Yakushima: The Island of Rain and Moss

Yakushima is a granite island rising steeply from the sea south of Kyushu. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and arguably the most mystical place in Japan. It is famous for its “Yakusugi”—ancient cedar trees that are thousands of years old—and its thick carpet of green moss.

In 2026, Yakushima remains a pilgrimage for nature lovers and fans of Studio Ghibli (the forest inspired Princess Mononoke). It is wet. Locals say it rains “35 days a month.” But this rain creates a lush, dripping wonderland that feels prehistoric.

Why Visit Yakushima in 2026?

To breathe. The air in the forest is some of the cleanest on earth. In 2026, the island strictly limits hikers on the Jomon Sugi trail to protect the roots of the ancient trees. It is a place to disconnect from the neon chaos of Tokyo and reconnect with deep time.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April - May): The rhododendrons are blooming on the peaks.
Autumn (October - November): Drier and cooler. Good for hiking.
Summer: Hot and humid, but great for river swimming and turtle watching.
Winter: Yes, it snows on the peaks! A magical white forest, but difficult hiking.

How to Get There

Fly: Yakushima Airport (KUM) has flights from Kagoshima, Fukuoka, and Osaka (Itami).
Ferry:
- Toppy/Rocket Hydrofoil: Fast boat from Kagoshima (2-3 hours).
- Ferry Yakushima 2: Slower car ferry (4 hours).

Iconic Experiences & Sights

1. Jomon Sugi Hike

The main event. A grueling 10-hour round-trip hike along an old railway track to see the Jomon Sugi, a cedar tree estimated to be between 2,000 and 7,000 years old. It is massive.

2. Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine

The “Princess Mononoke Forest.” An easier hike through a ravine covered in emerald green moss. The water in the streams is drinkable. You might see Yakushima Macaques (monkeys) and Deer (Yaku-shika).

3. Nagata Inakahama Beach

The largest nesting ground for Loggerhead Sea Turtles in the North Pacific. From May to July, turtles come ashore to lay eggs. Access is restricted at night, and you must join a guided eco-tour.

4. Seibu Rindo Forest Path

A road on the west coast (UNESCO zone) that winds through the jungle. You will almost certainly encounter monkeys and deer blocking the road. They are unafraid of cars.

5. Onsen by the Sea

Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen: A natural hot spring that only appears at low tide. You bathe in the rocks right next to the ocean.
Yudomari Onsen: Another seaside hot spring, slightly more sheltered.

Where to Stay

Miyanoura: The main port. Convenient for ferries and buses.
Anbo: Closer to the trailheads for Jomon Sugi.
Sankara Hotel & Spa: The ultra-luxury option hidden in the forest.

Gastronomy: Flying Fish

Tobiuo (Flying Fish): The local specialty. Served deep-fried (whole, with wings!) or as sashimi. It is lean and tasty.
Shochu: Yakushima produces “Mitake,” a famous sweet potato shochu.
Ponkan: A sweet local orange.

Sustainability & The Toilet

Carry-Out: On the long hikes, you must carry out all your waste. This includes… human waste. Portable toilet booths are set up, and you must buy a disposable toilet kit at a convenience store before you hike.
Guide: Hiring a guide is highly recommended for the big hikes. They explain the ecology and ensure safety.

Safety and Tips

Rain Gear: High-quality rain gear (Gore-Tex) is non-negotiable. The rain is torrential. Rent it on the island if you don’t have it.
Leeches: In summer, land leeches (yamabiru) are present. Wear long socks.
Buses: The bus system is decent but infrequent. Renting a car gives you much more freedom.

Digital Nomad Life

Yakushima is a retreat for the soul, not a hub for networking. Internet is generally good in Miyanoura and Anbo, but nonexistent in the mountains. “Moss Ocean House” is a co-working and co-living space that attracts nature-loving creatives. It is the perfect place for a “monk mode” period of intense work. Just remember that the humidity can be tough on electronics—keep silica gel packs in your laptop bag.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Yakusugi Cedar: While cutting live trees is banned, artisans use fallen timber to make chopsticks, coasters, and statues. The wood smells incredible.
Mitake Shochu: Buy the premium version of the local spirit.
Sea Salt: Locally harvested sea salt is a popular gift.

Yakushima is wet, green, and alive. It is a place where the boundary between the human world and the spirit world feels very thin.