Discover Yakushima
Discover YakushimaFeel the vitality
of Yakushima’s Natural World Heritage site
On Yakushima, it’s said that it rains 35 days a month. This abundant rainfall has nurtured lush “forests of water,” where the accumulated water forms flowing streams that purify the land.
Japan has a deep connection with water, and this bond is especially profound on Yakushima.
The island features a coastline lush with subtropical laurel forests, seas bursting with coral reefs and tropical fish, emerald-green rivers that have carved the land into the Yakushima we know today, and villages with a unique culture built on the blessings of the Kuroshio Current and the island’s forests. Walking amidst the trees, the forest soon takes on a new appearance, with moss-covered landscapes and giant millennium-old Yakusugi cedar trees—an ancient forest still full of life. Beyond the tree line, the forests give way to a heavenly world where mysterious granite objects stand tall amidst expanses of yakuzasa bamboo grass. This Japanese garden crafted by nature feels like stepping into the realm of gods, the mountain landscape is truly worthy of the name of “the Alps on the ocean.”
Yakushima is a microcosm of the nature of Japan.
People have their own unique rhythms, and nature is much the same—sometimes tempestuous, sometimes serene. Synchronizing the rhythms of people and nature is a way to venture deeper into the heart of Yakushima.
Experience a sense of freedom that makes you feel at one with nature and come to understand the rhythms of this miraculous island.
Enjoying the seasons
The island gradually transforms, revealing a new face with each month
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January
New Year events reveal the unique culture of Yakushima
As the new year begins, experience traditional nature-inspired events that are unique to Yakushima, such as Onibitaki held on January 7th, the Nijusan-ya Festival where people pray to the sun and moon for the safety of their village, and the Toka Ebisu Festival. All climates across the Japanese archipelago, from the cold of Hokkaido in the north to the warmth of the subtropical regions, can be experienced during Yakushima’s winter. The towering mountain peaks are blanketed in snow, while beautiful poinsettia and bougainvillea bloom along the shoreline.
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February
A full lineup of unique island events to experience the Natural World Heritage site
As the weather warms, harvests of tankan oranges and lemons begin and a hint of spring fills the air. Proper equipment is still essential for venturing into the mountains, where the peaks remain blanketed in snow. A variety of unique events take place at this time of year, including a cycling competition around the island’s Natural World Heritage site, and a trail run that takes in subtropical forests home to Indian laurel trees and beaches where sea turtles lay eggs.
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March
As the spring rain subsides, the season for outdoor activities is just around the corner
This time of the year is marked by a long rainy season called ki-no-me nagashi (rain that washes over tree buds). As warm rains soak the laurel forests surrounding the villages, various shades of green burst forward, with new leaves sprouting every day. Cherry blossoms and rhododendrons also bloom, heralding the arrival of spring. Before the hiking and water sport seasons begin, a Shinto ritual of “opening the forests and beaches” is held to pray for safety.
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April
A beautiful season blooming with spring flowers
Yakushima pulses with life as the plants flourish with young leaves. Colorful, vibrant flowers bloom across the mountains and villages. The Yakushima Ocean Festival—where people clean the harbors and shores before the sea turtles start laying eggs—marks the earliest opportunity in the year to enjoy canoeing, scuba diving, snorkeling and banana boating.
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May
Early summertime marked by abundant rhododendron in bloom
With the growing strength of the sun, the greenery of the mountains deepens, accompanied by stunning carpets of rhododendron blooms covering the slopes. “Yakushima rhododendron hiking” offers a safe and enjoyable hiking experience that can also be enjoyed by first-timers and solo hikers. At night, watching the fireflies fluttering underneath a sky full of stars is another pleasure of this season.
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June
Lessons on the cycle of life
Every year, from May through July, sea turtles come to Inakahama and Maehama beaches, to the east and west of the Nagata River, respectively. While only a few green sea turtles per season, Yakushima is home to Japan’s leading spawning ground for loggerhead turtles. Sea turtles lay 100 to 140 eggs at a time and baby turtles hatch after 60 days and make their way to the sea. Once grown, they return to Yakushima to lay their own eggs. This is a unique opportunity to get a closer look at a wondrous cycle of life that has fascinated people for generations.
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July
Days for swimming and nights for gazing upon the Milky Way
The rainy season gives way to a hot summer. Following a Shinto ritual to pray for safety on the beach, the island hosts a long-distance swimming event called Yakushima Open Water Swimming. On evening strolls under a sky full of stars, the air in Yakushima is so clear that the silvery, sparkling trail of the Milky Way shines clearly above. Ahead of the typhoon season, collection of early harvest rice begins.
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August
Festivals on all corners of the island, marking the height of summer
As the sun shines down, the island welcomes its most peak sightseeing and hiking season. Summertime is packed with festivals, including the Yakushima Goshinzan Festival to show appreciation to the mountain gods. The various summer festivals held in villages such as Anbo, feature vendors, stage shows and fireworks.
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September
A grand, traditional ritual dedicated to the moon as the warm weather continues
On August 15th of the old lunar calendar, Jugoya Tsunahiki (a tug-of-war under the full moon) takes place. This ritual is held to pray for plentiful fish, bountiful harvests and the safety of households. Participants slowly pull the rope while singing traditional Jugoya and tug-of-war songs, until one side wins. The rope is said to represent a mighty dragon or a water god. During the day, the shrill cries of cicadas fill the air, but as silver grass begins to bloom, the nights come alive with the chorus of autumn insects.
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October
Opportunities to explore the island’s majestic nature continue to abound
Although a hint of autumn fills the air, the weather remains mild with the highest temperature in an average year being 25˚C—perfect for sea and river activities. Enjoy Yakushima’s crystal clear waters with river kayaking, which is ideal for everyone, even beginners.
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November
Comfortable weather perfect for outdoor activities
The morning and evening air feels pleasantly crisp. Autumn is perfect for taking a walk in the hills, where you can hear the calls of migratory birds, such as the brown-eared bulbul. Around mid-November, the first snow settles on the mountain peaks, with an elevation close to 2,000 m. Sankara’s restaurants start serving a local specialty, anno imo (sweet potato).
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December
Winter arrives with a layer of frost, while a must-see taiko performance brings in the New Year
Winter has finally arrived on the island, and many winter birds, such as the warbling white-eye and brown-eared bulbul, can be spotted. Farmers are kept busy as they begin the harvest of ponkan oranges, a local specialty, and preparations for the New Year’s celebrations get underway. On December 31st, a grand performance of yakujin taiko drumming, accompanied by fire, is held at Yaku-jinja Shrine to express gratitude for the past year and offer prayers for the year to come.
The wonders of Yakushima
Mountains
A garden where the gods play—
the breathtaking “Alps on the ocean”
Above the tree line, Yakushima’s mountains open into sweeping fields of yakuzasa bamboo grass and striking granite formations.
This otherworldly landscape reminiscent of a garden where the gods reside more than earns the island its nickname—“the Alps on the ocean.”
The dramatic terrain and crisp air leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
Forests
An ancient breath lingers
in moss-covered forests teeming with life
Yakushima’s ancient forests are home to lush, moss-draped landscapes and Yakusugi cedar trees, which are at least a thousand-years-old.
The island’s rich ecosystems and mystical beauty can be experienced up close in places like Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine and Yakusugi Land. This living paradise offers stillness and healing to all who enter.
Water
A paradise of pure water,
born from abundant rainfall
Yakushima has such plentiful water, it’s said to rain 35 days a month on the island. This climate gives rise to the source of the island’s life force in emerald-green rivers, majestic waterfalls and the crystal-clear sea. Take in the island’s unique water landscapes at spots like Ohko-no-taki Waterfall and Torohki-no-taki Waterfall.
Villages
Nurtured by the Kuroshio Current—
a way of life in harmony with nature
The villages of Yakushima, shaped by the blessings of sea and forest, are rich in unique culture and history. Along the coastline, where laurel forests stretch toward the sea, the Kuroshio Current creates abundant fishing grounds accompanied by stunning views. Cherish warm encounters with the locals in these communities where people live in harmony with this majestic nature.
Access to Major Attractions
To drive around the perimeter of Yakushima, simply follow the main prefectural roads that circumnavigate the island. This route is about 100km.Along this route, you will come to the Seibu Rindo Forest Path, which is part of the World Heritage site on Yakushima. You may also encounter animals such as monkeys and deer on the road.After arriving at the hotel, a butler will ask how you would like to spend your time in Yakushima and assist you in planning your stay. There are also some hidden gems known only to local people, and we would be delighted to share this knowledge with you.
*Please note that roads other than prefectural routes and the Seibu Rindo Forest Road are quite narrow. Having an experienced driver operate vehicles wherever possible is highly recommended.
1.Senpiro Waterfall
10 min. drive from Sankara
2.Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen
30 min. drive from Sankara
3.Ohko-no-taki Waterfall
50 min. drive from Sankara
4.Seibu Rindo Forest Path
1 hr. drive from Sankara
5.Nagata Inakahama Beach
1 hr. 30 min. drive from Sankara
6.Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine
1 hr. 30 min. drive from Sankara