As seen on
Lost Islands of Japan
Japan
This trip supports
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Essential info
- Reviews
- Packing list
Grade:
Entry Level
Type:
Cultural
Transfers
Duration:
11 Nights
6 - 12
Group size
Leaders
Highlights
- Beautiful quiet beaches and coastal scenery
- Hike through ancient cedar forests
- Shiratani Ravine in Yakushima
- Shochu brewery visit & the Furicha (foamy tea) experience in Tokunoshima
Add on Adventures
This itinerary has options for you to extend & customise your experience before &/or after your holiday. See Itinerary for details.
The Ryukyu Islands of Japan spread from Kyushu in a perfect half moon-shaped archipelago down to Taiwan, with Okinawa the crown jewel in this delicate chain of lost gemstones set in a turquoise East China Sea. This incredible adventure takes you to Tokunoshima & Okinoerabu, islands never before visited by a Western tour group, as well as through prehistoric cedar forests cradled within the volcanic mountains of Yakushima.
Discover the joys of a slow pace of life, sample the fiery locally-brewed ‘shochu’; taste the freshest of fresh sushi and swim in phosphorescent waters over perfectly formed coral reefs.
The white sandy beaches and glistening clear waters of the Ryukyu Islands remain an oasis of time and nature amidst the ever-increasing modernisation of their neighbouring Asian countries. With a rich and unique history including the Ryukyu Kingdom 琉球國 from the 15th to the 19th Century, it is where the martial art of Karate first originated before spreading to Japan, and where culture flourished due to it’s positioning as a centre of maritime trade.
There is also an optional ‘mainland’ Japan add-on that includes the stunning temples of Kyoto the ancient capital, as well as the neon jungle of Tokyo, for those whom want to explore this bustling metropolis before flying home.
Add on Adventures
This itinerary has options for you to extend & customise your experience before &/or after your holiday. See below for details.
Day 1: Departure from home country
Take an overnight flight to Japan (international flights not included)
Day 2: Arrive in Kagoshima
Dinner
3 star hotel
Our journey begins in the modern city of Kagoshima, a seaside city on Japan’s southern Kyushu Island (one of the four main islands of Japan). It is the ideal starting point for our exciting adventure, with easy boat routes to the islands we will be exploring in the coming days. As you fly in to Kagoshima you will see the stunning views of Sakurajima, an active volcano that faces KinkoBay.
To keep flexibility for your arrival plans, we can support you in independently travelling to your hotel (bus or taxi) which is a simple journey, or can get you a quote for a private transfer. Our hotel in Kagoshima has been chosen for its location (easily reached by you independently) and modern facilities. Following the damage to the city in WW2, the city buildings, including our hotel, are largely modern structures. In the evening, timing of arrivals permitting, the group will meet together to enjoy a welcome briefing and dinner.
For those arriving early, please note that you will be able to leave your luggage at the start hotel, but room check in is only available after 15:00.
Day 3: Speedboat to Yakushima
Boat/Ferry
Transfer
Breakfast
3 star hotel
After breakfast, at 10.20 we will catch our speedboat to the UNESCO Heritage island of Yakushima, arriving at Anbou Port at 13:05. It is one of the greenest, most lush places in the country (it receives a high rainfall), with a strong reputation for being a spiritual and mystical retreat and inspiration for Studio Ghibli's film "Princess Mononoke".
Yakushima is home to a range of microclimates from subarctic to sub tropical, thanks to its sandy beaches, ancient cedar forests with trees thought to be as old as 7000 years, and its mountainous areas (it's highest peak, Mt Miyanoura, reaches 1935m).
Our tour of the island includes Yakusugi Museum, the stunning Senpiro waterfalls as well as the Oko waterfalls with a walk along the western woodlands path.
Yakushima produces much of its own food and has several specialities including flying fish - worth a try?
In your free time, why not enjoy the Onsen hot spring baths at your hotel.
Day 4: Exploring Yakushima
Transfer
Breakfast
Packed Lunch
3 star hotel
Today we will explore on of Yakushimas most accessible nature parks, home to several of the islands ancient cedar trees including Nidaio Sugi, Kuguri Sugi & Yayoi Sugi. We enjoy a Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine Tour including some medium level hiking on well maintained trails to find the beautiful ancient cedar trees in what seems to be pre-historic forest, with amazing views. We will provide a packed lunch box for you.
Day 5: Morning of Leisure & Ferry to Tokunoshima
Transfer
Breakfast
Ovenight Ferry
After some time to relax this morning, we will take the speedboat back to Kagoshima in order to board the 18:00 ferry to Tokunoshima in a 2nd Class Bunk. We have a group dinner on board the ferry and sleep on comfortable bunk beds with shared facilities.
Day 6: Tour of Tokunoshima
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
3 star hotel
Tokunoshima is the second largest of the Amami Islands. It is home to stunning coral coasts, boasts goat as one of it's culinary specialities and showcases a rare form of bullfighting; more like sumo wrestling for bulls, and NOT ending in death to the animals; in fact the Tokunoshima people are very attached to their bovine friends and sometimes take them for 'walks'!
We arrive into Tokunoshima Kametoku port in the morning and disembark for a full day of sightseeing including the Akirigami petroglyphi, Unbuki well, Inutabu cape and a village walk through Agon.
We finish the day with the ‘furicha’ [foamy tea] experience before relaxing at our hotel.
Day 7: Continue to explore Tokunoshima
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
3 star hotel
Todays activities include sampling the local fare at the Kokuto shochu brewery, popping into Kametsu town for a spot of shopping as well as visiting Kanami village for a delightful walk on the beach or a dip if you fancy.
Day 8: Ferry to Okinoerabu island
Boat/Ferry
Transfer
Breakfast
3 star hotel
We take the 09:40 ferry arriving at Wadomari Port on the coral island of Okinoerabu, the second most southerly of the Amami islands, and famous for its collection of over 300 limestone caves. Much of the island is covered by the Amami Gunto National Park.
We settle into our hotel before heading to the Shoryudo limestone caves. We will tour around the coastline of the island to visit the most scenic spots, and Wanjo beach - not to be missed! You have the option to go cave diving with all of the necessary gear provided, or there are numerous hidden beaches to be explored on foot.
Day 9: Ferry to Okinawa
Boat/Ferry
Transfer
Breakfast
3 star hotel
After a morning at leisure to rest from all our adventuring the previous day we take the 12:00 ferry to Okinawa, a chain of islands with their own history as an independent kingdom, and the birth place of Karate! We arrive into Naha Port at 19:00 after a day of sea views, and marine wildlife spotting. We use the monorail or public transport (depending on the hotel), as a group, and with our guide, to transfer to our hotel.
Day 10: Exploring Okinawa
Transfer
Breakfast
3 star hotel
There is no shortage of wonderful experiences to enjoy today with the following excursions;
Churaumi Aquarium is part of Ocean Expo park and considered to be one of the best aquariums in the world, home to 740 different species of underwater life and with tanks vast enough to accommodate a whale shark! Continuing the theme, we also visit Buena Underwater Observatory.
For tranquility and natural beauty, it is hard to beat Kouri Island (Kourijima), aka as Love Island thanks to the presence of two rocks at Tinu beach, shaped into hearts by the waves. It is around 2 hours drive north of Naha, reached by the 2km long Kouri Iland bridge.
For a striking contrast with the beautiful natural environments you have been enjoying, we visit Mihama American Village; a large entertainment and shopping complex in Chatan, under an hours drive from Naha. The mix of American and Okinawan cultures here have to be experienced; there is a giant Ferris wheel towering over the village!
Day 11: Continue exploring Okinawa
Transfer
3 star hotel
Today our travels will take in several other highlights of Okinawa which are likely to include the fortified ruins in the grounds of the restored Shurijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site that sadly was razed by fire in October 2019 Also, the Shikinaen Gardens (former residence of the Ryukyu kings) in Naha city and potentially the Tsuboya Yachimun Pottery district.
Day 12: Fly home (if not staying for optional mainland tour)
Breakfast
Today you can opt to finish the tour and fly out from Okinawa’s Naha Airport, in which case, it must be time to plan your next adventure! You can travel independently from the hotel to the airport using the monorail or public transport. We can arrange a quote for a private transfer if you would like one.
If you are joining us for the Add-on to mainland Japan, you will independently travel to Naha Airport (monorail or public transport) for the morning flight from Naha to Osaka.
Adventure Optional Extras
Single Room Supplement
Single rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. We will charge on a pro-rata basis if a single room is only available for part of the trip.
Not Included
- International Flights & airport taxes
- Visas
- Insurance (compulsory)
- Some group transfers, where use of public transport is easy and cost effective
- Lunches and some dinners - see itinerary for details
- Drinks & snacks
- Tipping (not widely expected - see Essential Info)
Adventure Optional Addons
Highlights of Kyushu-pre trip
From the metropolis of Fukuoka & Kagoshima, with the Sakurajima Volcano, & infamous Nagasaki to rural Dazaifu, the onsen resort Yufuin & UNESCO Gunkanjima & Kumamoto, this 'Add-on' beautifully showcases the island of Kyushu.
Addon Optional extras
Single Room Supplement
Single rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. We will charge on a pro-rata basis if a single room is only available for part of the trip.
Mainland Japan - post trip
Vibrant Tokyo and the elegant and serene historic temples of Kyoto.
Addon Optional extras
Single Room Supplement
Single rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. We will charge on a pro-rata basis if a single room is only available for part of the trip.
Contents
Accommodation
We fully believe in, and practice, Responsible Tourism and recognise the value of using hotels run by locals. The accommodation on this adventure really accentuates your experience and the mixture of hotels you will be staying in is very representative of the contrasts found in Japan. We feel that using different types of hotels helps deliver to you the complexity of Japan. It is a crazy patchwork of ancient & modern, corporate & family businesses, nature and urban, all of which coexist peacefully side by side. To authentically represent Japan, we have included as many of these as we can!
Having said that, there are themes with the various types of accommodation, and they will all be chosen for cleanliness, comfort, safety, proximity to our route (to avoid unnecessary extra travel which in Japan can be very expensive) and a warm client welcome, as well as reliability in their service to us.
Please be aware that in areas where tourism is still developing, or in remote areas (like the smaller islands we visit), we may not have a wide range of options. An aspect of our adventures is to escape the ‘trappings’ of familiar culture and to experience new things with are exciting and memorable and reflect the country we are visiting.
The list below gives information on our first choice of accommodation for this adventure. Where hotels are fully booked or unavailable, we will use an alternative of a similar standard, and equally well situated. We will provide you with an accurate list of accommodation, with contact information to leave with relatives, prior to departure on your adventure.
Kagoshima (Day 1): Hotel Sunflex Kagoshima. Modern 3* hotel (tower block) with ensuite rooms, wi-fi, in a convenient location for sightseeing and within easy reach of the ferry terminals for our onwards travel.
Yakushima (Day 2 & 3): Seaside Hotel Yakushima. Modern 3* hotel set in stunning scenery with coastal views and mountain backdrops. Ensuite rooms with Wif-fi. Restaurant & spa.
Overnight Ferry (Day 4): Ferry to Tokunoshima - we eat dinner on board and sleep on the overnight ferry in 2nd Class bunks. Shared facilities.
Tokunoshima (Day 5 & 6): Sunset Resort: small local hotel situated on the beach where you can relax after a day of sightseeing. Ensuite rooms & restaurant serving delicious seafood (as you would expect!).
Okinerabu (Day 7): Hotel Seaworld: delight in the nostalgic 70's / 80's feel and warm welcome from this small local hotel, on the coast. Ensuite rooms & colourful restaurant dining room!
Okinawa (Day 8-10): Hotel Palm Royal Naha: Charming urban 3* resort hotel in city centre with small swimming pool, spa bath and poolside bar/restaurant.
Facilities
Unless you have booked a single room (where they are available) and paid the single room supplement for those nights, you will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender).
Onsen etiquette
It may be that you only visit Japan once; for reasons of economy, time, or environmental considerations relating to long haul travel. So you need to make this visit count, and try to enjoy what cultural experiences you have on offer. One such experience is to visit an onsen: a geothermally heated spring with water that contains multiple minerals believed to have health and well-being benefits.
Japanese onsen have been used for centuries and are commonplace in some family homes, or attached to a hotel or ryokan. On this adventure, you will periodically be offered the option of enjoying an onsen and we highly recommend that you do! The hot-spring bath is a wonderful place to relax, meditate and immerse yourself in Japanese tradition.
As you might expect, there is a strict etiquette to follow (they are not 'water play' areas):
- Pools are often separated by gender, with either separate pools, partitions, or different bathing times.
- Wash before entering: not just a quick rinse - a proper scrub down and thorough wash with soap is expected.
- No costumes - onsen are experienced naked: clothing and towels etc are considered 'dirty' and should never be bought into an onsen.
- Modesty is appreciated: use your small provided tool to casually hide your nether regions as you move from changing room to shower to onsen and back again.
- Never dip your towel in the water: as they are considered dirty, they should not touch the water. Many people simply wear their towel on their heads.. follow the lead of those around you.
- Don't put your hair or head in the water: this prevents oils or dirt hitting the water
- No tattoos: if you have small tattoos then you can cover them with a waterproof bandage. If you have larger tattoos or ones that are not able to be covered then book a private onsen through a ryokan.
- Stay & relax after your dip: We would highly recommend finishing the whole experience off by ensuring you have time to relax after your hot spring. Options range from small bars to lounge areas to hot sand rooms, and they are very much a part of it.
Guiding & Your Group
Supporting you on your holiday will be an experienced, local, English speaking Japanese guide with a good knowledge of the areas visited. They will be joined by local experienced and licensed guides in Yakushima, Tokunoshima & Okinoerabu. In Kagoshima we will have an English speaking assistant who will accompany our group to the pier to ensure that travel to Yakushima and Tokunoshima goes to plan.
We work closely with our Japanese Tour Operator partners both before and during your adventure to ensure that they understand your needs and the standard that YellowWood Adventures expects. We believe that it is a very important positive aspect of Responsible Tourism, to employ the expertise of local suppliers, as well as offering you a much more informative and authentic experience.
Your Group
Your group will be any number from our minimum group size of 6, up to a maximum of 12 clients. This number works really well with the ratio of guides, and ensures the optimum level of service to you during your adventure.
We get clients booking alone, as couples and in small groups of friends. If you have a group of friends or family who are interested in having their own customised trip, then please let us know and we can cost it for you.
Am I fit Enough?
This adventure is a fabulous mix of sightseeing with private transfers, and exploring the stunning islands on foot.
To get the most of out of this adventure, you need to be in good physical health, and enjoy walking as a way of exploring an area. You do not need to be an experienced hiker as the walks on the itinerary are taken at a leisurely pace (to enable wildlife spotting and photography) on well trodden paths, for short periods of time (up to 2hrs) and with regular stops. You will be carrying just a day pack and bottle of water (bottled water) when walking or sightseeing.
Walking shoes or lightweight walking boots are more appropriate for this trip than hard and heavy walking boots.
Please note that you need to have an open mind to adventure travel, and experiencing different cultures to your own, first hand.
Travel & Arrival
Travel
Your YellowWood adventure starts at the start hotel in Kagoshima city, Kyushu Island. We understand that arriving into an unfamiliar airport can be daunting, so we aim to give you as much information here as possible to help you prepare. If you would like us to get you a quote for a private airport transfer then do contact us.
Finding flights
Flights are not included in the cost of your holiday, and whilst we are happy to help advise you, responsibility for booking the correct flights rests with you. We recommend that you use a comparison tool such as www.momondo.co.uk or www.skyscanner.net when searching for flights.
It is worth noting, if you are going to be using domestic flights, that Japanese Airlines (JAL) and ANA offer discounted domestic fares to foreign visitors. These have to be e-booked directly via their websites.
There are a few different airports on Kyushu Island, so whilst Kagoshima airport is an obvious choice as the start hotel is in Kagoshima city, you can also choose to fly in to Fukuoka, for example, and to continue to Kagoshima city by bullet train (1hr 40mins).
On your plane into Japan you will be asked to complete landing cards (disembarkation cards) and a custom form to declare goods/cash you are bringing with you. These are then handed in at immigration / custom control. At the border control you will receive a passport stamp with landing date and allowed stay period.
Please ensure you check with your airline, the procedures you need to follow regarding checking luggage if you are transiting rather than flying direct to Kagoshima.
Foreign Travel Advice
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also receive notifications direct from the FCDO so we are always aware of the ‘status’ in our destination countries.
Arrival
Kagoshima Airport: It is the second busiest airport on Kyushu Island (the 3rd largest island of Japan's 5 main islands). It has both international and domestic terminals and English signage is widely used in appropriate locations, for international travellers. Depending on whether you arrive via a domestic or international flight, you ay or may not have to go through immigration. Following immigration, you will, as expected, head to baggage reclaim, then customs. There is an information centre with English speaking staff who can direct you to either a bus stop or taxi stand, depending on your preference.
Taxis: Drivers will not necessarily speak English, though they are likely to have the basics. They will either know, or be able to look up, the hotel address. The airport is approx 40kms (40min journey) from the city, as it serves the whole province. Expect to pay approx 10-11,000JPY for the journey (£67 on 2.3.21).
Bus: For a more cost effective option, it is easy to get one of the regular (every 30mins or so) public buses from Kagoshima airport to the city centre. Expect to pay approx 1400JPY (£10.50).
Insurance
Holiday insurance is essential for all Yellow Wood Adventures. Unfortunately anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the holiday, so please make sure you arrange cover. We recommend sorting your insurance when you book so that if you have problems during the run up to your holiday, and need to cancel, you are covered, particularly in the light of effects that the pandemic has had on travel.
Prior to the holiday, we will ask you to send us details of your insurer, policy number, 24 hr emergency assistance contact details and the name, address, and telephone numbers of your NOK or persons to be notified in the event of an emergency.
Your insurance needs to cover you for moderate walking with the following fairly standard inclusions:
- Medical Expenses
- Coronavirus linked expenses (these may be country specific, so please ensure you know what the requirements are relating to the country you are visiting)
- Repatriation
- Helicopter rescue & Air ambulance
We would also recommend that you have cover for the following optional items:
- Cancellation
- Loss or damage to property
General information on Japan
For information on Japan, such as climate, weather, language, social norms, food & drink etc, please have a read of our Country specificinformation.
Reviews
YellowWood Adventures
This is a new itinerary for YellowWood and as such, we do not yet have any reviews. We would love you to be the first to review the adventure!
Compulsory
- US$ or GB£ to exchange for local currency
- Passport and Insurance Documents
- Credit / Debit Cards (for use in ATMs in cities only)
- Prescription medication, as required
- First aid kit: paracetamol, anti-diarrhoea tables, rehydration sachets, antihistamine cream, ibuprofen cream, thermometer & blister kit (eg plasters & zinc oxide tape).
- Washbag & usual contents - small travel bottles please! Biodegradable multi purpose soap can be used for washing clothes & self.
- Mosquito repellent
- Hand sanitiser (70% alcohol) & min of 2 reusable & 10 disposable face coverings
- Day rucksack for walking / sightseeing (approx 20L)
- Reusable filtration water bottle eg Aqua Pure Traveller Water Bottle
- Sunglasses & Sun cream (high factor)
- Plug adaptor
Clothing
- Socks & underwear
- PJs / nightwear
- Light tops that can be layered for day time - long and short sleeved tops (av trip temp: low 14ºC, high 28ºC)
- Trousers, shorts & skirts as required
- Warm layer: fleece or jacket
- Waterproof jacket (good quality)
- Good hiking shoes with non slip soles (for Yakushima)
- Sandals or trainers
- Swimwear & quick drying towel
Optional
- Camera & charging cables / plug
- Ear plugs (in case of snorers!)
- Head torch & batteries
- Umbrella
- Phone & Charging cables / plug
- Sun hat / baseball cap
This trip supports
Need a little help?
Please contact us if you have any questions.
We can also arrange private departures for you:
+44 207 846 0197
Related Adventures
Booking Process
Select dates & add any extras or 'Add on' adventures. Complete our Booking Form
Check out our Covid-19 friendly booking conditions & check the box to agree to our Terms & Conditions.
'Make Booking': You will be redirected to secure WorldPay to make your deposit (£300/$400/person) payment (receipted), if booking >56 days before your adventure or full payment if 56 or <56 days before your adventure. Your monies are held securely by the Travel Trust Association.
Your booking will show as 'pending' in your YellowWood online account.
Enter booking information for all guests in your party.
We will be in touch as soon as we are able, to confirm your booking or discuss any availability limitations. Do not book transport/flights until we have emailed you to confirm your booking (receipt of your booking form is not confirmation). We will change the status of your final invoice from 'Pending Approval' to 'Outstanding', when it becomes payable online.
This payment is due 56 days before departure date (we send reminders).
Contact us with any questions about your adventure or booking.
+44 207 846 0197
Grading
To help you choose the right adventure for you, we have given each itinerary a grading that relates to the level of Walking / Trekking you will experience during the trip. This grading can be found on the Yellow map on the adventure page of the website.
All of our trips involve a level of general activity so are designed for people who are in good health, enjoy the outdoors, and have a taste for adventure and some level of fitness. As will be clear from our destinations, the climate (and altitude) may be different to that which you are used to, so please take this into consideration when choosing the most suitable holiday.
Please read our Adventure Itinerary & Essential Information for more information and don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to chat through whether you have found a suitable adventure for you.
Grade 1-3: Entry Level
You need to be in good physical health to enjoy your active holiday, but you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. These itineraries offer a mix of sightseeing and easier walking for around 2-4hrs a day, with the emphasis on sights and cultural experiences.
Walks will be well marked or on defined pathways, and often around sites of interest. The expected amount of descent/ascent will depend on the landscapes of the destination, but will not exceed 400m/day, and will often be much less. Walks are at low altitude (below 3000m).
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack with water and essentials. Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have a pair of comfortable and worn in walking shoes/boots.
Grades 4-6: Intermediate
You need to have a good level of fitness and be a regular walker for these adventures, with ideally some trekking experience. You can expect to be walking for 3-6 hours per day, not including rest stops, normally on good trail paths but with some uneven surfaces at times.
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack. You may be walking in more challenging temperatures. You will generally be walking at low altitude (below 3000m) but may walk at altitudes up to 4000m. The amount of ascent could be up to 800m in a day but will frequently be less. You may walk on consecutive days.
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable clothing for this adventure.
Grades 7-9: Challenging
You need to have a good level of fitness with previous experience of trekking. Extra training before your trip will ensure that you get the most out of your adventure. Areas will be remote and terrain uneven.
Expect to walk for 5 – 8 hours a day, not including breaks, with some very steep ascents and descents. You will be walking at altitude (over 3000m but not higher than 5000m).
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable equipment/clothing for this adventure (see the packing list for your adventure).
Please check individual itineraries for details of what you will need to be carrying with you.
Enquiry Process
Get in touch via our Enquiry form to check our availability, discuss the adventure and check we can meet your needs.
Complete our Enquiry Form; contact details, additional requirements (eg diet or health requirements) & questions you may have. Include as much information as you are able to, so we can help you with the detail you are looking for
Click on 'Send Enquiry' (receipted).
We will be in touch as soon as we are able, to answer your questions and help you plan your adventure.
+44 207 846 0197