Location: Kumage-gun Yakushima-cho
Top Things to do in Kumage-gun Yakushima-cho
Top Restaurants in Kumage-gun Yakushima-cho
The 10 Best Things to Do in Kumage-gun Yakushima-cho, Japan
Seize the beautiful day on the Osumi Island of Yakushima-cho, covered in gorgeous and dense forest that’s said to have inspired the classic anime film Princess Mononoke. Frolic with native deer, red-bottomed monkeys and migratory sea turtles (as much as you can frolic with a turtle, anyway), while you breathe in the sweet scent of ancient Japanese cedar. Yakushima’s unique eco-system is simultaneously subtropical and subarctic, an environmental anomaly that only enhances the unique and special properties of the island.
Restaurants in Kumage-gun Yakushima-cho
1. Shiratani Unsuikyo Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 596 reviews
Reviewed By 岩 強 - Kyoto, Japan
High up in the Mountains with spectacular Waterfalls and trees. The road is narrow and single lane near the gorge so best to take it slow if driving and keep an eye out for wandering monkeys. Also bring wet weather gear as Yakushima is the wettest part of Japan and Shirataka is above 700 metres.
2. Taikoiwa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 137 reviews
Reviewed By Pengapa
We climbed up to Taikoiwa early morning and luckily the weather was very nice and we had a great view. As there was nobody else, we had a second breakfast to re-energise ourselves for a big walk (we were walking to Jomonsugi from Shiratani Unsuikyo). This place is a must when the weather is nice and the visibility is good.
3. Yakusugi Land
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 284 reviews
Reviewed By Filippo O - Tokyo, Japan
We did this hike on our last day in Yakushima and we certainly did not regret it, the scenery was once again magnificent and it was less tiring than other hikes we did before. We did the longest hike at a reasonable pace and it took us about 2.5h. Definitely recommended
4. Jomonsugi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 203 reviews
Reviewed By Amy T - Nagano, Japan
English is below.
思ってたより大変なトレッキングでした。最初の半分ぐらいは線路の上を歩き、足元に十分注意が必要です。雨の日はもっと大変だろうと思います。最後の半分は道がもっと険しくなり、滑りやすく急坂のところが多くなります。
人が多くないと思ったときに行ったはずだったのに、多かったです。美しい景色を眺める時間が短くて、前に進むプレッシャーを強く感じました。
ようやく縄文杉に着いたら、人が多くて煩くて、「早く写真を撮って、どいて」という感じでした。縄文杉や森の素晴らしい景色が人混みややかましさに壊されたと思いました。
The trek was more challenging than I thought. The first half is walking on old railroad tracks, so you need to watch your step, especially if the ground is wet. Even though it didn't rain most of the day when I went, it was slippery and I saw a few people slip and fall.
The second half of the trail becomes steeper and more difficult, and you need to be careful.
There are a lot of people, even during the "not so busy" season. Everyone wants to reach the goal and go home, so there is little time to stop and look around. There is a lot of pressure to keep moving forward.
When we finally reach Joumon Sugi, there were many people and it was very loud. There was no time to enjoy the scene. It felt like we had to take pictures quickly and leave.
I think if there was fewer people or if it were quieter, it would have been better.
5. Oko no Taki Fall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 337 reviews
Reviewed By JH L - Seoul, South Korea
大川の滝(okonotaki) in Japanese.
Locating west of Yakushima, this is the last stop of the bus which means it takes quite long from most places.
It's not crowded. When only four of us got off the bus and visited, there's no one else.
It's a huge waterfall and good to chill watching or taking photos before.
6. Wilson Stump
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 208 reviews
Reviewed By mat_mak - Tokyo Prefecture, Japan
There was a stump of an old cedar during a path to Jomon cedar. People found the place to be able to take heart shape photos inside the stump. The place was opposite to the small shrine. People really enjoyed searching place and shooting heart shaped view.
7. Seibu Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 171 reviews
Reviewed By aussiesinspain - Australia
We were told that it was safer to drive this route in the anticlockwise direction -- from the Nagata side. We ended up going through twice -- once each way. As you wind through the forest there are glimpses of the coastline, and several areas where deer and monkeys hand out separately and together. It is worth doing the drive very slowly and stopping a few times. A really lovely road!
8. Nagata Inakahama
Overall Ratings
4 based on 197 reviews
Reviewed By Lily L - paris
Gorgeous beach. In May you will be able to watch sea-turtles ! They come here to deliver their eggs at night (starts at 8pm until late in the night)
9. Kigensugi Cedar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By DGNichols
The Kigensugi can be accessed by car on the way from Yakusugiland, and Miyanoura hike trailhead.
The tree has a large boardwalk the encircles the tree offering different view. An information board details the great many epiphytes living on the tree.
Expect to spend 15 to 20 minutes here.
10. Sempiro Falls
Overall Ratings
4 based on 194 reviews
Reviewed By YY6612 - Chiba Prefecture, Japan
Splendid. should go there after rain. can go by car and short walk from car lot. good location and good sight. recommend.
