Holiday in Yakushima
Island in Japan — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇯🇵
Country
Japan
Type
Island
Best time to travel
May to July (rainy season = greenest time!) and September to November (less rain)
Budget/day
80-130€: Hotel, rental car, guided hike
Getting there from Germany
Flight to Tokyo or Osaka (about 11h), domestic flight to Kagoshima (1.5h), then ferry (2.5h) or flight to Yakushima (35 min.).
Deals for Yakushima:
What makes Yakushima special as a destination?
Yakushima is Japan's mystical primeval forest island — a UNESCO World Heritage site south of Kyushu that inspired director Hayao Miyazaki for 'Princess Mononoke.' The island is home to Japan's oldest trees, the Jōmon Sugi cedar (over 2,000 years old), in a moss-covered, misty forest of otherworldly beauty. Yakushima is one of the rainiest places in the world, which allows for the lush, almost prehistoric-looking vegetation.
What are the top highlights in Yakushima?
The top highlights in Yakushima include Jōmon Sugi, Shiratani Unsuikyō, Ōko Waterfall, Turtle Beaches.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Jōmon Sugi
The oldest cedar in Japan (2,170-7,200 years old) can be reached on a challenging 10-hour hike through the primeval forest.
Shiratani Unsuikyō
The 'Mononoke Forest' with moss-covered trees and mystical fog — the real inspiration for the Ghibli film.
Ōko Waterfall
The 88m high waterfall is the largest on the island and particularly spectacular after rain.
Turtle Beaches
From May to August, sea turtles come to lay their eggs on the beaches — guided observation tours available.
Hotels in Yakushima
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Reise-SIM für Yakushima
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Yakushima?
The best time to visit Yakushima is May to July (rainy season = greenest time!) and September to November (less rain). Warm and extremely humid, 25-30°C, Yakushima gets 'rain 35 days a month' In winter: Mild on the coast (10-15°C), snow in the mountains, forests atmospheric
Recommended travel time
May to July (rainy season = greenest time!) and September to November (less rain)
Summer
Warm and extremely humid, 25-30°C, Yakushima gets 'rain 35 days a month'
Winter
Mild on the coast (10-15°C), snow in the mountains, forests atmospheric
How much does a holiday in Yakushima cost?
Budget travellers: 50-70€: Minshuku, Bento box, hiking free/day, mid-range: 80-130€: Hotel, rental car, guided hike/day, luxury: 200€+: Ryokan with onsen, private guide, diving/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
50-70€: Minshuku, Bento box, hiking free
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
80-130€: Hotel, rental car, guided hike
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
200€+: Ryokan with onsen, private guide, diving
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Yakushima?
Flight to Tokyo or Osaka (about 11h), domestic flight to Kagoshima (1.5h), then ferry (2.5h) or flight to Yakushima (35 min.).
Book a package holiday to Yakushima
Compare thousands of package holidays to Yakushima and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Yakushima?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Rain gear is a MUST — it rains almost every day, but it makes the forest magical.
The Jōmon Sugi hike starts at 5 AM and lasts 10h — good fitness required.
Book a rental car — the island bus runs infrequently and the most beautiful places are spread out.
In Shiratani Unsuikyō, even the shorter 2h route is sufficient for the Mononoke forest effect.
What should you eat in Yakushima?
Typical specialities in Yakushima: Tobiuo (Flying Fish) — Yakushima's specialty served as sashimi, grilled, or as fish cakes., Yakushima Shochu — Sweet potato liquor made from local cultivation., Saba Bushi — Dried mackerel fish, similar to Katsuobushi, unique to Yakushima., Tankan — The sweet mandarin variety grows only on Yakushima, available as juice or ice cream..
These specialties you must try!
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