At a Glance
A 4 day luxury escape to Yakushima. Explore the magical atmosphere of an unspoiled Yakushima on foot and kayak out deep into the emerald-green valley of the Anbo river. Sure to please the senses of the most adept outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, this Yakushima tour is brimming with best walking and kayaking experiences and relaxation at the secluded retreat - Sankara Hotel & Spa. Walk to explore Yakushima UNESCO heritage site by day and enjoy world-class fine dining at night. This tour is the best of both worlds - the rustic beauty of the nature that surrounds, and all the comforts of a 5-star hotel.
The tour includes 3 nights accommodation, all meals, English speaking private guide, all transportation, all entry tickets/park fees, and airport or ferry port return transfers.
Combining ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- All trail transfers
- All entry fees and park fees
- Return private transfers to/from the Yakushima airport or ferry port
- Enjoy world-class French cuisine from local produce. 4x breakfasts, 3x lunches, 4x dinners
- Private guiding for 3 day walks and half day kayaking with an English speaking professional local guide
- 4 nights luxury accommodation in a sumudra villa at Sankara Hotel & Spa on a twin share basis (single supplement available at addition expense). Room upgrade is available at additional cost
Itinerary
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Depart from Kagoshima and head to Yakushima Island today. Yakushima is a subtropical island located in the Southern area of Kyushu. Due to its geography and natural beauty, the island is a real paradise for hiking and outdoor enthusiasts. This remarkable tiny little island is blanketed by an extensive cedar forest, and its giant trees. Some of which are thousands of years old, are an impressive sight. Their presence and distinct scent will awaken the senses, contributing to its magical and mysterious atmosphere. Located within a protected National Park, Yakushima has been declared a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site and constitutes a unique area of almost completely untouched nature and wilderness in Japan. Upon arrival, a private driver will escort you to Sankara Hotel and Spa where the rest of the day will be open to settle in and relax. For dinner, enjoy a savory fine dining experience at an exclusive welcome dinner prepared by Sankara’s own chef. Dinner will feature local cuisine which entirely consists of seasonal ingredients and unique flavors which best represent the island. After dinner and some time to relax, get a restful sleep at the hotel. Room Style: Western Style Bed Type: Twin shared Bath: Ensuite bath Toilet: Ensuite Western style |
Sankara Hotel & Spa
Dinner |
Total walking distance: approx. 10 km, 7- 8 hours Spend day two trekking the magical terrain of Mt. Kuromidake alongside an English-speaking guide. The 10 km route can be traversed in around 8 hours and is an easy to intermediate path suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers alike. Kuromidake is a fantastic day hike for those wanting to experience the alpine part of Yakushima's character in one day. From the mountaintop there are breathtaking panoramic views of the island, its mountains, forests and coastlines. The hike starts with a one hour drive to the further east inland road on the island Route 592. With a relatively easy, undulating trail from the Yodogawa Trail Entrance, the first part of the hike warms up the legs for some steeper sections later in the day. Passing the Yodogawa Hut and over the tranquil river that meanders close to the hut, the trail heads upwards through beautiful forest with a great lookout vantage of Kohban-dake 1711 meters (nicknamed Tofu Rock). From the wetlands you continue towards the centre of the island for a short distance then veer off onto the Kuromidake Trail. From there you hike another 20 minutes until the last big rocks where there is a permanent rope to help up the last few meters. During the hike, a few stops will be made in idyllic locations to rest and absorb the natural vistas that surround the trail. A longer break will be taken at the top of the mountain for lunch. Lunch will consist of a homemade bento (lunch box), prepared with local delicacies from the island that are as flavorful as they are healthy. Note: Expert hikers can request a more challenging track at no additional charge. Return to your accommodation and enjoy fine dining experience at Sankara Hotel and Spa. |
Sankara Hotel & SpaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Total walking distance: approx. 8 km, 7 - 8 hours After breakfast, you guide will meet you at your hotel and take you to embark on one of Yakushima's more secret courses and take you deep into temperate forest to see a grand old tree - Yamatosugi. At 35 meters tall and between 3000 - 4000 years old, Yamatosugi is well worth the hike. The Yamatosugi Trail is a stunning hike for plant lovers. This deep forest hike often has no-one else on the trail, and the valley systems keep large areas of moss damp and incredibly green. Immersed in lush vegetation with equally beautiful views, absorb the sights, sounds, and fragrances of nature. The island’s enormous ancient cedar trees, often covered in green moss, create a unique sense of mystery and wonder. The trail starts at Yakusugiland which is on Yakushima's highest mountain road. From the start there are many awesome large tree varieties such as Stuartia, Yamaguru, Japanese Hemlock, Japanese Fir, Hinoki Cypress, Akagashi Oak, Black Pine and of course the famous Japanese Sugi which make the entire course truly enjoyable. Two-thirds of the way through the hike you enter into the World Heritage Area. This designation was given to Yakushima in December 1993, with the 20th anniversary recently celebrated. This designation is important to Japan as Yakushima was the first UNESCO World Heritage Park based on ecological significance. While it is actually impossible to distinguish between forest that is UNESCO and National Park, it is always nice to pass the signpost announcing the World Heritage Area. After hiking further into the UNESCO area you finally come to the Yamatosugi signpost. Accompanied by a local guide, the morning will be spent visiting the Anbo River for a few hours of river kayaking. The tranquility of this calm river make it safe, even for absolute beginners. Enjoy the beautiful vistas of the island from the river and keep an eye out for monkeys on the shore, as well as turtles swimming in the river. Further Options – Explore the Seas of Yakushima Note: Expert hikers can request a more challenging track at no additional charge. Return to your accommodation and enjoy fine dining experience at Sankara Hotel and Spa. |
Sankara Hotel & SpaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Total walking distance: approx. 5 km, 7 hours Shirataniunsuikyo, established in 1974, is a natural recreation forest park. While there are no fences or boundaries to the forest park, it is officially 424 hectares in size. This course is popular because its moss green forest depicts the world of Hayao Miyazaki’s famous animation film "Princess Mononoke”. You will hike the Genseirin trail for 3 hours that takes you deep into the forest. The loop trail is stunning with moss covered trees, rocks and several streams to negotiate, and the half hidden moss valleys create many fantastic photo opportunities. Then climb up the hill and reach Taiko-Iwa Rock, from which you can see the magnificent view of the wide deep green valley and the highest peaks of Yakushima. This hike takes approx. 4 hours. Further Options – Explore the Seas of Yakushima Note: Expert hikers can request a more challenging track at no additional charge. |
Sankara Hotel & SpaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Accompanied by a local guide, the morning will be spent visiting the Anbo River for a few hours of river kayaking. The tranquility of this calm river make it safe, even for absolute beginners. Enjoy the beautiful vistas of the island from the river and keep an eye out for monkeys on the shore, as well as turtles swimming in the river. Transfer to Yakushima's airport or port by private car to continue on to the next adventure. |
NoneBreakfastDates & Prices
Daily departure on request. Group discount is available for 4 or people. Please contact us to book if you have a group of more than 12 people.
More Info
The departure point is Yakushima. We pickup from either Yakushima airport or ferry port.
How to Get to Yakushima
- Itami airport (ITM) to Yakushima airport (KUM) 95 minutes
- Fukuoka airport (FUK) to Yakushima airport (KUM) 60 minutes
- Kagoshima airport (KOJ) to Yakushima airport (KUM) 40 minutes
- Kagoshima Port to Miyanoura Port / Anbo Port 2 - 2.5 hours
The finishing point Yakushima. We drop you off at either Yakushima airport or ferry port.
Day 1: Arrived in Yakushima
Day 2: Mt. Kuromidake mountain hiking, approx. 10 km, 7-8 hours / Altitude: 1370-1831 meter
Day 3: Yamatosugi trekking, approx. 8 km, 7-8 hours / Altitude: 1000-1260 meter
Day 4: Shiratani-unsuikyo Forest Trekking, approx. 5 km, 7 hours / Altitude: 600-1050 meter
Day 5: Half day kayaking, approx. 3.5 hours and departing from Yakushima Island
SPRING (Late March to mid-May)
Tourist season officially starts in Yakushima in March. Starting with little copsis flowers and big fuscia camelias in February and culminating in cherry trees in April and rhododendrons in May, spring is a beautiful time of year. April is often less crowded. The rainy season also gets underway in mid-late May, but it is often rainy from the end of April. Avoid the Japanese holidays of Golden Week if you can (and if you can't, try the less popular trails).
RAINY SEASON (Late May to early July, maybe longer)
One of Yakushima's most spectacular sights, the blanket of rhododendrons blooming in the central mountains, is only visible in late May to early June in the central mountains. Sea turtles egg-laying season is at it's peak. Deer and monkeys start to give birth. If you like rain and mist and luscious moss, this is your season!
SUMMER (Mid-July through September)
Sea turtles lay eggs at night through mid-summer, and then the eggs begin to hatch. Enjoy water sports like swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayak/SUP/canoeing, and river-climbing! Even though the interior may be rainy, the coasts are often sunny! Try to avoid the Japanese holidays of the Obon season.
FALL (October through November)
Cooler, dryer weather is usually good for hiking. The fall leaves may not be as bountiful as in mainland Japan, but they are beautiful against a mossy green backdrop. Try to avoid the Japanese holidays of Silver Week. Typhoons are possible and some years see swaths of fog. Temperatures begin to get colder and days are shorter.
WINTER (Late November to March)
It hardly ever snows in the coastal towns, but it often snows in the interior. Forest hikes can be beautiful with moss peaking out of the snow, icicle-lined streams, and trees covered in frozen mist. Trails are very empty and quiet, and you can see the footprints of animals in the snow. Also, there are no leeches even on the rugged trails of outer mountains in the winter! It's tangerine/orange season from late December through March.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
