Yakushima Island — Attraction in Yakushima

If you are into exploration it's one of the nicest islands to go to. We rented a car once there as it was cheaper than we saw online and that gave us good flexibility to move around the island. There are several well maintained trails and not too many tourists and quite a lot of wild life to see there. The northern part of the island also have a different vegetation than the southern part and there are small 'restaurants' hosted by the local fishermen. When we went there we also went to a night expedition to watch sea turtles laying eggs. The local community limits the number of tourists, to access the island there are only 2 ways, by taking a boat from kagoshima or by taking a small plane. There are no big hotels either so if you want to go there you need to book a room in advance.

I highly recommend it, it's one of best places to go if you've already visited the main spots in Japan (Kyoto, Tokyo...

A real nature wonderland, to be explored by CAR ! do not plan a trip there if you can't drive, buses are so sparse it's extremely hard to plan anything, no way to complete a trail in the given time between rides.

IF you have a lot of money, a local phone, and can speak japanese, you might be able to get taxis. Don't expect help from the locals, who couldn't care less about tourism, barely anyone can speak a word of english, including in the tourist centers. Some restaurants or hotels might have lovely people that can help you out, otherwise don't even expect an eye contact with the locals.

there's no hub or activities where you could meet other tourists to organise something in group, come alone only if you are very comfortable with solitude.

plan very well ahead, if you want a guide it must be booked weeks in advance, you can't arrive there...

Number 1 place in Japan if you like nature and walking for a long long time. You take a ferry from Kagoshima, there are 3 different Ferrys we took the cheapest and longest, was worth it! Once you arrive to the docks, you see the few information places, and the main bus stop for the island and nearby town. You can also take a bus early in the morning here that takes you the trail entrance. There are at least 4 different trails longer than 7km each, you can see turtles to the northwest of the island, there are waterfalls and it rains a lot. All restaurants close early, all shops close early, transportation ends early, this is a nature and relaxing place, no party, no crazy, no noise, no infinite options. Try the local citrus fruits and also visit...