Yakushima

part of a museum complex at the base of the road leading to Yakusugiland and the Arakawa Trail

There are photos, movies and hands-on exhibits showing the island's natural wonders and the history of the logging industry. You can also hug a section of a 1660-year-old yakusugi. English explanatory pamphlet provided.

on the southwest coast, south of Kurio; 50 minutes by bus from Anbo to Nakama bus stop then 20-minute walk

Walk among the hundreds of tropical fruit trees and plants, with seasonal fruit like papaya, mango, guava and starfruit available to eat or drink.

on the coast north of Miyanoura; 10 minutes by bus from Miyanoura to Shitogo bus stop, then a 5-minute walk

There are 300-year-old Banyan trees and a variety of sub-tropical plants in a park setting.

on the remoter southwest coast of the island, a 60- and 90-minute bus ride from Anbo and Miyanoura respectively; no cell service but wifi hotspot available

There are several waterfalls on the island, and this one is justly rated as one of Japan's best.The 90-meter falls are easily accessible, being a short walk away from the main highway on a paved road, and visitors can approach the base for…

a few kilometers west, below picturesque Yudomari village

Far better is Yudomari Onsen. The tiny main pool has a bamboo screen that offers a modicum of separation between the sexes. But keep walking down the concrete path to the left of this bath and you will come to an even smaller, more private…

In spite of its theme-park name, this is another natural area for walking in the forest among yakusugi, with a variety of hiking options based on time (there are 30-, 50-, 80- and 150-minute round trip trails).

Hirauchi

This onsen is only usable for a few hours before and after low tide. It is also very well-known, and the constant flow of visitors can make it a less-than-relaxing place to bathe.

Miyanoura

This tree is said to be the largest and oldest tree on the island, perhaps 2,000-7,000 years old. Getting here involves an 8-hour hike, with shuttle bus departures arriving before dawn; plan seriously, and expect rain.

can be reached by car up the road, or by bus from Miyanoura

A map and suggested routes based on your time constraints are provided at the trail head. There are two main hiking options: a 3- to 4-hour route through an awe-inspiring forest with a half-dozen or so yakusugi and more moss than you can…

on the main road, from the bridge head to the town, on the right after the first junction

Prepare bentō (lunch box). Order the day before at 20:00 at the latest. If they are closed, you may need help to order by phone if you don't speak Japanese.

on the main road, from the bridge head to the town, on the right at the first junction

If you give up on the culinary specialties of the area (shame!), you can still opt for this fast food franchise whose hamburger taste more Japanese than their competitors.

in Anbō next to the post office

This simple Chinese-food restaurant offers among others tasty ramen and fried rice (chahan, チャーハン) in large quantity.

1436-35 Koseda, Yakushima

Plant-based joint in Yakushima, serving Japanese-style dishes. Open on evenings exclusively on a reservation basis.

off the track from 牛床公園 bus stop on the route up the mountain from Miyanoura to Shiratani Unsuikyo

Ryokan (separate toilet and hot spring water bath) with tatami mat rooms interconnected with wooden walkways. It is located within a forest of thin cedar trees which the rooms have balconies opening onto, and is right next to a clean…

136-2 Onoaida

The modern nonagonal hotel building is situated on a point so the Pacific horizon seems to stretch endlessly. Opposite, the island's mountains rise in a sheer rock face.

642-15 Onoaida

A small family-run lodge with a choice of Japanese style rooms, Western rooms or cottages. Beer is separately purchasable, and they will sell you a lunch the next day — recommended for hikers.

10 min from Anbo Port

Rooms with LCD TV, air conditioning and a small fridge. Shared bathroom and free washing machine. Wi-Fi for a small charge.