Family Adventure in the Ancient Forests of Yakushima

Island Delights: Banyan Trees, Fruits, and Crafts

Today was all about immersing ourselves in the unique offerings of Yakushima, a blend of nature's artistry and local craftsmanship. From exploring the enchanting Shitoko Gajumaru Banyan Park to savoring the flavors of the Yakushima Fruit Garden and discovering handcrafted treasures, it was a day filled with delightful surprises. It’s amazing how much this island packs into each day, and I’m so excited to share it all.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Yakushima Gelato Sora-Umi. It might seem odd to start the day with gelato, but their offerings are far from ordinary. We enjoyed a variety of flavors made from local ingredients. Hanna was particularly fond of the purple sweet potato gelato, while Maximilian and I savored the lemon and cedar. The gelato wasn't as dense as traditional Italian gelato, but the taste was wonderful. It was a refreshing way to kick off our adventures, and the cozy atmosphere of the shop added to the experience.


Experience the sweet flavors of Yakushima Gelato Sora-Umi, where artisanal gelato meets the island's breathtaking beauty and warm hospitality.

Fueled up, we set off to explore the Shitoko Gajumaru Banyan Park. This park, located in the small village of Shitoko, is home to a remarkable collection of banyan trees, known as 'gajumaru' in Japanese. As we entered, it felt like stepping into an enchanted forest from a fantasy novel. The trees, with their aerial roots and intertwined branches, created a mesmerizing landscape. Hanna was fascinated by the multishape banyan tree collection, and we spent a happy 10 minutes wandering around. The park itself isn't very large, but the beauty of the trees is undeniable.


Explore Yakushima's enchanting Shitoko Gajumaru Banyan Park: a serene escape into a world of ancient trees and lush subtropical beauty.

Sometimes, the most memorable experiences are found in the simplest of places, where nature and human creativity intertwine.

After our brief but enchanting visit to the Banyan Park, we headed to the Yakushima Fruit Garden, also known as “Papaya no Sato”. This garden is a showcase of various plant species from around the world. A hospitable local man guided us through the lush, jungle-like surroundings, sharing information about the different fruit species. Although the tour felt a bit rushed, we appreciated the tropical ambiance and the diversity of fruit trees. At the end of the tour, we were treated to a small fruit platter, featuring some of the garden's fresh produce. It was a delightful experience, and Hanna was thrilled to try some exotic fruits she had never seen before.


Explore Yakushima Fruit Garden: A tropical paradise with exotic fruits, guided tours, and fresh tastings in a lush botanical setting.

For lunch, we decided to try Iso no Kaori, a popular sushi and sashimi restaurant. Luckily, we arrived early enough to secure a table, as it tends to get fully booked quickly. Maximilian and I indulged in a selection of fresh sushi and sashimi, while Hanna opted for a non-fish dish. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was lively and welcoming.


Experience authentic Japanese sushi at Iso no Kaori in Yakushima - where fresh ingredients meet culinary artistry.

With our appetites satisfied, we ventured to Wood Shop Kikori, a local shop specializing in handcrafted wood products. The owner, an ex-Yakushima forester, uses reclaimed Yakusugi wood to create a variety of unique souvenirs. I was captivated by the intricate details of the woodcraft products, and we ended up purchasing a few small items as mementos of our trip. Hanna even had the chance to make her own little woodcraft gift, which she was incredibly proud of. It was a wonderful opportunity to support local artisans and bring home a piece of Yakushima's natural beauty.


Explore the artistry of Yakushima at Wood Shop Kikori, a unique woodworking supply store showcasing beautiful handcrafted wooden items and tools.

Our final stop for the day was dinner at Yakushima Gallery Restaurant. This restaurant is known for its exquisite specialties, including flying fish ramen, deer tataki, and venison steak. I decided to try the flying fish ramen, while Maximilian opted for the venison steak. Hanna, as usual, chose a familiar favorite from the children's menu. The food was delicious, and the service was excellent. The restaurant also has a gift shop downstairs, where we found some unique Yakusugi wooden chopsticks to add to our collection.


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

As the day drew to a close, we reflected on the incredible experiences we had. Yakushima truly is a special place, where nature and culture come together in perfect harmony. I am also happy that we managed to find some really nice presents to bring back home to Germany, so that we can share the experience with our friends and family.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the East China Sea Observatory and Meoto Sugi, continuing our exploration of Yakushima's natural wonders. And perhaps we'll end the day with a relaxing drink at Fisherman's Bar NINA. I am looking forward to another day of adventure and discovery on this beautiful island.