A Solo Adventure into the Heart of Yakushima

Island Life: Turtles, Fruits, and Fisherman's Tales

Today was all about embracing the diverse beauty of Yakushima, from its fascinating marine life to its lush, tropical gardens. It's amazing how much this small island packs in! I started the day with a hearty breakfast, fueled by the promise of new discoveries.

The day started early with breakfast at the Yakushima Airport Restaurant. It's funny how airports, usually places of transit and stress, can offer moments of unexpected calm. Sipping my coffee, I watched the morning light paint the runway, feeling a sense of anticipation for the day ahead. I made sure to charge my camera fully, knowing the day would bring many photo opportunities.

A Turtle's Tale at Yakushima Sea Turtle Hall

The first stop was the Yakushima Sea Turtle Hall. I've always been captivated by these gentle creatures, and I was eager to learn more about their lives and the conservation efforts surrounding them. The hall itself is small but incredibly informative. The manager was a wealth of knowledge, explaining the life cycle of sea turtles, the threats they face, and the work being done to protect them. It was truly inspiring to see the dedication of the staff. I even got to see some baby turtles that had recently hatched on a local beach. They were so tiny and fragile, it was hard not to feel fiercely protective.

The smallest creature can hold the biggest lesson.

The Yakushima Sea Turtle Hall is definitely a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. During nesting and hatching seasons, visitors can even join tours to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The admission fee supports conservation efforts for the turtles and their eggs, so it’s a purchase that feels good. It was heartwarming to see turtles swimming in a small tank next to the window. The curator clearly loves his job, and you can tell he loves the people who come to visit.


Experience the beauty and conservation of sea turtles at Yakushima Sea Turtle Hall, a must-visit museum for nature lovers.

Tropical Paradise at Yakushima Fruit Garden - “Papaya no Sato”

Next on the itinerary was the Yakushima Fruit Garden, also known as “Papaya no Sato.” As I walked through the garden, the sweet scents of tropical fruits filled the air. It was a rare treat to see bananas, mangoes, papayas, and guavas growing in their natural environment. The garden cultivates nearly 2000 varieties of tropical plants and fruits! I was a bit disappointed to learn that the garden isn’t always open, but thankfully it was today. I was able to sample some fresh-picked tropical fruits and juices at the garden's restaurant. The tankan citrus juice was particularly refreshing, and I picked up some handmade Japanese plum jam as a souvenir.


Explore the lush beauty of Yakushima Fruit Garden, a tropical paradise filled with diverse fruits and stunning landscapes perfect for all ages.

For lunch, I stopped at the Yakushima Gallery Restaurant. The restaurant had come highly recommended, and I was eager to try some of the local specialties. The restaurant has a chic atmosphere and a bilingual menu. I decided to try the flying fish ramen, which was a delicious and unique dish. The broth was rich and flavorful, and the flying fish was perfectly cooked. I also sampled the *kame no te*, or turtle legs, which were surprisingly tasty.


Discover authentic Japanese cuisine at Yakushima Gallery Restaurant, where local flavors meet traditional techniques in an unforgettable dining experience.

An Evening with Fishermen

As the sun began to set, I decided to check out Fisherman's Bar NINA. I'd heard it was a great place to experience the local culture and enjoy some fresh seafood. While I don't typically eat seafood, I was intrigued by the idea of a fisherman's bar where the fish is caught and served the same day. The bar was bustling with locals and tourists alike, all enjoying the evening air and sharing stories. The reviews I had read were excellent.


Experience the freshest seafood in Yakushima at Fisherman's Bar NINA, where culinary excellence meets stunning ocean views.

I ordered a local beer and struck up a conversation with a friendly fisherman who told me about his life on the island. He spoke passionately about the importance of sustainable fishing practices and the challenges of making a living in a changing world. It was fascinating to hear his perspective, and I left with a newfound appreciation for the people who depend on the sea for their livelihood.

Before heading back to my accommodation, I took a stroll along the beach, listening to the waves and watching the stars begin to appear. The air was warm and humid, and the sounds of the island filled the night. It was a perfect ending to a day of exploration and discovery.

Tomorrow, I plan to delve deeper into Yakushima's ancient forests with a visit to the Kigensugi Cedar and the Yakusugi Museum. I'm looking forward to seeing more of the island's iconic cedar trees and learning about their history and significance. I’ll be having breakfast at Aqua Cafe and dinner at a heavenly kitchen.

Even though Liam isn't here with me, I feel like I'm sharing these experiences with him. I know he would love the Fisherman's Bar NINA, and I can't wait to tell him all about it when I get back to Banff. For now, I'll continue to soak in the beauty and tranquility of Yakushima, one day at a time.

It's funny, I almost forgot to pack insect repellent! I’ll need to remember to buy some tomorrow. I also wish I had brought a Japanese phrasebook. It would make communicating with the locals a little easier.

As I reflect on the day, I'm reminded of why I love traveling solo. It allows me to be fully present in the moment, to connect with people and places in a way that wouldn't be possible otherwise. Yakushima has already exceeded my expectations, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.