Exploring the Enchanted Forests of Yakushima: A Solo Journey

A Day of Cultural Immersion

Today was all about diving deeper into Yakushima, beyond its breathtaking landscapes. I wanted to understand the island's culture, its people, and its unique way of life. It was a day of discovery, filled with new tastes, sights, and experiences that truly enriched my journey.

My day started with a hearty breakfast at Subarashi Indian Restaurant. It might seem odd to have Indian food in Japan, but I had heard great things about this place, and I was not disappointed. The aroma of spices filled the air as I walked in, a comforting scent that reminded me of the vibrant flavors of home. I ordered a vegan curry, specifying no butter or ghee, and it was absolutely delicious. The spices were perfectly balanced, and the vegetables were fresh and flavorful. It was a surprisingly delightful way to kick off a day of exploring Yakushima. I made a mental note to try and recreate some of the dishes when I get back to my little apartment in Berlin. I am always looking for new vegan recipes.


Discover authentic Indian flavors at Subarashi Indian Restaurant in Yakushima, where tradition meets local charm.

The best journeys are those that not only show you new places, but also introduce you to new perspectives.

After breakfast, I headed to the Yakushima Environmental and Cultural Village Center. This center is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the island's natural environment and cultural heritage. I spent a few hours exploring the exhibits, learning about Yakushima's unique ecosystem, its history, and the traditions of its people. The center had a film called 'Yakushima – a symphony of forests and water' which was subtitled in English, and it was a great way to get a better understanding of the island. It was fascinating to see how the island's environment and culture are intertwined, and how the local community is working to protect both. I've been trying to be more mindful about sustainable living, and it was great to see a community so dedicated to preserving their environment.


Explore the vibrant ecosystem and rich culture of Yakushima at the Environmental and Cultural Village Center, your gateway to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Next on the itinerary was Yakushima South Village. This charming guesthouse is surrounded by the island's verdant forests and dramatic coastlines. It's an excellent base for exploring the nearby UNESCO World Heritage-listed Yakushima National Park. I didn't have a reservation to stay there, but I wanted to see what it was like. I chatted with one of the owners, who was incredibly friendly and welcoming. She told me about the guesthouse's commitment to sustainable tourism and its efforts to support the local community. I was impressed by their dedication to preserving the island's natural beauty and providing an authentic experience for their guests. I will definitely consider staying here if I return to Yakushima.


Discover the serene beauty and warm hospitality of Yakushima South Village, your perfect retreat in Japan's lush island paradise.

For lunch, I decided to try the Yakushima Gallery Restaurant. I had heard they had a flying fish ramen, and I was keen to try it. The restaurant itself was lovely, with a relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff. The ramen was delicious, the flying fish adding a unique flavor to the broth. I also tried the deer tataki, which was another local specialty. It was a bit different from what I'm used to, but I enjoyed the experience of trying something new and local. As someone who loves culinary arts, this was a great experience. I've been thinking of taking a cooking class when I get back to Berlin, maybe something focused on Japanese cuisine.


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

After lunch, I went to Gallery KIANU. This gallery features works by local artists and craftspeople, showcasing the island's unique artistic talent. I spent some time browsing the exhibits, admiring the intricate pottery, the vibrant paintings, and the delicate woodwork. I even bought a small piece of pottery as a souvenir, a reminder of my time on this beautiful island. I am thinking this would be a great gift for my mom, she loves artisanal crafts. The gallery also had some books, and I ended up buying a travel book that shines a spotlight on the villages of Yakushima. I was also excited to learn that the gallery is run by a photographer named yu-, who moved to Yakushima in 2008 and manages the gallery.


Explore Gallery KIANU in Yakushima: A treasure trove of local pottery and unique artisanal crafts awaits you.

As the day drew to a close, I headed to the Yakushima Furusato Market Island Megumi Kan for dinner. This market is a great place to sample local cuisine and buy souvenirs. I decided to try the grilled exocet, which was recommended by one of the locals. It was delicious, with a smoky flavor and a tender texture. I also picked up some local snacks to take back to my guesthouse. I was thinking this would be a great place to get some gifts for my friends back in Berlin.


Discover Yakushima's culinary treasures and unique souvenirs at Furusato Market Island Megumi Kan - where local flavors meet island charm.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, I plan to visit the Yakushima Visitor Centre and embark on a Yakushima Geographic Tour. I'm excited to learn more about the island's geography and its unique natural features. I'm also planning to have breakfast at the Yakushima Airport Restaurant, lunch at the Yakushima Gallery Restaurant again (I enjoyed it so much!), and dinner at hiyoriya. And of course, I'll be sure to check out Cafe＆Bar RainTree カフェバー·レインツリー for a relaxing evening drink. I'm hoping to catch another glimpse of the Milky Way, away from the city lights.

Today was a day of cultural immersion, a chance to connect with the people and traditions of Yakushima. It was a reminder that travel is not just about seeing new places, but also about understanding new perspectives. As I reflect on my experiences, I'm filled with a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to explore this beautiful island and to learn from its people. It's moments like these that make travel so rewarding, so enriching, and so transformative. I am looking forward to what tomorrow will bring. The prospect of the Geographic Tour is exciting, and I will make sure to bring my camera to capture the beauty of the island.

And as I sit here, writing this blog post, I can't help but feel a sense of anticipation for what tomorrow will bring. Yakushima has already exceeded my expectations, and I know that there are still so many more wonders to discover. It’s been a great journey so far, and I am excited to see what the rest of my time here holds. I'm reminded of why I love solo travel so much – the freedom to explore at my own pace, to delve into the local culture, and to connect with people from all walks of life. It's an experience that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world.

The rain is starting to pick up outside, a gentle reminder of Yakushima's lush, green landscape. I think I'll make myself a cup of tea and settle in for the night, dreaming of ancient cedars, crystal-clear streams, and the warm smiles of the people I've met along the way. Tomorrow is another day, another adventure, another opportunity to discover the magic of Yakushima.