Solo Adventure in the Enchanted Forests of Yakushima

A Day of Island Delights

Today was all about embracing the diverse offerings of Yakushima, from the sweetness of tropical fruits to the serenity of ancient forests and the lively ambiance of local eateries. I set out with a plan to explore, taste, and soak in as much of the island's unique character as possible. It's amazing how much a single day can reveal when you're open to the adventure.

The day started with a hearty breakfast at Yakushima Furusato Market Island Megumi Kan. This place is a treasure trove of local flavors, and I was eager to fuel up before heading out for the day's adventures. I decided on the grilled flying fish, a Yakushima specialty, and a side of tankan orange juice. The fish was perfectly crisp, and the juice was a refreshing burst of citrus. It's always a treat to start the day with something so distinctly local. The market itself was bustling with activity, locals and tourists alike, all eager to sample the island's offerings. It's a great spot to pick up souvenirs too, but I resisted the urge, knowing I'd be back later in the trip.

The best journeys are those that awaken your senses and connect you to the heart of a place.

Next on the agenda was the Yakushima Fruit Garden - “Papaya no Sato”. Finding it was a bit of an adventure in itself, tucked away in the Nakama area, but the effort was well worth it. The garden is home to nearly 2,000 varieties of tropical plants and fruits. I was greeted by a local man who, despite some language barriers, was incredibly enthusiastic about showing off his garden. He led me through a jungle of bananas, mangoes, papayas, and guavas, explaining each plant's unique characteristics. The air was filled with sweet scents, and it was fascinating to see these fruits growing in their natural environment. At the end of the tour, I was treated to a small fruit platter, a delicious assortment of the garden's bounty. It was a refreshing and educational experience, a true taste of Yakushima's tropical side. It reminded me a bit of the community gardens Greta and I volunteer at back in Heidelberg, though on a much more exotic scale.


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

After the fruit garden, I was ready for a bit of a hike. I made my way to Ryujin Sugi, a majestic Yakusugi tree estimated to be around 2,000 years old. The hike to Ryujin Sugi is one I would recommend to experienced hikers. The trail meandered through a lush forest, a mix of evergreen and plantation, with the sunlight filtering through the canopy. The air was fresh and clean, and the sounds of nature were all around me. As I approached Ryujin Sugi, I was struck by its imposing presence. It's not as massive as Jomon Sugi, but it has a unique charm, a sense of ancient wisdom. I spent some time simply sitting at its base, soaking in the tranquility of the forest. It was a moment of quiet reflection, a chance to connect with nature and appreciate the island's rich history.


Explore Ryujin Sugi in Yakushima, where ancient cedar trees and breathtaking landscapes await every adventurer.

By late afternoon, my stomach was starting to rumble, so I headed to Kamogawa Restaurant for lunch. This restaurant is known for its local dishes, particularly the flying fish. I opted for the deep-fried flying fish combo, which came with miso soup and rice. The fish was crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. It was a satisfying and authentic meal, a true taste of Yakushima's culinary scene. The restaurant itself was bustling with locals, which is always a good sign. It had a no-frills, friendly atmosphere, and I felt right at home. I overheard some locals commenting on how busy the restaurant was, which seems to be a common occurrence.


Experience authentic Japanese flavors at Kamogawa Restaurant in picturesque Yakushima - where tradition meets culinary excellence.

As evening approached, I decided to treat myself to dinner at SamPotei. This riverside restaurant in Anbo is known for its jazz vibes and local dishes. The atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, with a mix of locals and tourists enjoying the evening. I started with the Ume Suisho, a Japanese delicacy made of fish cartilage marinated with ume plum, and some scallops. The scallops were cooked to perfection, and the Ume Suisho was an interesting and flavorful experience. For my main course, I decided to try the local craft beer along with one of their seafood dishes. The service was attentive and friendly, and the jazzy music added to the ambiance. It was the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring.


Experience the flavors of Japan at SamPotei, where traditional izakaya meets modern culinary artistry in the heart of Yakushima.

After dinner, I was in the mood for a nightcap, so I wandered over to Cafe＆Bar RainTree. This place is a unique combination of a cafe and a karaoke bar. The interior was cozy and inviting, and the atmosphere was lively. I ordered a local drink special and enjoyed listening to some of the karaoke performances. It was a fun and quirky experience, a chance to mingle with locals and fellow travelers. I even considered taking the stage myself, but decided to leave the singing to the more talented patrons. Instead, I chatted with some locals about the island's history and culture. It was a great way to end the day, with laughter and good company.


Experience the vibrant blend of karaoke and cafe culture at Cafe＆Bar RainTree in beautiful Yakushima, Japan.

The weather today was typical for Yakushima in July: warm and humid, with a chance of rain. Luckily, the rain held off for most of the day, allowing me to enjoy my outdoor adventures. I made sure to pack my rain gear, just in case, but it stayed tucked away in my backpack. The temperature hovered around 83°F (28°C), which was comfortable enough for hiking and exploring. The humidity, however, was quite high, making it important to stay hydrated. I made sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

As I reflect on the day, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to experience Yakushima's diverse offerings. From the sweetness of the fruit garden to the serenity of Ryujin Sugi and the lively ambiance of the local eateries, it was a day of discovery and connection. I'm looking forward to tomorrow, when I plan to visit the Yakushima Environmental and Cultural Village Center and Yaku-jinja. I'm also planning to have breakfast at hiyoriya, lunch at Yakushima Furusato Market Island Megumi Kan, and dinner at Il Mare. And if I have time, I might check out HONU yakushima, a local shop. It's going to be another exciting day on this beautiful island. I think I might bring Greta back here one day, she would absolutely love the nature and the commitment to sustainability.

I'm starting to feel like a local myself, finding my favorite spots and getting to know the island's rhythms. It's a feeling I cherish, a sense of belonging that makes travel so rewarding. And as I drift off to sleep, I can't help but wonder what other hidden gems Yakushima has in store for me.