Itinerary
12 days · 20 stops · ¥160,000–¥240,000 · 2 views
Tue, Sep 15 – Sat, Sep 26
Explore the mystical cedar forests of Yakushima, the stunning beaches of Amami, and the cultural charm of Yoron, all while experiencing local festivals and hidden gems.
Days

Shiratani Unsuikyo
Kagoshima
Σ64 / CC BY 4.0
Schedule
Day 01 of 12Arrive 0:00 · first activity from 2:30
2.5h customs + airport transit buffer
Land at KOJ · Tue, Sep 15 · from JFK · 1 traveler
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 · 5 nights
Tue, Sep 15 → Sun, Sep 20 · 1 guest
EXPLORE
白谷雲水峡
Stay ~1h 30m
No rail access — local bus from Miyanoura Port, ~25 min (¥560 one-way, ~4 round trips/day), or ~30 min by car
Shiratani Unsuikyo is a moss-covered cedar ravine on Yakushima, entered on payment of a ¥800 forest-maintenance levy at the trailhead hut — raised from ¥500 in April 2026. Allow about four hours for the full circuit through the moss forest and its ancient cedars. There is no railway: local buses from Miyanoura Port take about 25 minutes, cost ¥560 one way and run only about four times a day each way, so check the timetable before committing to it.
Getting around
JR Kyushu Rail Pass — All Kyushu Area
Matched to your route — one pass instead of point-to-point tickets on the rail legs.
View JR Kyushu Rail Pass — All Kyushu Area →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 →Journey map
Trip budget · お見積り
¥20,500–¥36,000 / person / day
¥245,000–¥430,000 total
💴 Carry ~¥5,000/day in cash — many hidden spots are cash-only.
Estimated from 19 travel legs and 11 hotel nights. International flights not included. Typical prices, not quotes.
Before you go
✓ Matched to your route
JR Kyushu Rail Pass — All Kyushu Area
Covers the rail legs on this route — one pass instead of point-to-point tickets.
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Get Around
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Stay Hidden
Sleep in a centuries-old ryokan. Tatami floors, onsen, and a 7-course kaiseki.
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Ship luggage ahead on the shinkansen route. Explore every day completely hands-free.
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