The water is so pure on Yakushima that even the estuaries are crystal clear. It is possible to river kayak all year round and it’s a great way to experience the nature of Yakushima. The most popular kayaking rivers are the Anbo River (安房) & the Miyanoura River (宮之浦). As an example the Anbo River kayak trip starts from Anbo village and takes you upstream for a kilometre or so until just past the Matsumine Bridge. In the summer months the tours may pause to take a swim in the river before they paddle leisurely back down towards the river mouth. The river is wide and calm, meandering slowly between deep-forested valley walls. It is safe and suitable for even complete kayaking novices. Keep your eyes and ears open and you may well spot monkeys feeding in the canopy close to the river or even sea turtles swimming upstream.
If you’d like to book a guide then contact YES and we’ll be happy to arrange your river kayak trip. A half day tour is 7,000 yen – 8,000 yen per person on the Miyanoura River and 8,500 yen per person on the Anbo River. Sea kayaking is also a popular activity on Yakushima.
