Yakushima is a UNESCO World Heritage island 60 km south of Kagoshima — home to ancient cedar forests up to 7,200 years old, the moss-covered landscapes that inspired Princess Mononoke, and some of the most pristine nature in Japan. You can bring your campervan by ferry for the ultimate island road trip.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | 60 km south of Kagoshima, Pacific Ocean |
| Ferry from Kagoshima | Approx. 4 hours (car ferry) |
| Vehicle ferry cost | Approx. 15,000-20,000 yen one-way (vehicle + passengers) |
| UNESCO status | World Natural Heritage (1993) |
| Best season | May-June, September-October |
| Annual rainfall | Up to 10,000 mm (one of wettest in Japan) |
| Recommended stay | 3-5 days |
Getting to Yakushima by Ferry
Car Ferry (With Your Campervan)
The Yakushima Ferry (屋久島フェリー) operates daily car ferries from Kagoshima Port (Taniyama area) to Miyanoura Port on Yakushima. The crossing takes approximately 4 hours. Fares vary by vehicle length:
| Vehicle Length | One-Way Fare (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Under 3m | 13,000 yen |
| 3-4m (Probox size) | 15,000-18,000 yen |
| 4-5m (Bongo size) | 18,000-22,000 yen |
Passenger fares are additional (approx. 5,000-6,000 yen per adult one-way). Book at least 2 weeks in advance during summer and holidays — car ferry spaces are limited. Bookings can be made by phone or at the port office.
Jetfoil (Passengers Only)
The Cosmo Line Toppy/Rocket high-speed jetfoil takes only 2 hours from Kagoshima to Yakushima. However, it is passengers only — no vehicles. If you choose this option, you can rent a car on Yakushima itself. For campervan travelers, the car ferry is the only option.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Coastal Exploration
Arrive at Miyanoura Port. Drive to Isso Beach (一湊海水浴場) on the north coast — a beautiful white sand beach where you can snorkel with sea turtles. Continue along the coast to Nagata Inakahama, Japan's largest sea turtle nesting beach (May-August). End the day at Onoaida Onsen (尾之間温泉), a natural hot spring at the foot of the mountains (approx. 200 yen).
Day 2: Shiratani Unsuikyo (Princess Mononoke Forest)
The Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine (白谷雲水峡) is a 424-hectare ancient forest where every surface — rocks, tree roots, fallen trunks — is covered in vivid green moss. Director Hayao Miyazaki visited this forest and used it as inspiration for the forest scenes in Princess Mononoke.
Trail options:
- Yayoi Sugi Loop (1 hour): Easy, flat walk to a 3,000-year-old cedar
- Taikoiwa Course (3 hours): Moderate hike to a granite outcrop with panoramic mountain views
- Full Forest Circuit (5 hours): The complete experience through the deepest moss forests
Entry: approx. 500 yen (cooperation fee). Start early (before 8 AM) to avoid crowds. Wear waterproof hiking boots — the trails are slippery.
Day 3: Jomon Sugi Hike (Full Day)
Jomon Sugi is a giant ancient cedar estimated to be 2,000-7,200 years old — one of the oldest trees on Earth. Standing 25 meters tall with a trunk circumference of 16 meters, it is the spiritual heart of Yakushima.
The hike is demanding:
- Distance: 22 km round trip
- Duration: 10-12 hours
- Elevation gain: Approx. 700 meters
- First half: Flat walk along old railway tracks through forest
- Second half: Mountain trail with steep sections and wooden boardwalks
Logistics: A shuttle bus from Yakusugi Nature Activity Center to Arakawa Trailhead is required March-November (approx. 1,400 yen round trip). The bus departs at 5:00 AM. Bring a bento lunch, 1.5+ liters of water, rain gear, and headlamp. Start early — you need to finish before dark.
Day 4-5: Waterfalls, Yakusugi Land & Hot Springs
- Yakusugi Land (ヤクスギランド): A forest park with easier trails through ancient cedar groves. Multiple loop courses from 30 minutes to 2.5 hours. Good alternative if the Jomon Sugi hike is too demanding. Entry approx. 500 yen
- Oko-no-taki (大川の滝): Yakushima's tallest waterfall at 88 meters. A short walk from the parking area
- Senpiro-no-taki (千尋の滝): A waterfall cascading down a massive granite monolith
- Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen (平内海中温泉): Natural hot spring pools on the rocky shoreline, only accessible at low tide (approx. 2 hours before and after). Free. Check tide tables
Driving on Yakushima
The island has one main circular road (about 130 km total circumference) plus mountain roads into the interior. The coastal road is well-paved and easy. Interior mountain roads are narrow and winding — the compact Probox is ideal. There are few gas stations, so fill up at Miyanoura or Anbo whenever possible.
Practical Information
- Rain gear is essential: Yakushima receives up to 10,000mm of rain per year. "When it rains 35 days a month" is a local saying. The rain is what creates the magical moss forests — embrace it
- Mobile signal: Available in towns but very weak in the interior. Download offline maps before hiking
- Supermarkets: A-Coop in Miyanoura and Anbo. Limited hours — buy provisions before heading into the mountains
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Take your campervan to Yakushima — UNESCO ancient forests await
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