Last time I mentioned that without hesitation, Ji Qing bought a six-day-five-night flight ticket. We flew directly from Hong Kong to Kagoshima Airport. After some research, my two friends and I planned out a 6-day-5-night itinerary to check in at various spots in southern Kyushu, Japan. No more chit-chat—let’s look at the photos and get going with the action!
Two-hour high-speed ferry ride to Yakushima
We arrived early at Miyazaki Port in Kagoshima and boarded the 7:30 AM high-speed ferry, arriving at Yakushima at 9:30 AM. The ferry tickets weren’t hard to get—we usually didn’t sell out—but it’s better to buy them a bit earlier. (Helmet tip!) Most people at the port were Japanese, foreigners, and Hongkongers, and judging by their gear, they were all hiking enthusiasts.
Check in as Princess Mononoke
After renting a car, we drove toward Shiratani Unsui Gorge and started hiking!
The initial steps were exquisitely built. Thinking Shiratani Unsui Gorge was a family-friendly trail, we started off feeling it was a breeze—no difficulty at all—and even stopped frequently to take photos and videos.
The scenery along the way was breathtaking, with lush greenery everywhere. From every small rock to every tree trunk, everything was covered in moss. There were many types of moss in Yakushima's forests, unlike the damp kind we see in Hong Kong. Here, it was dry, with curly, spiky, and fuzzy varieties—some even resembled curly black hair.
Halfway through, as there were more streams and larger stone steps, the hike got harder. We had underestimated Shiratani Unsui Gorge. Along the way, we continued to see thousand-year-old cedar trees with trunks thicker than our living rooms. The first time we saw them, we were truly awestruck!
Check in as Princess Mononoke, get chased by wild Yakushima macaques,watch sea turtles lay eggs in the dark, and spot Bambi-like deer on the Western Forest RoadSo just how fun is Yakushima? Want to know more? Keep following Ji Qing’s brand-new travel column!
What to Note When Visiting Yakushima
- If possible, drive yourself—bus schedules are sparse and most places aren’t accessible by bus
- If taking the bus, be sure to plan your timetable—once a bus leaves, there won’t be another one
- Yakushima rains non-stop year-round; May and October are months with relatively less rainfall
- It’s hard to find hot food on the mountain—hikers can buy boxed meals from their lodging in advance
High-Speed Ferry Schedule and Fares
https://www.tykousoku.jp/fare_time/