Port information & tips for Yakushima (Osumi Islands)
Yakushima is a mystical natural paradise in southern Japan and, as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, is one of the most fascinating destinations in East Asia. The island impresses with its primeval forests, moss-covered gorges, and an incomparable silence in the midst of deep wilderness. Absolute highlights include the magical Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine, the impressive Oko-no-taki Waterfall, and the millennia-old Yakusugi cedars. Cruise ships dock at Miyanoura Port, which serves as the most important gateway to the island and is located directly in the town of Miyanoura. Thanks to the excellent location, guests can reach the village center and local bus connections in just a few minutes on foot, making the port the perfect starting point for unforgettable nature experiences.
For guests from the DACH region, travel to the cruise port of Yakushima, a picturesque island in Japan, is primarily by plane and ferry. Cruise ships usually dock at Miyanoura Port on the northeast coast, which is considered the island's main seaport and is well-connected by local transport.
Airplane
Travel by plane is the fastest option for international travelers. After a long-haul flight to a major Japanese airport such as Tokyo (Haneda or Narita), Osaka (Itami), or Fukuoka, you continue to Kagoshima Airport (KOJ). From there, several daily domestic flights are operated by Japan Air Commuter (JAC) to Yakushima Airport (KMJ), which take about 40 minutes. Yakushima Airport (KMJ) is located approximately 20 minutes by car from Miyanoura Port. Buses run from there to the port.
Ferry
A popular alternative or addition to the flight is the ferry connection from the mainland. Most ferry connections start from Kagoshima on Kyushu. There are high-speed jetfoils ("Toppy" or "Rocket") that reach Miyanoura or Anbo Port on Yakushima daily in 2 to 3 hours. In addition, the "Ferry Yakushima 2" car ferry connects the New Port in Kagoshima with Miyanoura Port once a day in about four hours. Please note that the various ferry terminals are located in Kagoshima and that Kagoshima Airport (KOJ) is about an hour's drive from them.
Early Arrival & Local Transfer
Due to the long journey from Europe, we recommend staying overnight in Kagoshima or on Yakushima the day before embarkation. This allows for a relaxed arrival and provides buffer time for potential travel delays. On Yakushima, car rental companies are available at Miyanoura Port and at the airport if you wish to explore the island individually. For the transfer between Yakushima Airport or the ferry terminals and the cruise ship, local buses and taxis are a convenient option.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually scheduled for about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
For guests from the DACH region, travel to the cruise port of Yakushima, a picturesque island in Japan, is primarily by plane and ferry. Cruise ships usually dock at Miyanoura Port on the northeast coast, which is considered the island's main seaport and is well-connected by local transport.
Airplane
Travel by plane is the fastest option for international travelers. After a long-haul flight to a major Japanese airport such as Tokyo (Haneda or Narita), Osaka (Itami), or Fukuoka, you continue to Kagoshima Airport (KOJ). From there, several daily domestic flights are operated by Japan Air Commuter (JAC) to Yakushima Airport (KMJ), which take about 40 minutes. Yakushima Airport (KMJ) is located approximately 20 minutes by car from Miyanoura Port. Buses run from there to the port.
Ferry
A popular alternative or addition to the flight is the ferry connection from the mainland. Most ferry connections start from Kagoshima on Kyushu. There are high-speed jetfoils ("Toppy" or "Rocket") that reach Miyanoura or Anbo Port on Yakushima daily in 2 to 3 hours. In addition, the "Ferry Yakushima 2" car ferry connects the New Port in Kagoshima with Miyanoura Port once a day in about four hours. Please note that the various ferry terminals are located in Kagoshima and that Kagoshima Airport (KOJ) is about an hour's drive from them.
Early Arrival & Local Transfer
Due to the long journey from Europe, we recommend staying overnight in Kagoshima or on Yakushima the day before embarkation. This allows for a relaxed arrival and provides buffer time for potential travel delays. On Yakushima, car rental companies are available at Miyanoura Port and at the airport if you wish to explore the island individually. For the transfer between Yakushima Airport or the ferry terminals and the cruise ship, local buses and taxis are a convenient option.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually scheduled for about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The port of Yakushima in Miyanoura offers an excellent starting point for discovering the island, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, directly from your ship. Thanks to the terminal's central location, several convenient ways are available for your excursions.
On Foot
You can reach the center of Miyanoura in a short walk of about 5 to 10 minutes. The paths are flat and lead you directly to local shopping opportunities, small restaurants, and the informative Yakushima Environmental Culture Village Center.
Public Buses
Buses operated by Yakushima Kotsu and Tanegashima-Yakushima Kotsu stop in the immediate vicinity of the port area. These reliable connections take you to the famous hiking trails in the Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine and allow for easy exploration of the lush natural landscapes.
Taxi
You will find plenty of taxis for individual discovery tours directly at the terminal and the adjacent ferry pier. The drivers are very familiar with the island and will take you quickly and comfortably to the more remote waterfalls and coastal viewpoints.
To experience the magic of the subtropical island of Yakushima at its best, we recommend a combination of the mystical primeval forests near the port and the pristine coastal sections of this UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.
Shiratani Unsuikyo
This enchanted valley impresses with moss-covered fairytale forests and ancient cedars; furthermore, thanks to well-developed hiking trails, it is a perfect destination for an unforgettable nature experience not far from the port.
Inakahama Beach
The picturesque beach captivates with its light-colored sand and crystal-clear water, while at the same time, as an important nesting site for sea turtles, it is a fascinating highlight for nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet.
Miyanoura & Environmental Cultural Center
The lively port area, with its modern cultural center, offers deep insights into the island's unique flora and fauna and, thanks to local specialty shops, invites you to an authentic discovery tour directly at the pier.
Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine
The fascinating Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is located only about thirty minutes' drive from Miyanoura Port and offers visitors a deep insight into the untouched nature and mystical forest culture of Yakushima Island. Thanks to its well-marked trails, this natural monument is ideal for a relaxed stroll through the famous, moss-covered primeval forests and also features a helpful infrastructure with sanitary facilities at the entrance area. Use the early morning hours for your visit to experience the magical play of light in the treetops in peace and quiet, and return to the port relaxed in the early afternoon with enough of a time buffer for your departure.
The return journey to Miyanoura or Anbo port is straightforward and safe thanks to the well-structured public bus network and central taxi ranks. Due to the long distances between natural landmarks and the coast, plan for sufficient buffer time and enjoy the relaxed drive through the island's dense greenery.
Public Buses (Yakushima Kotsu)
Buses from Yakushima Kotsu and Iwasaki Kotsu connect major sights such as the Shiratani Unsuikyo forest directly with the port towns. Use the Miyanoura-ko or Anbo-ko stops for a short walk to the ship, and simply follow the timetables available at tourist information centers and central hubs.
Taxi
You will find vehicles at the designated taxi ranks at the Miyanoura port terminal as well as at the entrances to the major National Park centers. Additionally, staff at visitor centers or hotels such as the Sankara Resort will be happy to arrange a car for a direct and punctual return to your ship's berth.
On Foot
From the center of Miyanoura, you can easily walk back to the ferry port and the berths there in just a few minutes. The path is paved throughout and very easy to find thanks to the signs for the Environmental Culture Village Center and the terminal building.
