Family Adventure in the Ancient Forests of Yakushima
Day 12: Yakushima's Cultural Heart: A Day of Reflection and Farewell
Delving into Yakushima's culture and savoring its flavors on our final day, a perfect blend of education and culinary delights.
A Fond Farewell to Yakushima
As our journey through Yakushima nears its end, today was all about immersing ourselves in the island's cultural and environmental ethos. It was a day of reflection, understanding, and savoring the last moments of this beautiful paradise before heading back to Germany. I wanted to soak up as much of Yakushima's unique atmosphere as possible, and share it with Hanna and Maximilian.
We began our day with an early breakfast at the Yakushima Airport Restaurant. It wasn't anything fancy, but it was convenient and fueled us up for the day ahead. Hanna was particularly excited, as usual, about the prospect of airplane spotting while we ate. Maximilian and I enjoyed the quiet morning atmosphere, reflecting on the incredible experiences we've had over the past twelve days.
Experience authentic Japanese regional cuisine at Yakushima Airport Restaurant - where flavor meets nature's beauty.
Our first stop was the Yakushima Visitor Centre. It was a great starting point to consolidate all that we had experienced in the past days. The center provided a comprehensive overview of the island's unique ecosystem, history, and conservation efforts. Hanna was captivated by the interactive exhibits, especially the displays showcasing the island's diverse flora and fauna. Maximilian, ever the engineer, was fascinated by the explanations of the island's geological formation. For me, it was a chance to appreciate the intricate balance of nature that Yakushima so beautifully embodies.
Explore the beauty of Yakushima with expert guidance at the Yakushima Visitor Centre, your essential stop for adventure in Japan's natural paradise.
Sometimes, the most profound lessons are learned not through grand adventures, but through quiet observation and thoughtful reflection.
Next, we ventured to the Yakushima Environmental and Cultural Village Center. This center offered an even deeper dive into the island's natural environment and the lifestyle of its inhabitants. The exhibits used models, samples, panels, videos and images to introduce Yakushima's environment and lifestyles in an easy to understand format. We watched a film on the ultra-wide screen titled “Yakushima, Symphony of Forest and Water,” which was a dynamic introduction to the nature of Yakushima. It highlighted the island's commitment to living in harmony with nature, a concept that deeply resonated with me. Hanna was particularly intrigued by the displays about the island's heavy rainfall, which, as the exhibition explained, is said to occur 35 days a month. Maximilian appreciated the detailed explanations of the island's water systems and how they support such diverse plant life. We also learned about Yakushima being Japan's premier nesting site for sea turtles.
Explore the vibrant ecosystem and rich culture of Yakushima at the Environmental and Cultural Village Center, your gateway to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For lunch, we chose Kamogawa Restaurant, known for its local fish and traditional Japanese dishes. Maximilian and I were eager to try the flying fish, a Yakushima specialty. Hanna, surprisingly adventurous, decided to try it as well. We also ordered the Sashimi Set Special, which included a variety of fresh seafood. The flying fish was indeed a treat, crispy on the outside and tender inside. The sashimi was incredibly fresh, a testament to the island's rich marine life. The restaurant itself was unpretentious, and we enjoyed the opportunity to dine alongside locals. It was a truly authentic culinary experience, and the perfect way to savor the flavors of Yakushima one last time.
Experience authentic Japanese flavors at Kamogawa Restaurant in picturesque Yakushima - where tradition meets culinary excellence.
As the day drew to a close, we decided to visit Fisherman's Bar NINA for a relaxing evening. The bar had a cozy atmosphere, and we enjoyed chatting with the locals and sampling some of the local drinks. Maximilian tried the local shochu, while I opted for a plum wine. Hanna enjoyed a sparkling juice, feeling very grown-up as she sipped it from a fancy glass. It was a perfect way to unwind and reflect on our incredible journey through Yakushima. This Fisherman's bar offers dishes made with fresh fish caught by the chef himself.
Experience the freshest seafood in Yakushima at Fisherman's Bar NINA, where culinary excellence meets stunning ocean views.
For our final dinner on the island, we chose hiyoriya, a small restaurant known for its organic and mostly vegetarian cuisine. It was a bit of a drive from our accommodation, but the reviews were so glowing that we couldn't resist. Luckily we had made a reservation. The restaurant is small, only able to accommodate around 10 guests. The food was simple and delicious, with many different kinds of tastes that were new to me. The chef clearly puts a lot of love into what she cooks, and you can definitely feel it when you eat it. The dishes are different every time, and on my last day, I ordered the bento, which was delicious as well. The experience was a delightful contrast to our earlier seafood feast, showcasing the diversity of Yakushima's culinary scene. It was a fitting end to our culinary explorations on the island.
Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Hiyoriya in Yakushima, where fresh local ingredients meet traditional flavors amidst breathtaking scenery.
The best journeys answer questions you never thought to ask.
As I sit here now, writing this final blog post from our Yakushima adventure, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude and contentment. This trip has been more than just a vacation; it's been an opportunity to connect with nature, learn about a unique culture, and create lasting memories with my family. Yakushima has a way of getting under your skin, of making you appreciate the simple things in life. I'm so grateful for the experiences we've had here, and I know that the lessons we've learned will stay with us long after we've left this magical island.
Tomorrow, we will be heading back to Kagoshima to catch our flight back to Germany. It's always bittersweet to leave a place that has captured your heart, but I know that we'll carry the spirit of Yakushima with us wherever we go. I hope that my blog posts have inspired you to consider visiting this incredible island. It's a destination that truly offers something for everyone, whether you're a nature lover, a culture enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Thank you, Yakushima, for the memories, the lessons, and the inspiration. Until we meet again!
Go to day 11
A Day of Serenity and Marine Wonders on Yakushima's Coast
Family Adventure in the Ancient Forests of Yakushima
View full trip
Explore the ancient cedar forests of Yakushima with family, immersing in nature's beauty and local culture over a 12-day adventure.
Meet this Featured Explorer
Yoo-Jin Park
-
Occupation:
Freelance Translator and Travel Blogger
-
Country:
Germany
-
Age:
38
Annyeonghaseyo! I'm Yoo-Jin Park, a Korean native living in the charming city of Heidelberg, Germany. As a freelance translator and travel blogger, I'm passionate about exploring the world with my family, one sustainable step at a time. I believe in slow travel, immersing ourselves in different cultures, and creating meaningful connections along the way. Join me as I share my adventures, cultural insights, and practical tips for eco-conscious families!
Interests:
- History
- Korean Literature
- Photography
- Culinary Arts
- Sustainable Living
- Learning new languages
Find Similar Travel Diaries
Explore locations from this diary
-
Yakushima Visitor Centre
Explore the beauty of Yakushima with expert guidance at the Yakushima Visitor Centre, your essential stop for adventure in Japan's natural paradise.
-
Yakushima Environmental and Cultural Village Center
Explore the vibrant ecosystem and rich culture of Yakushima at the Environmental and Cultural Village Center, your gateway to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
-
Yakushima Airport Restaurant
Experience authentic Japanese regional cuisine at Yakushima Airport Restaurant - where flavor meets nature's beauty.
-
Kamogawa Restaurant
Experience authentic Japanese flavors at Kamogawa Restaurant in picturesque Yakushima - where tradition meets culinary excellence.
-
hiyoriya
Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Hiyoriya in Yakushima, where fresh local ingredients meet traditional flavors amidst breathtaking scenery.
-
Fisherman's Bar NINA
Experience the freshest seafood in Yakushima at Fisherman's Bar NINA, where culinary excellence meets stunning ocean views.
Similar Travel Diaries you may find interesting
Our editors` picks of the latest and greatest in travel - delivered to your inbox weekly