Yakushima access is either by airplane or ferry. The most common mode of transport is the Toppy hydrofoil from Kagoshima. There are around 5 hydrofoil crossings per day and the journey takes around 2 hours. There are two daily slow ferries from Kagoshima and if you plan to spend 5 days or more on the island then these ferries could be an option. However, if time is limited to only a few days then taking the faster hydrofoil would provide you the option of you something upon Yakushima on the day of travel.
The other mode of transport to Yakushima is to fly and there are daily flights from Kagoshima, Fukuoka and Osaka (Itami). Early flight arrivals or late flight departures allow the visitor to do an activity on Yakushima on the day of travel.
The quickest and most convenient mode of transport is the Toppy Hydrofoil from Kagoshima. The voyage takes about 2 hours and there about 5 crossings a day. If you book a Go Yakushima tour then we can reserve your ferry tickets in advance and send you the reservation number. Otherwise, good luck navigating the their booking system!
A daily ferry departs Kagoshima at 08:30 and arrives to Yakushima (Miyanoura Port) at 12:30. The return voyage departs Yakushima at 13:30 and arrives to Kagoshima at 15:40. Reservations are not required unless you plan to bring a vehicle with you.
An overnight ferry departs Kagoshima at 18:00 each night and arrives to Yakushima (Miyanoura Port) at 07:00 the next day. The return voyage departs Yakushima at 08:10 and arrives to Kagoshima at 14:40. Reservations are not required unless you plan to bring a vehicle with you. Please note that the Hibiscus ferry departs and arrives to a port in the south of Kagoshima.
JAL / JAC are the only operator flying to Yakushima. There are usually four flights a day from Kagoshima and one flight a day from both Fukuoka and Osaka (Itami domestic airport).