[Kagoshima Driving Course] A trip to enjoy the nature and culture of Yakushima, a World Heritage Site!

Located on the northeast coast of Yakushima, this port is served by regular ferries and high-speed boats to Kagoshima and Tanegashima. It is the base for tourism on Yakushima, and is home to many untouched natural sites, shrines, and restaurants serving Yakushima's local cuisine.

In the exhibition area, attendants will provide an easy-to-understand explanation of the island's climate, culture, and other aspects. A 25-minute video about the island's attractions is also shown on the large screen. Information and pamphlets about mountain climbing and sightseeing are also available.

You can purchase Baba Suisan's pride and joy products at direct sales prices, such as dried bonito flakes, mold-cured dried bonito flakes, and a decoction made from boiled mackerel water that is additive-free and rich in iron, until it becomes like starch syrup. There is also a factory tour where you will be guided through the mackerel factory and learn about the history and manufacturing process of mackerel production in Yakushima.

The 2.14km long white sand beach is also a landing site for sea turtles, where you can observe eggs being laid from May to July, and the hatching of turtles from August to September, as well as the baby turtles toddling their way back out into the open sea.

This is the only area on Yakushima that is designated as a World Heritage Site from the coastline. The forest road that stretches about 13 km from Nagata district to Kuryu district is a rare spot where you can experience nature.

It is a large waterfall where water cuts a V-shape through the monolith of Mt. Motchomu and slides down. From the observation deck, you can see the rugged mountains and valleys below, and behind you the vast ocean that flows from Chihiro Falls through the Taino River.

Surrounded by greenery, the over 10,000 square meters site is dotted with guest rooms, detached slow houses, special rooms, a hot spring facility, restaurants, relaxation facilities, etc. At night, you can see a sky full of stars from the rooftop.