Nagata/Kurio
Seibu-rindoh (Seibu-rindo Western Forest Path)
A narrow and winding path located in the western part of Yakushima, it is the only Natural World Heritage area in Yakushima that is accessible by car. You can see a variety of plants from the sub-tropical areas to the cold areas in the high mountains. This vertical distribution of vegetation is one of the reasons why Yakushima is was designated as World Natural Heritage Site. Here, you can often see Yaku-monkeys and Yaku-deer.
Directions: Path between Kurio and Nagata
Nagata
Yakushima Toudai (Nagata Lighthouse)
A 19.6m-high chalk lighthouse built in 1873 on Nagata Cape. You cannot enter the lighthouse, but it has a great view, overlooking the East China Sea and Kuchinoerabujima.
Directions: 5 minutes by car from Nagata area
Parking: 5 spaces
Shitoko
Shitoko Gajumaru Koen (Shitoko Banyan Garden)
A large banyan park close to a coral reef beach. There are some banyan trees said to be over than 500 years old, along with many tropical plants.
Admission: Adult 240 yen Student 180 yen People with disability Free
Hours: 8:30 to 17:30
Closed: Open everyday
Facilities: Accessible toilets available
Directions: 5 minutes walk from bus stop No.14 "Shitoko"
Tel: 0997-42-0079
Miyanoura
Yakushima Comprehensive Nature Park
An 8 ha park and botanical garden on the banks of the Miyanoura River. The park has a lush lawn open space and a wild botanical garden. In the park they exhibit and sell Yakushima Rhododendrons.
Admission: Adult 300 yen Student 100 yen (group discount available)
Hours: 8: 30 to 17: 00
Closed: December 29 to January 3
Directions: 30 minutes walk from bus stop No.26 "Ushitoko koen" (Shiratani Unsuikyo service )
Tel: 0997-42-2727
Takahira
Sarukawa Gajumaru
A big banyan tree in Takahira District. Go up the hill from the main road, enter the forest on the right, you will see a huge banyan tree entangled like a rope with hanging air roots. The atmosphere around this tree makes one think that fairies live there.
Directions: 10 minutes on foot from bus stop No.81 "Nakabashi"
Parking: 5 spaces
Mugio
Yakushima Botanical Research Park
This garden cultivates plants from all over the world. There is a Torohki Waterfall view point in the garden and seasonal fruits are served at the end of your visit.
Admission: Adult 500 yen Child 250 yen
Hours: 9: 00 to 17: 00
Closed: Open everyday
Directions: 1 minute walk from bus stop No.86 "Botanical Research Park"
Tel: 0997-47-2636
Nakama
Yakushima Fruits Garden
The garden grows 1,600 to 2,000 wild and horticultural tropical plants and fruits. A plate of tropical fruits is served at the end of the walk.
Admission: Adult 500 yen Child 250 yen Groups of 20 or more 450 yen
Hours: 8: 30 to 17: 00
Closed: Open everyday
Directions: 15 minutes walk from bus stop No.123 "Nakama"
Tel: 0997-48-2468
Nakama
Nakama Gajumaru
A giant banyan tree near Nakama River. You can walk through the tree tunnel.
Directions: 2 minutes on foot from bus stop No.123 "Nakama"
Parking: 2 spaces
Kurio
Rhododendron Park
Rhododendrons from all over the world are planted in the forest along the clear stream of the Shoyoko River (Kurio River). Flowers bloom from March to June, but you can always enjoy a stroll in a stroll in the park.
Admission: Donation
Hours: 9:00 to 18:30 (March to August)/ 9:00 to 16:00 (September to February)
Closed: December 25 to January 7
Directions: 5 minutes walk from bus stop No.127 "Kuriobashi"
Tel: 0997-48-2807
Various
Village Tours
Learn about the history and culture of the villages in Yakushima. The tour includes visits to historical and industrial sites that are not introduced in guidebooks.
Book by phone or online.
Fee: Adult 1,500 yen, (2,500 yen including lunch)
Duration: 2h to 3 h
Tel: 0997－42－2900
Website: http://www.yakushima.jp