の滝)
★★★★★
Waterfalls
Ohko no Taki Waterfall is an awe-inspiring 88-meter cascade on Yakushima Island, renowned for its powerful flow and stunning surroundings. Recognized as one of the 100 Japanese Waterfalls (日本の滝100選), it offers a truly majestic sight.
The thunderous roar and gentle mist created a refreshing, serene atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to spend some time and simply take in the beauty of nature.
★★★★★
World Heritage Listed Coastal Road with Wildlife
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| Seibu Rindo (西部林道) |
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| Yakushimazaru (ヤクシマザル) |
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| Yakushimazaru (ヤクシマザル) |
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| Yakushika (ヤクシカ) |
We were also lucky to spot some Yakushika, the Japanese sika deer native to Yakushima Island.
Yakushima monkeys were everywhere!
9. Nagata Inakahama Beach (永田いなか浜)
★★★☆☆
Beach and Public Bathroom
We made a stop at Nagata Inakahama Beach, drawn by the convenience of its public bathroom. This beach is renowned for its pristine sandy shores and as a major nesting site for endangered sea turtles.
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| Nagata Inakahama Beach |
10. East China Sea Observatory (東シナ海展望所)
★★★★★
Observatory
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| East China Sea Observatory (東シナ海展望所) |
We stopped by the East China Sea Observatory, which is a breathtaking spot where you can enjoy the beautiful sight of the sun setting over the East China Sea.
While at the East China Sea Observatory, I heard rustling noises coming from the dense, lush vegetation nearby. Intrigued, I carefully looked around and was delighted to discover a Yakushima monkey, calmly perched amidst the greenery. Its presence added a touch of wilderness to the already breathtaking view of the surrounding islands and the vast sea.
11. Yakushima Furusato Market Island Megumi Kan (ふるさと市場)
★★★★☆
Restaurant and Gift Shop
797-1 Miyanoura, Yakushima, Kumage District, Kagoshima 891-4205, Japan
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| Yakushima Furusato Market Island Megumi Kan (ふるさと市場) |
We decided to have lunch at Yakushima Furusato Market, Island Megumi Kan (ふるさと市場), hoping to savor some delicious local dishes.
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| Deep-Fried Flying Fish Combo (飛び魚姿揚定食) |
My husband ordered the Deep-Fried Flying Fish Combo (飛び魚姿揚定食) for 1,500 yen. Yakushima is famous for its flying fish, and this dish did not disappoint. The fish was noticeably larger than the one we had in Kamogawa the day before. The wings of the flying fish were delightfully crunchy, perfectly salty, and surprisingly tasty. Even the miso soup that came with the meal featured fish, adding an extra touch of flavor to the combo.
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| Deep-Fried Chicken Combo (チキンカツ定食) |
I ordered the Deep-Fried Chicken Combo (チキンカツ定食) for 1,500 yen. The chicken was tender and made from young poultry sourced from Kagoshima Prefecture, where Yakushima Island is located. Kagoshima is also renowned for its high-quality local chicken, making this dish both flavorful and authentic.
We were amazed by how large the pieces of chicken were! Each piece was incredibly thick, juicy, and full of flavor. While the portion size was a bit overwhelming for us, we couldn’t resist finishing it all—and by the end, we were absolutely stuffed!
12. Yakushima Hachimanju (屋久島 八万寿)
★★★★★
Green Tea Store and Cafe
532-24 Koseda, Yakushima, Kumage District, Kagoshima 891-4207, Japan
Open: 8 am to 5 pm
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| Yakushima Hachimanju (屋久島 八万寿) |
My husband was eager to try green tea soft serve on Yakushima Island. We visited Yakushima Hachimanju, a tea farm and shop renowned for its organic tea production. They offered a wonderful selection of teas, including sencha, black tea, and hojicha, along with handmade tea-related items and tea-flavored ice cream.
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| Yakushima Hachimanju (屋久島 八万寿) |
They also had shima bananas for sale, priced at 600 yen per bunch.
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| Yakushima Hachimanju Menu |
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| Green Tea Hachimanju Soft Serve for 300 yen |
★★★★★
Museum
2739-343 Anbo, Yakushima, Kumage District, Kagoshima 891-4311, Japan
Open: 9 am to 5 pm
Admission Fee: 600 yen for Adult
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| Yakusugi Museum (屋久杉自然館) |
We were eager to visit the Yakusugi Museum to learn more about the ancient Yakusugi cedar trees. Although I didn’t take any photos inside, I can confidently say it’s one of the must-visit spots on Yakushima Island. The exhibits were incredibly insightful, and I came away with a much deeper appreciation for these remarkable trees. Looking back, I wish I had spent more time exploring everything the museum had to offer.
This small green locomotive was historically used to transport logs from the forests of Yakushima, reflecting the island's logging heritage.
Overall
Yakushima Island left us with unforgettable memories of its natural beauty, rich culture, and unique wildlife. Driving along the island’s scenic coastline, especially on roads like Seibu Rindo, was an incredible experience—offering breathtaking ocean views, lush mountain backdrops, and the thrill of spotting wildlife like Yakushimazaru and Yakushika. It’s a place that truly captures the spirit of adventure and the serenity of nature, making it a destination we will always cherish.
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