Family Adventure in Yakushima: Exploring Nature's Paradise

Island Adventures Continue

Today was a day of embracing Yakushima's unique charm, from its enchanting parks to its local culinary scene. We immersed ourselves in the island's natural beauty and savored its flavors, creating memories that I know we'll cherish for years to come. It's days like these that remind me why we chose Yakushima for our family adventure, a place where nature and culture intertwine so beautifully.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Michikusa. The restaurant had a cozy, local vibe, and the set meals were the perfect start to a day of exploring. I opted for the grilled mackerel set meal, while Liam chose the pork cutlet. Nadia, of course, went for anything with rice. It was a hearty and satisfying way to fuel up for the day ahead.

After breakfast, we set off to Shitoko Gajumaru Banyan Park. I had read about these incredible banyan trees, and seeing them in person was even more impressive. The park itself is quite small, but it's packed with these massive trees with their intricate root systems. It felt like stepping into a scene from a fantasy novel, with roots hanging down like curtains and intertwining to create natural arches. Nadia was absolutely captivated, running around and exploring the different nooks and crannies created by the trees. The entrance fee was a very reasonable ¥250 for adults, and it was well worth it for the chance to wander through this enchanted forest.


Discover the tranquil beauty of Shitoko Gajumaru Banyan Park, a natural wonder in Yakushima featuring magnificent banyan trees and serene walkways.

The beauty of Yakushima lies not just in its grand landscapes, but in the small, intimate moments of connection with nature and local culture.

We spent a good hour at the Banyan Park, just soaking in the atmosphere and taking photos. Apparently, there's a waterfall nearby, but we didn't venture too far from the main area. We did, however, get to sample some delicious tankan oranges from the cashier, which was a lovely treat. It’s the small things like this that make traveling so special. I even imagined telling stories to Nadia about how the trees twisted themselves into knots trying to catch kids running around them.

Next on our list was the Yakushima Fruit Garden – “Papaya no Sato”. This botanical garden is home to nearly 2000 varieties of tropical plants and fruits. The air was filled with sweet scents, and it was fascinating to see bananas, mangoes, papayas, and guavas growing in their natural environment. Nadia was particularly excited to see a real papaya tree, as she loves papayas. We learned that the garden is owned by Mr. Iwakawa, who sometimes gives tours himself. Unfortunately, he wasn't available when we visited, but we still enjoyed wandering through the garden and admiring the exotic plants.


Immerse yourself in the vibrant beauty of Yakushima Fruit Garden, a tropical paradise showcasing exotic fruits and lush botanical wonders.

Of course, no visit to a fruit garden is complete without sampling some of the produce. We stopped at the garden's restaurant and tried some fresh-picked tropical fruits and juices. I had a refreshing tankan citrus juice, while Liam opted for the guava juice. Nadia insisted on trying everything, so we ended up with a colorful assortment of fruits on our table. It was a delicious and healthy way to experience the flavors of Yakushima. I was hoping to find some unique jams to take back home, like the Japanese plum jam, but we were so full from the fresh fruit that we decided to skip the souvenirs for now.

For lunch, we decided to try a heavenly kitchen. This small, plant-based restaurant is known for using local fruits and vegetables in its dishes. It’s a tiny place, with only one table inside the owner's house, which made the experience even more unique and intimate. We had to make a reservation in advance, but it was well worth it. The set menus were beautifully presented, and the food was incredibly fresh and flavorful. They even had a sushi set and a mindfulness eating set with lyre music. It was a truly special and memorable meal. This is exactly the kind of place I love to support – small, local, and committed to using sustainable ingredients.


Experience the essence of Yakushima with innovative vegetarian dishes at A Heavenly Kitchen – where local ingredients meet culinary artistry.

After a day of exploring, we were ready for a relaxing dinner. We chose At Pesca, a restaurant known for its casual Italian fare made from fresh, local ingredients. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, and the menu was full of tempting options. Liam and I decided to share a Cameron special pizza, which featured local venison and gorgonzola. It was absolutely delicious, with a light and fluffy crust. Nadia, predictably, ordered pasta. We also had to try the coffee, which the chef said was made with beans imported from Naples, Italy. It was fragrant and smooth, the perfect ending to a wonderful meal.


Experience fast food like never before at At Pesca in Yakushima – where local flavors meet quick service in a delightful setting.

To cap off the evening, Liam and I decided to check out Ambar, a local bar. Nadia was already fast asleep back at our guesthouse, so we took advantage of the rare opportunity for some adult time. Ambar had a laid-back, island vibe, and the bartenders were friendly and knowledgeable. Yakushima is known for its shochu, so I decided to try a local variety. Liam, on the other hand, opted for a beer. We sat and chatted for a while, soaking in the atmosphere and reflecting on our day of adventures.


Experience the lively dart bar culture at Ambar in Yakushima, where fun, friendship, and refreshing drinks await every night.

As I sit here writing this, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences we've had today. Yakushima has a way of captivating you with its natural beauty and its warm, welcoming locals. It's a place where you can truly disconnect from the stresses of everyday life and reconnect with nature and your loved ones. And while I did forget the bug spray and portable charger, we managed just fine without them. It’s a good reminder that sometimes the best experiences are the ones you don’t plan for.

Tomorrow, we're planning to explore Yakushima National Park and visit Ryujin Falls. I’ve heard that the park offers some incredible hiking trails and stunning views. Ryujin Falls, with its cascading water and lush surroundings, promises to be another highlight of our trip. I am also hoping to visit YAKUSHIMA BLESS to maybe pick up a souvenir or two. I am very excited to see what tomorrow brings, but for now, I'm content to savor the memories of today. Goodnight from Yakushima!