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Itinerary
Island Escapade: Yakushima, Amami & Yoron
12 days · 24 stops · ¥150,000–¥300,000 · 8 views
Explore the lush forests of Yakushima, relax on the serene beaches of Amami, and discover the hidden cultural gems on Yoron.
Days
Jomon Sugi
Kagoshima
Σ64 / CC BY 3.0
Schedule
Day 01 of 12Getting 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 · 3 nights
Tue, Sep 15 → Fri, Sep 18 · 1 guest
14:00
EXPLORE
縄文杉
Stay ~1h 30m
Kagoshima Station
Jomon Sugi is a massive cryptomeria tree located on Yakushima Island, believed to be over 2,000 years old. It stands as a symbol of the island's ancient forests and is a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting nature lovers and hikers.
Getting around, region by region
Your route mixes city and countryside — here's the best mode for each leg.
Yakushima → Amami Oshima · Days 1–8
Rural — a rental car reaches spots no train or bus serves.
Nagasaki · Days 9–10
Dense rail network — trains and the metro beat driving here.
Yakushima → Amami Oshima · Days 11–12
Rural — a rental car reaches spots no train or bus serves.
Rental car: pick up in Yakushima (Day 1), drop off after Amami Oshima (Day 12). Skip it for the city legs.
Browse rental cars on Klook →Getting around
🚆
Kyushu Rail Pass
Your trip stays within Kyushu. The All-Kyushu 5-day pass (from ¥18,000) covers all shinkansen and limited express trains — far better value than a full JR Pass.
View Kyushu Rail Pass →🚗
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 / 12
Journey map
Trip budget · お見積り
¥22,500–¥39,000 / person / day
¥270,000–¥470,000 total
💴 Carry ~¥5,000/day in cash — many hidden spots are cash-only.
Estimated from 22 travel legs, 11 hotel nights and 1 ticketed event. International flights not included. Typical prices, not quotes.
Before you go
Everything you need, sorted.
Is a JR pass worth it for this trip?
Rough estimate · based on trip distances
Pay-as-you-go is likely cheaper here — your rail estimates to ~¥16,145, under the ¥24,000 JR Kyushu Pass (All, 5-day). A pass may still be worth it for convenience.
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Get Around
Shinkansen, regional rail passes, and city transit — sorted before you land.
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Stay Hidden
Sleep in a centuries-old ryokan. Tatami floors, onsen, and a 7-course kaiseki.
Browse ryokans
Travel Light
Ship luggage ahead on the shinkansen route. Explore every day completely hands-free.
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Travel Safe
Insurance that actually covers adventurous travel — hiking, onsen, ski slopes.
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