Hi all,
I’m planning my first trip to Yakushima next month and I’m so excited! I currently have a ferry and accommodation in Anbo for 2 nights/2 days, but since I don’t drive and will be relying on public transport I’m planning on changing those to give me 3 nights/3 days. I’m hoping to get some advice on whether my new itinerary is feasible, anything else I need to factor into my plan, etc.
Some other questions:
* Is it possible to forward luggage onto the island? I’m thinking about maybe sending my bag to Anbo and just having a small bag for the first day. How long does this take?
* Is it worth getting the unlimited bus pass for the amount I’ll be using it?
* I have walking boots, but they are not waterproof – are waterproof boots necessary in November? What about waterproof trousers?
Thanks in advance!
Day 1:
* 09:45 – Arrive at Miyanoura port
* 10:15 – Take bus to Shiratani Unsuikyo
* 10:50 – Arrive and do some hiking (which routes are available to me in this timeframe?)
* 16:10 – Take bus to Oharamachi
* 16:55 – Take bus either straight to Anbo and chill at accommodation, or stop at Kusugawa or Jomon no Yado Manten onsen on the way
Day 2:
* 08:45 – Get picked up to do Yes Yakushima river kayaking tour
* 11:30 – Tour finishes, if possible do some trekking in Yakisugiland (I’m going to find out if it’s possible for them to drop me there afterwards)
* 15:15 – Take bus from Yakisugiland either straight back to Anbo, or stop at the museum on the way
Day 3:
* 08:00 – Hire a bicycle and do a circuit of the island (does anyone have any experience with this? Is it worth doing? How difficult is the route?), stopping at one of the southern onsen on the way round
Day 4:
* 07:00 – Take ferry from Anbo port
2 comments
Shiratani unduikyo I think you can do the whole hike if you take the easier one that go to the miss forest I think they say 4h (just double check) anyway I went by the first bus and had to be at the port by 3 to get on the ferry.
Stopping by a onsen really depends on the bus availability, check the schedule.
I circled the whole island by car, the highlight is probably the small road that get pretty narrow and in the forest, you can see lot on deers and monkeys there, I am not sure of the total distance but it feel a bit long, the problem is you cannot cut it shorter by crossing the island in the middle.
When we were there earlier this month, we were told the western section of the road was closed off. You’ll have to check to see if that is still ongoing. Biking the whole island will certainly be an effort, though. I believe it’s something like 135km.
I’ve heard great things about YES Yakushima, but I’m not sure if they’ll drop you off at Yakusugiland from Anbo. The road up there is very narrow, up the mountain, and out of the way. It’s not quite a “drop off” type of location, but who knows. Can’t hurt to reach out now and ask them. You’ll likely see monkey chilling on the side of the road (or right in the middle of it) and the ride up to Shiratani Unsuikyo.
I’ve only ever traveled by car or motorbike around Yakushima, so having to rely on buses will affect your ability to move significantly, but I would really suggest hitting up some other areas of the island, if you can. Miyanoura is the main “city” area with some awesome restaurants and cafes. Panorama and Shiosai are musts for food. Issou Coffee at the port is a great little cafe on the 2nd floor of the ticketing center.
Some other spots I recommend hitting up:
Hachimanjyu Chaen – tea farm + roaster with delicious soft serve. A must every time.
Hiro Bakery – literally the best bread I’ve ever had (and the rest of our party agreed). You’ll see them marked “#1” at the shop. A few of us even got seconds. Get it nice and fresh out of the oven in the morning.
Hanii Kiln – not sure how you get here without a car as it’s a bit remote, but an amazing potter lives/works here. Beautiful pieces and a really cool studio to walk around. He’s a very nice guy.
Really an amazing about of great spots on the island for such a small place, though.