Yakushima tours

Things to do in Yakushima

Welcome to Yakushima, an island where time seems to pause amidst ancient forests. This southern Japanese gem is alive with lush greenery and pure streams, offering nature at its best. With a local guide, you'll discover Yakushima's hidden wonders beyond the usual paths. Embark on private tours through mystical cedar forests, hearing tales of trees that have stood for centuries. On walking tours, feel the island's beat as you uncover secluded trails and breathtaking waterfalls. Taste the island's distinctive cuisine that celebrates land and sea. Your guide's insights ensure a profound connection with Yakushima's untamed beauty. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Yakushima. Explore Yakushima your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Yakushima tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Yakushima for every interest, including: Food and Drink tours: Meet your guide at the Miyanoura fish market to try flying fish sashimi and tankan orange juice, then sit down for island-style set meals featuring mackerel sushi at a family-run diner. You can add a tasting at Mitake shochu distillery or a simple cooking lesson in Anbo using local vegetables and seaweed. Nature and Wildlife tours: In nesting season, join licensed guides at Nagata Inaka-hama to watch loggerhead sea turtles responsibly, and look for Yakushima macaques and Yaku deer near Yakusugi Land. These tours often include Oko-no-taki waterfall and a soak at Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen at low tide. Hiking tours: Hike privately to Jomon Sugi with early transport and trail logistics handled, or choose a shorter Shiratani Unsuikyo walk up to Taikoiwa Rock for sweeping views. Families can opt for Yakusugi Land’s boardwalk loops with time to learn about cedar ecology. Public buses connect key areas but run infrequently, and distances between sights are long, so it isn’t very walkable beyond town centres. You can book chauffeured tours or ask your local guide to arrange private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Yakushima inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Taking a private walking tour in Yakushima allows you to explore its natural wonders and unique neighborhoods, guided by a local who can offer insights into the island’s rich ecosystem and culture. - Miyanoura: As the largest town on the island, it caters to families and nature lovers with its mix of accommodations, local eateries, and access to hiking trails leading into the island's lush forests. - Anbo: Great for cultural tourists interested in traditional crafts and local history. Explore the charming streets and visit workshops where you can learn about Yakushima’s unique art and craft heritage. - Hirauchi: Ideal for those seeking relaxation, this coastal area is famous for its natural hot springs. Multi-generational groups will enjoy the therapeutic baths with picturesque ocean views. - Nagata: Nature enthusiasts and families will love this quiet village, known for its beautiful beaches and as a nesting site for sea turtles. It’s a perfect spot for a serene day by the sea, with opportunities for wildlife spotting. Day trip ideas from Yakushima On Yakushima, day trips link cedar forests, coast roads, and small ports without long drives, and your tour can weave in short hikes and food stops so the day feels smooth. Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine: Mossy trails, ancient cedars, and clear streams create a cool forest walk with options from quick loops to longer paths, which suits hikers and photographers; the nearby town areas have simple noodle shops and gear rentals if you want to keep things light and still get great views. Yakusugi Land: Boardwalk loops take you past giant yakusugi cedars with steady footing and clear signposts, making it a good choice in any weather; families and nature fans get close to old-growth trees, then roll back to Anbo or Miyanoura for bakeries and small markets. Western Yakushima and Seibu Rindo Forest Road: A coastal drive where deer and macaques often appear near the road pairs with ocean cliffs and quiet pullouts, great for wildlife watchers and casual explorers; small villages along the way offer simple lunches and seaside views so the day stays unhurried. Senpiro Waterfall and Toroki-no-taki: Two very different cascades sit within an easy radius, one in a granite valley and one dropping to the ocean, so you get variety without long hikes; photographers and first-time visitors can stack viewpoints, then stop in nearby Onoaida for local meals. Nagata Inakahama Beach: A long arc of sand known for turtle nesting in season also delivers big sunsets and quiet walks the rest of the year, which works if you want an easy coastal break; small shops and roadside stands help keep it simple before looping back to town. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Yakushima most travellers miss.