Specialties
Food and drink
Mackerel
The mackerel is one of the main fish caught in Yakushima. You can enjoy it as sashimi, called "kubiore saba". It spoils quickly so it's available only when there is freshly caught mackerel. Another popular product is smoked mackerel or "sababushi". It is traditionally steamed, dried then smoked.
Flying fish
Yakushima is known to have the largest catch of flying fish in Japan. Not only deep-fried flying fish with its wings spread but also raw fish “sashimi”, deep fried minced fish patty “Tsukiage” and lightly sun dried flying fish are very popular.
Veal (deer meat )
A venison processing facility was created in Yakushima in 2014, and meat that has been properly minced has become available. You can try it at some restaurants on the island.
"Ponkan"and "Tankan" orange
Yakushima is the largest producer of "Ponkan"and "Tankan" orange in Japan.This two kind of orange have really different taste. The "Ponkan " harvest season is in december and the "Tankan" harvest season is in February. You can find a lot of products with this orange in Yaksuhima like cake, jam, juice...
"Shochu"
"Shochu" is a Japanese spirit distilled from sweet potatoes. Yakushima's "shochu"is known throughout Japan for his taste and quality.
Tea
Yakushima as well suited for the cultivation of tea. Many tea fields with fresh green leaves can be seen at the foot of the mountains.
List of Yakushima restaurant
Yaku cedar products
Yaku cedar products are made into wooden products by local craftmens.