[Yakushima] A trip to the coveted Jomon Cedar. A two nights and three days model plan with delicious food and relaxing hot springs

What is Yakushima, a World Natural Heritage Island?

Yakushima, a remote island located southwest of Kagoshima Prefecture, is blessed with abundant and beautiful nature.

In recognition of the ecosystem and natural beauty nurtured by its unique natural environment, it became Japan's first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

Activities that allow you to experience the great outdoors, such as trekking tours around Jomon Cedar, an estimated 2,000 to 7,200 years old tree, and Shiratani Unsuikyo Gorge, said to be the setting for the animated film "Princess Mononoke," as well as kayaking and diving that take advantage of the abundant water sources, are attracting attention from all over the world .

In this article, we will introduce a two nights and three days model plan that focuses on Jomon Cedar trekking while allowing you to fully enjoy the delicious food, hot springs, stunning views, and other bounty of Yakushima.

Day 1

4:00PM　Arrive at Yakushima Airport. Pick up the rental car.

We recommend renting a car to get around the island. Unlike in the city, public transportation is limited, so reserving a car in advance will make travel smoother .

When you arrive at Yakushima Airport, pick up your rental car at a rental shop near the airport.

5:00PM　Check in at "samana hotel Yakushima" 

Check in to the spectacular resort hotel "samana hotel Yakushima," which was rebranded and reopened in April 2024. Enjoy a relaxing time while soaking up the spectacular view of Yakushima from the terrace.

We recommend that you ask the hotel to prepare lunch boxes for you in preparation for the next day's Jomon Sugi trekking. After dinner, go to bed early.

-------------------------------------------------

If you would like to know more about samana hotel Yakushima, please check out the article below.

-------------------------------------------------

Day２

4:00AM　Leave the hotel and take a bus from Yakushima Nature Museum to the trailhead

During the peak season from March to November, private cars are not allowed to enter the trailhead all day, so you will need to use a mountain bus that departs from the Yakusugi Nature Museum. The bus stop may be crowded when the first mountain bus departs, so it's best to leave your hotel early.

Trekking with a mountain guide will give you a deeper understanding of Yakushima. It is a good idea to reserve in advance a guide who will take you to and from your hotel .

5:30AM-3:30PM　Jomon Cedar Trekking

Now we move on to the main part of the trip, Jomon Cedar trekking.

Jomon Cedar, a symbol of Yakushima, is the largest Yakusugi tree currently known and lives within the area registered as a World Heritage Site. The route from the Arakawa trailhead (altitude 600m) to Jomon Cedar (altitude 1,300m) is about 22km round trip. Beginners should allow about 10 hours for the round trip .

This trekking course has many highlights , including the history of Yakusugi cedar logging, Wilson Stump, famous for its heart-shaped stump, the majestic atmosphere of the area registered as a World Heritage Site, and giant trees that are thousands of years old .

You are sure to be moved when you come face to face with the Jomon Cedar trees that have survived in the harsh natural environment of Yakushima.

5:30PM　Return to the hotel. Visit the adjacent Yakushima Onsen.

We left early in the morning on a long trail and finally reached the Jomon Cedar. Still in the afterglow of the experience, we returned to samana Hotel Yakushima.

The Yakushima Onsen attached to the hotel is a natural hot spring that flows directly from the source and is popular as a "beautiful skin bath." Relax and soothe your fatigue in the hot spring, where you can take a long soak at a comfortable temperature while listening to the sound of the waves.

6:30PM　Luxurious dinner at buffet dining

Reward your body after a day's work at the hotel's The View Restaurant.

Enjoy a wide variety of dishes buffet-style, including Kirishima Wagyu roast beef aged for 30 days, sushi made from Yakushima fresh fish and freshly fried tempura made from Yakushima ingredients.

Day３

8:30AM　Breakfast buffet at the hotel

The breakfast menu features a variety of Kyushu ingredients carefully selected by the chef .

Enjoy a luxurious morning waking up to delicious food while taking in the spectacular ocean view.

10:00AM　Check out of the hotel. Head to "Senpiro Falls"

After checking out of the hotel, head to Senpiro Falls, about a 15-minute drive away.

Senpiro Falls is a famous waterfall that flows over a huge granite monolith. It is a spot where you can get a glimpse of the original form of Yakushima, formed by the uplift of granite.

11:30AM　Lunch at a restaurant near Anbo

In the Anbo area, there are restaurants where you can eat Yakushima's specialty, flying fish hitsumabushi, flying fish dashi udon, local fish sashimi set meals, Yakushima deer dishes, and more. Enjoy the unique cuisine of Yakushima.

1:00PM-4:00PM　River kayaking on the Anbo River

Yakushima has beautiful water, so river activities are also recommended. You'll be sure to feel soothed by the greenery of the evergreen broad-leaved trees and the clear, emerald-green streams.

The Anbo River has a gentle current, so even beginners can easily try kayaking. Be sure to sign up for a river kayaking tour in advance.

4:30PM　Leave for Yakushima Airport

Return your rental car and check in for your departure flight.

We hope you enjoyed our two nights and three days plan, centered around the Jomon Cedar, a place you'll want to visit at least once in your life. From the overwhelming natural beauty to delicious food and hot springs, Yakushima is full of attractions.

Stay at samana hotel Yakushima, where you can feel as if you are blending into the nature of Yakushima even while staying at the hotel .

To make a reservation at "samana hotel Yakushima" please click here