The Yakushima Adventure is a fully guided, Level 5 tour suitable for reasonably fit people who can walk comfortably for 5-6 hours a day. The routes are on well-defined mountain and forest trails, but will include a few lengthy ascents and descents. Walking poles are recommended. Read more on Tour levels below. A 4 day, three night tour starting and finishing in Kagoshima. Accommodation will be in Japanese hotels and Onsen hot spring resorts. The maximum group size for this tour is 12 persons.
This short-stay, fully-guided tour accesses some of Japan’s most dramatic scenery, where we walk through ancient, sub-tropical rainforests and also experience the best of local food and onsen thermal hot spring baths along the way. The giant cedar trees and remarkable natural stone formations of Yakushima, an island off the southern tip of Kyushu, are the highlights of this tour. Also, we are almost guaranteed close encounters with the resident small deer and monkeys of this remarkable place, one of Japan’s few genuine wilderness areas. So spectacular and significant is the environment of Yakushima that it has UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The tour starts at Kagoshima station, with an afternoon tour of the city and visit to nearby volcanic Sakurajima for those arriving in time. We will learn how the relative independence of southern Kyushu’s ruling families in Edo-period Japan enabled the early establishment of links with the West, starting a tradition of international exchange that remains strong today. Journeying (take the ferry?) on to Sakura-jima, an volcano that is persistently active with smoke and ash billowing from its crater on an almost daily basis. An eruption here in 1914 marked the biggest in recent Japanese history and the massive lava flows connected what was once an island to the mainland.
Days 2 and 3 will be spent exploring the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site of Yakushima Island. Upon arrival, we head for Shiratani Unsuiko, an impressive area of ancient cedar trees and fast flowing streams, taking an little used route through the area enables us to spend some time wandering amongst, around and in some cases underneath these venerable and giant forest inhabitants.The following day, weather permitting, we will ascend Kuromidake, a peak of 1,831m (6,007ft) offering fabulous views over a canopy of granite monoliths and ancient, virgin forest, before making the return journey to Kagoshima for our final night together. The next day, early morning Shinkansen Bullet trains allow for an easy journey to Fukuoka in time for international flights.
Price: JPY198,000 (JPY = Japanese Yen) per person. Single room supplement JPY15,000 (Please see below). Please use the currency converter on the right-hand side of this page to find the current rate in your local currency.
What is included and not included? A fully guided tour including local travel from tour meeting point to finishing point, accommodation, three breakfasts, two lunches and all evening meals, baggage transfers, and entrance fees are included. Not included are flights, transport to and from the meeting point in Kagoshima, one lunch, and drinks with meals.
Single room supplement: The single room supplement is JPY15,000 per person and guarantees a single room on all nights.
Group size: The small, intimate nature of the tour makes the maximum group size 12 people. We have no minimum size. If we accept a booking we guarantee to run the tour.
Please see the Itinerary for this tour and Tour Dates for dates and availability. These tours start on a Thursday and finish on a Sunday.
Please contact Walk Japan for more information and to book this tour.
Itinerary
Day 1
Kagoshima
The tour meets at our hotel at midday. For those who arrive in time, a guided tour of Kagoshima and nearby Sakura-jima, a decidedly active volcano whose 1914 eruption was the most powerful in twentieth-century Japan. In the evening, the group, including any later arrivals head out into town for dinner at a local izakaya, a lively eating and drinking establishment, where there is sure to be food to everyone’s tastes. Far from the major centres, Kagoshima has a distinct and independent appeal found in few other cities of the Japanese archipelago.
Dinner provided.
Day 2
Kagoshima - Yakushima
It's a short distance from our accommodation to the port, where we catch an early morning, high-speed jetfoil to Yakushima, an island to the south and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will be staying here for one night. Shiratani Unsuikyo, a spectacular gorge, provides the backdrop for today's walking. This will be our first taste of Yakushima, a truly spectacular natural environment with climatic zones ranging from sub-tropical around the coast to frigid temperatures atop the island's highest peaks. Not surprisingly a huge variety of flora and fauna find their homes here.
Whatever season of the year, it is unwise to forget your waterproofs. Yakushima is officially one of the wettest places on earth with upwards of 4,000mm (158in) of rainfall annually. Rain, though, should not impair our enjoyment of our time here. On the contrary, it adds to the atmosphere of our trek through the primeval forest, which includes giant, moss-covered cedars that are some of the oldest trees in the world, wild deer and monkeys. Hayao Miyazaki, the Oscar-winning animator, found inspiration here for the scenery in Princess Mononoke, one of his most celebrated films. Weather and energy permitting, we'll climb the trail as far as Taiko-iwa, a giant viewing rock offering excellent views of the island's interior and high peaks.
We descend on the trail, using an old logging railroad, to our accommodation at our hotel the premium resort hotel on the island. Hot spring baths, a giant tree in the lobby, sumptuous cuisine and impeccable service complete the experience today.
Total walking time, 6 hours. Total ascent approx. 500m (1,968ft).
Breakfast & dinner provided.
Day 3
Yakushima - Kagoshima
Today's plans will be largely weather dependent, but a fine day will allow us to make an ascent of Mt. Kuromidake, a granite peak of 1,831m (6,007ft). This will necessitate an early start, but keep your eyes open as we take the winding mountain road up from the port of Anbo to the start of our climb - it's worth it for the views back towards the coast. The well maintained trail to the top passes though a variety of cedar forest, high moorland and grassland.
In less clement weather, we will decide on our walk from a number of alternative options. These include an ascent of Mt. Mocchomudake (970m, 3,182ft)) via a viewpoint overlooking the spectacular Senpirono Falls; and a hike in Yakusugi Land, another area of impressive giant cedars and fast flowing rivers.
We return in the early evening to Kagoshima in time for a celebratory meal and a well-earned rest.
Total walking time, 6~8 hours. Total ascent approx. 700m (2,296ft).
Breakfast, lunch & dinner provided.
Day 4
Kagoshima
The tour ends after breakfast at our hotel. Return travel to Fukuoka by Shinkansen ‘Bullet’ train to Fukuoka airport for international flights is easily accomplished. Breakfast provided.
Walk Japan Ltd. is happy to provide information and advice about places to visit for those wanting to extend their stay in Japan beyond Day 4.
Breakfast provided.
This itinerary is subject to change.
Travel Advice
The following travel tips are intended to be helpful advice for our Yakushima Adventure tour. In addition, please refer to your own past experiences and make adjustments or amendments as necessary. If you require any further advice please contact us.
Weather and Clothing Early spring temperatures fluctuate from warm during the day to cool/cold at night. In late spring and late autumn, days will be warm to hot are hot and evenings warm. It is advisable to bring a variety of layers ranging from t-shirts to a top with long sleeves and a sweater/fleece. Mountain environments are particularly susceptible to sudden fluctuations in weather and temperature, and we occasionally hike in remote areas, so proper clothing is essential. This includes quality hiking boots / shoes (please make sure these are worn-in before the tour), spare laces and socks, packable waterproof and wind-resistant jacket with hood, packable waterproof over-trousers, gloves, hat, comfortable hiking backpack with waterproof cover, water bottle, and walking poles. Other items you should consider are some high-energy food, pocketknife, insect repellent and a small torch. Shorts are acceptable in Japan for both men and women. However, we recommend long trousers for most, if not all, of the trekking itself. You may also like to bring some comfortable casual shoes - sneakers, sandals, etc. - for use in town. The sun's rays can be strong and we recommend a sun hat, sun screen, etc. Some individuals find Japanese pillows uncomfortable and you may like to bring your own inflatable pillow. Yukata, evening gowns for sleeping in, are provided at each lodging. However, we recommend leggings, a top, etc. to wear underneath. This will provide a degree of modesty and help ward off any cold air. Laundry facilities are limited.
Food and drink On longer hikes during the day we will each carry our own food for lunch and snacks and drinks. These will provided at the beginning of the day. (Food of a variety of kinds - fruit, breads, meats, salads, etc. or a bento lunch box will be made available by the guide or our lodging.) Please also make sure that you carry water with you. 1-2 litres should ensure that you remain comfortable. Dinner in the Japanese inns is Japanese style, though breakfast may be more Western in style. Tap water is nearly always drinkable your guide will advise.
Medicines and cosmetics Some medicines and cosmetics with which you are familiar may not be available in Japan, although there are usually similar products. Prescription medicines in Japan may differ from foreign medicines in minor, but possibly unacceptable, ways. If you require a specific medicine or cosmetic, either for health or comfort, please bring sufficient quantities with you.
Access to cash Exchanging cash or travellers' cheques in major currencies can be a time-consuming exercise in Japan. Instead, we recommend alternatives including arriving in Japan with some Japanese currency, using credit cards, and withdrawing cash from ATMs. Japan is still a society based on cash payments. Given that the crime rate is quite low, there is not a great deal of risk in carrying around relatively large amounts of cash. Credit card payments are sometimes possible, but do not rely on it as credit cards are not universally acceptable in Japan, particularly in rural areas. ATMs at Japanese post offices, which are ubiquitous in Japan, and Seven-Eleven stores provide cash against the following credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club International, PLUS, Maestro, Cirrus and JCB. Most Japanese bank ATMs, though, do not accept debit cards or provide access to foreign bank accounts. International telephoning, cell phones and the internet Making international telephone calls and using the internet outside of major urban areas can be difficult or impossible. Please bring a telephone charge card issued by your local telephone company, such as AT&T, BT and Telstar. These can be used almost anywhere. The Japanese cell, or mobile, phone system uses a specialized CDMA technology which is incompatible with most overseas systems. Some G3, Blackberry smartphones and iPhones operate in Japan. However, please confirm with your provider whether your phone set will work. If your phone does not work in Japan you may like to rent a cell phone from providers such as NTT Docomo, Cellhire, Mobalrental, Worldroam, Vodafone, etc.
For more information please contact Walk JapanThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Click on photos to enlarge
The following is an indication of what level of activity to expect on our tours. The itineraries for all our tours provide specific details of each day's walking.
Please note that one person's expectations of what is easy or hard can be very different. Whilst age, physical ability and fitness are factors in deciding what a person is capable of, often a seemingly less fit person completes our tours with no problem. Another factor to consider is the weather, which can affect people differently.
Since 1992 we have taken many thousands of people of many nationalities, all ages and abilities on tour in Japan. We have good experience and knowledge about what most, if not all, people can achieve so please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like further information and advice related to your abilities.
Participants must be able to handle their own luggage, climb a few flights of stairs and walk less than 1 km a day. Travel will be almost entirely by public transport, taxi and private hire bus.
Participants must be able to handle their own luggage, climb a few flights of stairs and walk up to 5 km a day on mainly even ground underfoot.
Participants must be in reasonable health, mobile and able to participate in 4~6 hours of walking at a moderate 2kph to 4kph pace. The terrain is hilly with occasional short, steep climbs and the ground mainly even underfoot.
Participants must be in reasonable health, mobile and able to participate in 4~6 hours of walking at a 2 kph to 4 kph pace. The terrain includes more uneven ground than Level 3 with some short, occasionally longer, steep climbs.
Participants must be in good health, mobile and used to a reasonably active lifestyle. Walking may require up to six hours of moderate-paced activity per day, at a 2 kph to 4 kph pace over varied terrain. Ascents and descents can sometimes be steep, necessitating the use of arms for support.
Participants must be in good health, have a good level of physical fitness and used to an active lifestyle. Walking may require up to eight hours of moderate-paced activity per day, at a 2 kph to 4kph pace over varied, mountainous terrain including some long ascents and descents.
Information Yakushima Adventure
Quick Tour information Yakushima Adventure
Price: JPY198,000 (JPY = Japanese Yen) per person. The single room supplement is JPY15,000. Please use the currency converter below to find the current rate in your local currency.
Duration: 4 day, 3 night tour.
Group size: Maximum group size 12 people. Minimum group size 1 person.
Special offer: For customers joining our Nakasendo Way tour we are offering our new Kyoto Tour and Tokyo Tour at discounted prices.
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We accept payment in USD, JPY, AUD, GBP, CAD, SGD, HKD, and EUR. Please note that the values shown here are indicative only and the actual amount will be set at the time of drawing up payment invoices.
The Yakushima Adventure is a fully guided, Level 5 tour suitable for reasonably fit people who can walk comfortably for 5-6 hours a day. The routes are on well-defined mountain and forest trails, but will include a few lengthy ascents and descents. Walking poles are recommended. Read more on Tour levels below. A 4 day, three night tour starting and finishing in Kagoshima. Accommodation will be in Japanese hotels and Onsen hot spring resorts. The maximum group size for this tour is 12 persons.
