Yakushima World Heritage Adventure

After breakfast at the hotel, set out at 9:00 AM for your first hike—an enchanting 7 km out-and-back journey along the Shiratani (White Valley) trail. This mystical forest, draped in moss and mist, famously inspired the setting of Japan’s most iconic animated stories—a cinematic tribute to the spirit of ancient nature (we recommend watching it before your trip for a deeper connection to the landscape).

As you walk, you’ll witness the haunting beauty of enormous sugi tree stumps—silent remnants of Yakushima’s logging past—and pay respects to the once-mighty Yayoi Sugi, one of the island’s oldest trees, tragically lost to a typhoon in 2024. Amid the shadows of the past, you’ll also stand in awe beneath a few living giants that still watch over the trail.

Enjoy a simple picnic lunch on the trail, picked up from a local supermarket before the hike. Return to the hotel in the evening for a well-earned dinner and restful night.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Today is the heart of the adventure. Before dawn, we depart the hotel and enjoy a simple picnic breakfast from a local supermarket as we journey toward the trailhead. The final stretch is aboard a compulsory National Park bus to Arakawa—part of conservation efforts to preserve this sacred route.

The day begins with an 8 km hike along a gently rising, abandoned logging railway—an almost meditative walk through the waking forest. But the true challenge begins as we leave the tracks behind and tackle a 3 km ascent over rugged volcanic terrain. This steep climb rewards us with an unforgettable sight: towering ancient sugi trees, guardians of the mountain, guiding us to the legendary Jomon Sugi—believed to be over 2,000 years old.

After time to take in this natural wonder, we retrace our steps through the primeval landscape. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed at a scenic spot along the trail, again sourced locally. In total, you’ll complete 22 km of hiking today—demanding, but deeply rewarding. Return to the hotel for a well-deserved dinner and rest.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Please note that Day 2 and Day 3 programs may be reversed due to weather and/or other conditions.

After breakfast at the hotel, we check out and set off for one final, meaningful stop—the Yaku Sugi Museum. Here, the story of Yakushima’s sacred trees comes full circle. Through immersive exhibits and authentic displays, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the ancient sugi, the logging history, and the unique ecosystem that makes this island a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Following the museum visit, we transfer to the airport. After check-in at this charming rural hub, enjoy a light picnic lunch before our flight.

At 13:45, we fly from Yakushima to Haneda Airport via Kagoshima, arriving at approximately 18:45. The tour officially concludes at Haneda, though your guide will be happy to accompany you by train back to Shiba Park or Richmond Hamamatsucho Hotel, should you need assistance.

Included: breakfast, lunch.