TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Yakushima is one of Japan’s best kept secrets – a subtropical paradise with an ancient forest, covered in a fine mist of rain throughout the year (the locals say that it rains “35 days a month” here), and inspiration for the magical forest world depicted in Hayao Miyazaki’s anime film, Princess Mononoke. For those of you who love hiking, and who want to explore one of the World’s most pristine ancient forests, Yakushima is the place for you. There are also lots of monkeys running about the place!
TOUR ITINERARY
DAY 1|TRAVELLING TO YAKUSHIMA
Fly from Haneda to Kagoshima or Fukuoka airport, then transfer onto a flight to Yakushima airport. You will be met at the airport by your English-speaking guide, who will escort you to your private coach. On your first day in Yakushima you will visit the History and Folk Museum, and Yaku Shrine. After visiting the museum, we recommend visiting Yaku shrine, where you can pray to the local spirits for protection during your hike in the forest, and meditate for a short while in peace, contemplating the beauty of the surrounding forest and the smell of the sea. Finally, your coach will take you to your hotel.
Meal Breakfast Lunch Dinner Hotel Hotel Yakushima Sanso or similar
Hotel Hotel Yakushima Sanso or similar
DAY 2|A FULL DAY’S HIKING
Your private coach will pick you up bright and early this morning, at 5am, so that you can begin a full day of hiking, accompanied by a trekking guide. You will be dropped off at the starting point (Arakawa Tozanguchi) and follow a trail which goes right into the heart of Yakushima, to see the Jomon Sugi, a giant tree thought to be over 7,000 years old. The path to the Jomon Sugi winds through the majestic forest for a long time, trees stretching out in all directions, the sun invisible behind the thick canopy of vines and leaves. Be sure to wear rain gear as there is almost always a fine mist dripping down from the surrounding branches, and don’t forget your camera – the fairy tale verdant green of the surrounding forest is quite unlike anywhere else in the world. Of course, the most incredible moment will be when you reach the Jomon Sugi itself, a colossal tree, and spirit protector of the island. The entire journey will take almost 11 hours, there and back. You will be provided with bento (Japanese packed meals) for breakfast and lunch. On your return, you coach will pick you up and take you back to your hotel.
Meal Breakfast Lunch Dinner Hotel Hotel Yakushima Sanso or similar
Hotel Hotel Yakushima Sanso or similar
DAY 3|SHIRATANI UNSUIKYO
After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, your private coach will pick you up and take you to visit the Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine, accompanied by a trekking guide. This is a shorter hiking route than the one of the day before, but just as magical we assure you. It is also famous for being the specific forest which was the inspiration for the primaeval forests depicted in the celebrated anime film, Princess Mononoke.
Finally, your coach will take you to the Yakushima airport, where you will depart. Your flight will transfer in Fukuoka or Kagoshima, and then you will head on to Haneda airport.
Meal Breakfast Lunch Dinner Hotel