The 10 best free attractions in Yakushima-cho

Yakusugi Land is a natural forest park located, featuring ancient Yakusugi cedar trees, many over 1,000 years old. What I liked was the range of hiking trails—from easy 30-minute walks to longer 3-hour treks. The trails are well-maintained and wind through lush, mossy forests filled with old-growth cedars, fallen logs, and diverse plant life. Two buses travel to the park entrance, starting at Gochomae stop 62.

My family enjoyed hiking the trails at Yakusugi Land. Although my daughters are quite young (5 and 7 years old), the trails were clearly marked and not too difficult for them. During the hike, we saw many beautiful gorges and ancient cedar trees, some of which are over 1,000 years old. I would recommend going early in the morning, as the tree cover provides natural shade, keeping you cool while you hike.

There were no spiders this high up so even if you are nervous about walking through the bush with spiders - this is a good place to go. The 50 minute walk was more like 30 minutes and was very cool - if I was doing it again I would do the longer 80 minute trail.

Good way to see the depth of the natural first including some millenarian cedars without heavy hiking. It's good if you have younger kids or can't hike for multiple hours in the forest

A magical place and everything is well marked. I did the 210 min trail solo and it wasn’t overly strenuous. Some parts are a little bit technical or tricky, but not too bad. If you’re short on time, the 150 min trail seems just as good as the 210 min one. Saw maybe 10 other hikers, and I went on a Saturday.

Amazing old growth forest, but with evidence of the felling of some large cypress trees during the Meiji era. Giant trees, moss, busy rivulets and a gushing river beneath make this a sacred and awe-inspiring walk. Well-maintained walkway and clear signs and maps make it easy to walk however you want. It will bring the Shinto or Druid out in you.

Achingly beautiful forest and river. Well marked trail, lots of signage. They have several hiking loops of different lengths and difficulties.

Really neat to see the beach where apparently 40% of all North Pacific Loggerhead turtles are born. Gorgeous steep beach banks with picturesque rocks in the water, so make sure to walk out and down rather than just peek from the parking area. 24 turtles laid eggs last night in a fenced off area and you can see their trails along the steep sand slopes (look like skinny sled paths flanked by flipper "prints". Outside the bathroom are two faucets for rinsing off sand form your feet.

Nice little beach. Came at 5:15pm was almost empty. Not many parking spaces

Very serene beach. Good to relax and walk along the beach in the morning. Not very busy as well. There are a few cafes nearby too, if needed. We were just 2 people, walking alone in the beach, sitting on the rocks, and relaxing on the sand. There were few people fishing a bit away. Bus stop is tight in front of the beach, so easily accessible, even though the bus frequency is very low. Also, it is just a 15 min walk from Nagata village. Overall, highly recommended of you want to relax peacefully on a pristine and calm beach.

Sea turtles lay their eggs on this beach. The water was so blue and clean.

Possibly the main sand beach in Yakushima, beautiful and usually quiet, also used by turtles for nesting.

Came a little late around 16:50 (end-Nov period) and the sun has set somewhat behind the mountains. Suggest to come by earlier since the sunset view is observed from lower ground (as compared to the nearby observatory deck on higher ground). There's also a toilet and a washing area where you could wash off the sand from your feet.

Nice beach! We were in mid-April. At was almost clean, though we saw plastic here and there, unfortunately it is a huge problem everywhere in the world. The beach was full of small hermit crabs.

The beach itself is a bit dirty and has rocks that make it hard to walk. Scenic view of cliffside and mountains, I imagine it’s much nicer on a sunny day. We went for a snorkel, a little bit of coral lots of it dead, also some oil in the water which made it hard to see sometimes however there was plentiful bright coloured fish and it was a nice snorkel anyways. We were hoping to see a turtle but no luck

Nice clean beach with showers, lockers, and an eating area. They put a net up to where you can swim and have attentive lifeguards, so I'd say it's pretty safe. Turtles nest here though, so be careful of the fenced out areas so that you don't disturb them!

Great beach - summer holidays they have lifesavers. There is a bit of a drop off about 5-8 meters from the shore, but it an all sand bottom.

I was there in the late afternoon, quite empty and showers were shut.

A beautiful shrine tucked into the mountains is visible from the beach (can visit it by car/walk). The bus stop is right outside the beach. It’s better to avoid windy or rainy days.

This is the nearest beach from the Miyanoura port, the water is crystal clear.You can find cute stones and shells all around the area. There was sign board ⛔️ warning Danger so I didn’t get into the water, so just confirm once if you are getting inside

Great beach and most people’s preference since it’s more famous, but I highly recommend Inakahama’s beach. It also has sea turtles and snorkeling spots, minus the crowd - and it’s more beautiful. There’s also a tofu factory near it, which is a great lunch spot

Banyan tree experience, a very short walk for us, probably 10 mins to complete seeing the area. It cost 250Yen for entry for adults, as I couldn’t hike on that trip, decided to check out this place. The trees are impressive but I did not take too much interest that I find the outside area near ocean a better place to explore, many locals fishing around this area and also park their car to have a short break.

Fairly small, the visit won't take long at all, but the entrance fee was only 240¥ and the trees are truly beautiful.

Impressive multishape banyan tree collection. Those trees are protected in most countries. A must go if you have never seen any.

I cant really recommend this place. The banyans are few and not super impressive and it was the only place on the whole island where we got attacked by mosquitoes

Lovely little fig tree garden. Grab one of the hand fans to keep the mosquitoes at bay.

Very nice place .while waiting for the coffee I went to see the nearby beautiful waterfall and tasted the water . The coffee was good and on the side a fare trade dark chocolate! The owner is very nice and I also bought a nice leather work from her. I wish her success in her work.

Great windy weather activity.

Did the Taikowa Rock round trip course today. Early part of the trail requires a small detour as the route shared by the two cedar courses is currently closed due to maintenance. What an amazing experience! The trail combines a good challenge with amazing nature and great sights. Definitely a must-do if you’re on these parts. The ground can be slippery due to both wet rocks and tangling roots, in particular after rain. So bring proper equipment. The final stretch to Taikowa rock is a steep climb - but worth it if you’re up to the challenge. Note that the view over the mountains may be limited in foggy weather (see pictures). Still, I’d say it is worth it.

Shiratani Unsui Gorge is a breathtaking paradise that has been on my bucket list since 1997, when I first learned that this ancient forest inspired the enchanted woods in Miyazaki’s "Princess Mononoke." Finally visiting this magical place exceeded all my expectations and left me in awe of its natural beauty. As soon as you enter the gorge, you are enveloped by a serene atmosphere that feels like stepping into another world. The towering trees, some of which are thousands of years old, create a majestic canopy that filters the sunlight, casting a soft, dappled glow on the forest floor. The air is fresh and invigorating, infused with the earthy scent of moss and rich vegetation. The forest is renowned for its vibrant moss, which blankets the rocks and tree trunks in a lush green carpet. This enchanting sight adds a mystical quality to the surroundings, making you feel as if you are wandering through a fairy tale. It’s truly a photographer’s dream, with countless opportunities to capture the beauty of nature at its finest. One of the highlights of Shiratani Unsui Gorge is the crystal-clear water flowing through the rivers and streams. The water is so pure that you can drink it straight from the river, a testament to the pristine environment that this area boasts. Sipping on the cool, refreshing water while taking in the breathtaking views was a moment I will cherish forever. The trails are well-maintained and offer varying levels of difficulty, making it accessible for everyone from casual walkers to seasoned hikers. No matter how far you venture, the tranquility of the forest and the soothing sounds of nature create a deeply calming experience. Overall, Shiratani Unsui Gorge is a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates the beauty of nature. It’s a magical place that truly captures the essence of what makes Yakushima so special. I can't recommend it highly enough! Whether you’re a fan of Miyazaki’s films or simply looking for a breathtaking escape into nature, this ancient forest will leave you enchanted and longing to return.

This place was so beautiful and serene. The hike to the moss covered forest was challenging but rewarding with the beautiful scenery. Good hiking shoes is a must as it could be muddy and good grip is needed for climbing up and down the rocks in some sections. Highly recommend bringing snacks or a packaged meal to eat at a rest break for fuel. The hike to the moss forest and back took us around 4 hours! There are bathrooms before you begin your hike and I highly recommend bringing water!

An incredible experience. This tranquil place is inspirational to walk through and leaves a lasting impression on your mind. This is the place that inspired the film 'Princess Mononoke'. There's so much to see. I saw monkeys on the way in, and the entrance has a beautiful waterfall that's worth the drive for that alone. There's lots of mossy rocks and trees, several Japanese trees whose age dates back to around the years of the Roman Republic, and lots of waterfalls and streams. Some of the paths have steep climbs, and it was physically challenging in parts, though I had no hiking gear bar the boots. Hiking poles would've made the return journey more enjoyable. Recommended times on the map are conservative. I did the longest walk which recommends 4 hrs, though even with many photo breaks and some rest it was still only about 3 hrs or less. Time the course you want to do depending on your fitness level, and climbing confidence. If you want to give yourself time and do multiple trails, go first thing in the morning and pack water and snacks. Though one water bottle is enough as the water from the streams are delicious.

This is the place—yep, the magical mossy forest from Princess Mononoke! Shiratani Unsui Gorge is absolutely majestic. Whether it's sunny or raining, the whole place looks like a dream, with huge ancient cedars and soft green moss everywhere. It feels fresh, peaceful, and just super cool. You don’t even need to hike all the way to the super famous sugi (which honestly looks a bit soggy haha). Just plan around 5 to 6 hours, focus on the Moss Forest trail, and take your time. It’s not hard, and there are plenty of lovely spots to rest or snap photos. One of the most enjoyable hikes ever!

Part of the driveway towards the valley was very narrow, which might be difficult for some drivers to pass with confidence. Free carpark was available beyond the ticketing office. There were toilets here. A small fee was required to enter the area. The staff introduced a few routes with different levels of difficulty and time required. A one hour walk was minimal. The forest was misty during my visit, like a fairy tale. After several visits to this kind of sightseeing point, it was not so unique without trees aged more than three thousand years old. But it was worth going on the island.

We chose the green route to walk into the mossy 🌳 forest, blessing us with a fine day in the morning hike. Surroundings are stunning giant cedars and mossy plants on the trees and stones. The formed wooden stairs and the stone steps are well maintained, not a difficult climb all the way. We haven’t climb up to the Taiko Rock due to the knee pain. Indeed, it is a wonderful place to enjoy the beauty of nature.

Expansive views over the valley far below and the surrounding mountains. The hike up is a bit steep but not far -total loop about 1km

If you have experience hiking i would say the climb up is most definitely worth it. You are rewarded with a gorgeous view over the forest. It definitely is a hard hike though and hiking boots are a must.

Amazing view. Deffenetly recommended if you are in the area. We walked the green path and got to the rocks, the view from there is breathtaking. On the top of the trail the road is a little tricky, if you don't like technical road consider the shorter path

Hands down one of the best views in the world. Pics don't do justice. It's also only a 1-hr hike, so really easy to get there for sunrise.

After difficult climbing you will find this beautiful scenery but better be careful that you might slip around well thats gonna be really dangerous and enjoy the view ,might even have your lunch and return.

Splendid view point! Normally I don't take a lot of time to enjoy viewpoints, but this was an exception. Such a nice view! It can be windy and chilly though!

Lovely view from the rock. Very small open space and no railing. Signs and trail for the rock are not very clear /only in japanese, had to follow the pink tape. I started my hike from shiratani enterance (500yen fee to get in), took approx 2hr to gets here in the heavy rain. Other wise the rest of the trail is labeled clearly at each intersetion and at intersections only. Beautiful route, my cellphone pictures doesnt do it justice. Fair bit of elevation so beginners beware. Saw lots of solo hikers on the way. I totally recommend this place!

The reception may not be open. It is a 15 minute walk to the garden from the parking area. The path has many steps and follows the river. Allow for 40-60 minutes to enjoy

This entrance to the park is closed, you can use the other entrance.

Closed. 30 April

(Translated by Google) I visited on a rainy day in early April. There was no one in the park. Perhaps because of the continuous rain, the river was making a tremendous roar as it flowed across its entire width, making it very powerful. Rhododendrons were falling all over the place, so I thought the best time to see them had passed, but when I went to the back, I saw that some trees were still blooming beautifully and there were many buds left, so I guess I can enjoy it for a long time. A sweet fragrance wafted through the area where many flowers were blooming. It was such a beautiful park that it would be a shame to see it alone. (Original) ４月上旬の雨の日に訪れました。公園内には誰もいませんでした。連日の雨のせいか、川はものすごい轟音を上げながら川幅いっぱいに広がって流れ、大迫力でした。しゃくなげの花が辺り一面に落ちていたので、見頃は過ぎてしまったのかなとも思いましたが、奥の方に行くとまだきれいに咲いている木もあって、つぼみもたくさん残っていたので、長く楽しめるのかもしれません。たくさん咲いているところでは甘い良い香りがただよっていました。一人で見るにはもったいないくらい素敵な公園でした。

(Translated by Google) The main entrance is closed and part of the garden too. You have to go through another entrance (thanks to the comments for the indication). The garden that you can go see is small and pretty. I went when they were maintaining it. I think it will soon be magnificent. The watercourse is easy to access on foot and you can take a nice photo on a rock. (I went there at the end of April) I don't know if the main park will ever be repaired, I hope so, it looked so beautiful. A little sad to miss it. (Original) L’entrée principale est fermé et une partie du jardin aussi. Il faut aller par une autre entrée (merci les commentaires pour l’indication). Le jardin que l’on peut aller voir est petit et joli. Je suis allée au moment où ils étaient entrain de l’entretenir. Je pense qu’il sera bientôt magnifique. Le cours d’eau est facile d’accès à pied et on peut faire de joli photo sur un rocher. (J’y suis allée fin avril) Je ne sais pas si le parc principal sera réparé un jour, je l’espère, il avait l’air si beau. Un peu triste de le manquer.

(Translated by Google) The best time to see rhododendron flowers is around late March. Although the flowering season is short, it is a soothing walking path along the clear stream. Even in summer, it's shaded by trees, so it's cool and nice for a leisurely walk. (Original) シャクナゲの花の見頃は3月下旬くらい。花の時期は短いですが、清流沿いに作られた心癒される散歩道です。夏でも木陰なのでひんやりしててのんびり歩くには良いですよ。

(Translated by Google) As a park, it is very cool and suitable for walking. If I had to say, there are no special attractions, so it's best to just enjoy it as a walking course, and there are parts where it's difficult to distinguish between the park and the public road. (Original) 公園としてはとても涼しげで散歩に適している。あえて言うなら特別な見所はないため、あくまで散歩コースとして楽しむのが良いことや、公園と公道の垣根がわかりづらいところがあることだろうか。

Lovely scenery

(Translated by Google) When I went there at 5am in July, I was able to witness sea turtles laying eggs. (Original) 7月の朝5時に行ってみたら、ウミガメの産卵に立ち会えました

(Translated by Google) I was glad that I was able to find some sea turtle footprints during the May holidays ^_^ (Original) 5月の連休中、ウミガメの足跡をいくつか見つけることができて、よかった^_^

(Translated by Google) It's very beautiful. You can also find sea turtle footprints. However, the wind is strong (it's hard to take for granted since it's on the coast), so if you're going for a swim, let's swim at the nearby Inakahama Beach. The flow is fast! It's deep right away. It's about 2 meters deep, so deep that you can't even reach it with your feet. From here you can walk to a nearby park with many pine trees. (Original) すごく綺麗です。ウミガメの足跡も見つかります。ただ風が強い（海岸だから当たり前と思えないほどです）あと泳ぐのは近くの、いなか浜のほうで泳ぎましょう。流れが速い！すぐに深いです。2メートルぐらいで足が届かないほどの深さになります。ここから歩いて近くの松がたくさんの公園に行けます。

(Translated by Google) This is a famous place for sea turtles to lay eggs. There is a parking lot, restrooms, and vending machines, so it's a good place to take a break after running on the Seibu Forest Road. (Original) ウミガメが産卵することで有名なところです。駐車場、トイレ、自動販売機があるので西武林道を走った後の休憩にも向いています。

(Translated by Google) It is a beach with beautiful emerald green seawater. (Original) エメラルドグリーンの海水が綺麗な浜です。

(Translated by Google) It's a beautiful place. (Original) 美しい場所です。

(Translated by Google) The trolley path ends here. From here it will be a mountain road. (Original) ここでトロッコ道はお終い。ここからは山道になります。

It's a large tree close to the road. Takes around 15 or so minutes to reach down a windy road from Yakusugiland

Totally not worth it, can’t see much beyond another thick Cedar. I would suggest doing the hiking tours instead or Tomonguchi that’s quite impressive

It was cool to see but maybe not worth the extra drive time when you can see similarly impressive trees walking around yakasugi land

Rent a car and drive up the mountain is the best option.

This is a great place to see the ancient Japanese cedar trees, make sure to visit yagasukiland as well!

Great!! It's like Jomun Cedar. I recommend to go there..

You can take bus here