Yakushima has some of the richest marine life in Japan and certainly the cleanest rivers in the country. During a visit to Yakushima then you should consider some water activities while you are here: scuba diving, snorkeling, shower climbing, river boat fishing, sea kayaking or SUP (Stand Up Paddle Boarding).
Take a look below at the Yakushima water activities available and contact YES with your booking request.
River Kayaking
The water is so pure on Yakushima that even the estuaries are crystal clear. It is possible to river kayak year round and it’s a great way to experience the serenity and nature of Yakushima. The most popular kayaking river is the Anbo River. (安房). A river kayak trip usually starts from Anbo village and goes upstream a kilometre or so. Just beyond the Matsumine Bridge the kayak guide will turn around to head back down-river. However, there is always time take a rest by the river bank or a dip in the river before you paddle leisurely back down towards the sea. 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.
River kayaking is also possible along the Miyanoura River (宮之浦).
A river kayak tour a half day river kayak tour is starts from 8,000 yen per person.
Contact YES to make your booking.
Scuba Diving
The warm water allows corals to flourish and the swift current brings a multitude of sea life including the sea turtles that nest on the island during the summer. There is certainly plenty to see under water. An annual nationwide ocean diversity survey has, on three occasions, found Yakushima to have the greatest variety of marine life in Japan.
There are several Yakushima diving companies on the island which offer a range of diving services catering from ‘trial dives’ for first timers to boat dives for experienced divers. The prime beach dive spots are Isso in the north and Kurio in the south. Expect to pay around 10,000 yen for a half day beach dive including equipment rental or 16,000 yen for 2 dives. Subsequent dives are charged at a lower rate. If you have a diving qualification make sure to bring your certification.
Contact YES to make your booking.
Snorkeling
From mid-June to October a very popular ocean activity is snorkelling. If you go with a guide it will cost around 7,000 – 8,000 yen for a half day session. The rocky shore will have some interesting underwater life to explore and the local marine guide will certainly know which places to go to at different times of the year.
Contact YES to make your booking.
Shower Climbing & Canyoning
Summer is the season for shower climbing and canyoning (‘sawanobori’ in Japanese). An invigorating adventure sport that consists of ascending and descending a river, including climbing small waterfalls, sliding down ravine walls, and swimming through gorges. Guests wear special padded wetsuits, life jackets, helmets, and hand and feet protection.
On Yakushima, the number of courses is almost limitless as there are rivers and waterfalls everywhere on the island. Children can also enjoy this activity. You will need a certified guide for this activity and the courses chosen are generally less demanding than you might expect. A half day tour starts from 8,000 yen per person.
Contact YES to make your booking.
Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP)
In recent years stand up paddle boards (SUP) have become a popular activity on Yakushima. In the heat of the summer, they make good launching vehicles for jumping off into the river! The main river for this activity is the Ano River (安房). A half day trip will be starts from 8,000 yen.
Contact YES to make your booking.
Sea Fishing
If you come to Yakushima in a group of 3 or more and you’d like a unique experience then consider taking a chartered boat out to sea to catch your dinner! Equipment and bait can be rented and guidance can be given whilst on the boat. The area is reknowed for its game fishing and big catches are possible. Many of the smaller hotels will be willing to cook your catch on your return to the hotel and some accommodation have barbecue facilities. Experience is not required (although it would help), but a stomach for the sea may be an advantage. A half day boat fishing trip starts from 27,000 yen.
Contact YES to make your booking.
Sea Kayaking
Due to its mild climate, a Yakushima kayak trip on the sea is a wonderful activity at any time of the year. There are a variety of possible sea kayak tours you can take. Most departure points are either Isso (一奏), Nagata (永田) or Kurio (栗生). Weather conditions and wave height will usually be the deciding factor regarding where you’ll be able to kayak. You can choose from either a full or half-day kayaking experience. Prices start from 9,000 yen per person.
Contact YES to make your booking.
