The Yakutane Islands

yakushima | tanegashima | kuchinoerabu island

 
 
 

OVERVIEW:

These three islands give the most variety of any island hopping adventure in Japan. All three islands are so extremely different, beautiful and interesting. Tanegashima and Yakushima are very well connected with around 6 boats running everyday between them. Kuchinoerabu is not so well connected and only has one service per day. We are the first English service recommending these islands as an island hopping combo.

tanegashima:

The largest of the three islands with the biggest population. This island is not very touristy but it is special for several reasons. Here are a few:

  • Surfing - Arguably the best surfing in all of Japan, on some of the most stunning beaches.

  • History - The birthplace of the gun in Japan. Debatably the entry point of rice to Japan.

  • Space - The largest space station in Japan. The most beautiful space station in all the world.

yakushima:

The second largest and most populated. Yakushima is already a popular destination and for good reason:

  • UNESCO - Japan’s oldest natural world heritage site famous for its biodiversity, ancient trees, endemic species and loggerhead turtles.

  • Mountains - The biggest mountains in all of Kyushu. The hiking opportunities are fantastic!

  • Anime - Yakushima was the inspiration for Studio Ghibli’s hit, Princess Mononoke.

kuchinoerabu:

The smallest and least populated by some margin! Less than 100 people live there. What variety!

  • Hot Springs - Three to four different hot springs with amazing healing properties.

  • Volcano - Last eruption was January 2019. This island is very active.

Recommended itinerary:

First a warning: this island hopping plan needs a few days at least. Commit to it and you won’t regret it. This itinerary is a trip at a fast pace. You could happily extend your time in Tanegashima and especially Yakushima.

tanegashima:

1 or 2 nights: I recommend starting off in Tanegashima and then island hopping west. You could go surfing, scuba diving, checkout the space centre, the gun museum and more. It is a big place and you should aim to have at least a night or two here.

yakushima:

2 or 3 nights: Go hiking, kayaking, scuba diving, nature watching and more. The cafes are great too. Again a big island and requires 2 nights at an absolute minimum I think.

kuchinoerabu:

1 night: The tiny and underpopulated Kuchinoerabu is the real pro move at the end of your trip. Here you really leave society and see something unique and special. The hot springs are brilliant but one night will be enough.