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Itinerary
Islands of Southern Japan: Nature and Culture
8 days · 14 stops · ¥150,000–¥250,000 · 6 views
An 8-day exploration of Japan's southern islands, immersing in the lush forests of Yakushima, the beaches of Amami Oshima, the cultural richness of Naha, and the pristine waters of Ishigaki.
Days
Shiratani Unsuikyo
Kagoshima
Σ64 / CC BY 4.0
Schedule
Day 01 of 08🛬
Arrive 12:00 · first activity from 14:30
2.5h customs + airport transit buffer
Getting there
Day 1Kagoshima
≈ 2h
Miyanoura PortToppy & Rocket (Tane-Yaku Jetfoil) · Jetfoil from Kagoshima (~2h)
Slower car ferry (~4h) also runs daily
Getting around: Rental car — essential for the cedar-forest trailheads
Renting a car? Check the license rules
Some licenses (FR/DE/CH/BE/TW) need a JAF translation, not an IDP — 5-min guide.
Stay
Yakushima · 2 nights
Dates flexible · 1 guest
14:30
EXPLORE
白谷雲水峡
Stay ~2h
Kagoshima Station
Start with a gentle hike through Yakushima's enchanting moss-covered forests; ideal for an afternoon arrival. The trails here inspired scenes in Studio Ghibli's 'Princess Mononoke'.
Getting around
🚗
Rental car recommended
Several stops on this route are in rural areas with limited rail access. A rental car from the nearest city hub gives you the freedom to reach places no bus serves.
Browse rental cars on Klook →⛴️
Ferry required
At least one destination is accessible only by ferry. Book in advance — island ferries sell out weeks ahead in peak season (Apr–May, Jul–Aug).
Browse ferry options on Klook →01 / 08
Journey map
Trip budget · お見積り
¥14,500–¥27,000 / person / day
¥115,000–¥215,000 total
💴 Carry ~¥5,000/day in cash — many hidden spots are cash-only.
Estimated from 13 travel legs and 7 hotel nights. International flights not included. Typical prices, not quotes.
Before you go
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Get Around
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JR Kyushu Rail Pass — All Kyushu Area
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Stay Hidden
Sleep in a centuries-old ryokan. Tatami floors, onsen, and a 7-course kaiseki.
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Travel Light
Ship luggage ahead on the shinkansen route. Explore every day completely hands-free.
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