Breathe deep amid the soothing wilds: the Yakushima Route

A visitor center to learn about the nature and culture of Yakushima. You will gain a deeper appreciation of your trip to the island if you begin by picking up information here. Also watch films made with aerial photography that will transport you. There is a stall selling Yakushima products too.

The biggest beach on Yakushima is a white sand stunner. It is famous for its nesting turtles. During the egg laying and hatching season (May 1 to August 31) and at night (19:30-5:00), you are not permitted to enter the beach. This is also the last toilet stop before the start of the Seibu Rindo forest trail.

An about 17 km road following the coastline from Yakushima Lighthouse to Oko Waterfall. It enters one of Japan's biggest broadleaf forests, with a 15 km stretch within the UNESCO World Heritage area. Wild Yakushima macaques and Yakushima deer may appear, but just observe: do not give food or approach the animals. Ride carefully following the numbered curve mirrors (1-79).

The biggest waterfall on Yakushima is considered one of the top 100 waterfalls in Japan. As it is possible to walk right up to the plunge pool, you can make the most of the minus-ion producing mist amid the roar of an 88 m fall.

Yakushima is Japan's number one in flying fish production. It is cooked in myriad ways, such as fresh sashimi, whole deep fried, chopped kabayaki flying fish on rice or with pasta. It is a delicacy you must try here. 

A dynamic waterfall tipping over a 60 m drop in a beautiful V-shaped valley. To the left of the fall is a granite boulder so big, it is said that 1000 people could barely reach around it - which is where the name Senpiro ("thousand arm spans") comes from. This makes an ideal rest stop as the observation point carpark is large and equipped with toilets.