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.
Arrival & Departure
Getting around
Highlights & Districts
Useful tips
Returning to the ship
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.
