Transport to and from Yakushima 2016
 |
BY AIR |
1. VIA KAGOSHIMA
JAL operates a JAC propellor plane 5 times a day from Kagoshima airport and the flight takes around 35 mins to cover 102 miles. The route south flies over Sakurajima volcano and offers wonderful views.
One way: 13,900 yen
Return: 26,500 yen
Current schedule up to March 2015: (subject to seasonal changes – check their website for details)
| www.yakumonkey.com | |
| Kagoshima | Yakushima |
| 08.45 | 09.20 |
| 10.50 | 11.25 |
| 12.35 | 13.10 |
| 13.55 | 14.30 |
| 16.15 | 16.55 |
| www.yakumonkey.com | |
| Yakushima | Kagoshima |
| 09.45 | 10.20 |
| 11.50 | 12.25 |
| 14.05 | 14.40 |
| 16.45 | 17.20 |
| 17.45 | 18.20 |
Click this image for JAL’s website:
2. VIA OSAKA
Transport to Yakushima was until very recently exclusively through the city of Kagoshima but Yakushima now has a daily direct flight to Itami, Osaka. (Distance travelled is 402 miles)
A 74 seater DH8-Q400 will take passengers between Itami, Osaka and Yakushima on the following daily schedule:
| www.yakumonkey.com | |
| Osaka (Itami | Yakushima |
| 10.35 | 12.10 |
| Yakushima | Osaka (Itami) |
| 14.55 | 16.15 |
Prices: Adult One way: 34,200 yen / Adult Return: 31,100 yen
Click this image for JAL’s website:
3. VIA FUKUOKA
| www.yakumonkey.com | |
| Fukuoka | Yakushima |
| 14.15 | 15.10 |
| Yakushima | Fukuoka |
| 14.55 | 16.15 |
Prices: Adult One way: 25,900 yen / Adult Return: 23,300 yen
Click this image for JAL’s website:
 |
BY SEA |
BY JETFOIL
The ‘Rocket’ jetfoil and the ‘Toppy’ jetfoil now belong to one company (Tane-Yaku Jet foil) and so have the same check-in desks and an integrated timetable:
Single: 9,100 yen
Return:15,500 yen
A local Travel agency now has a booking service for Toppy tickets. They will reserve the tickets for you in advance for a 500 yen fee. This is great news if you can’t read the Japanese Toppy webpage. They have an English page here.
Here is the timetable from mid September 2015 to March 11th 2016:
| www.yakumonkey.com | ||
| Kagoshima | via | Yakushima |
| 7.30 | Tanegashima | 10.10 |
| 7.45 | Ibusuki | 09.45 |
| 10.00 | Tanegashima | 12.40 (Anbo) |
| 12.00 | NOT 1/12-11/3 | 13.45 |
| 13.20 | 15.10 | |
| 15.00 | Tanegashima | 17.30 (Anbo) |
| www.yakumonkey.com | ||
| Yakushima | via | Kagoshima |
| 7.00 (Anbo) | Tanegashima | 09.35 |
| 10.00 | Tanegashima | 12.45 |
| 10.45 | 12.35 | |
| 13.30 (Anbo) | 15.30 | |
| 15.40 | Tanegashima Ibusuki | 18.20 |
| 16.00 | Ibusuki | 18.05 |
Here is the timetable from March 12th 2016 to September 13th 2016:
| www.yakumonkey.com | ||
| Kagoshima | via | Yakushima |
| 7.30 | Tanegashima | 10.10 |
| 7.45 | Ibusuki | 09.45 |
| 10.20 | Tanegashima | 13.00 (Anbo) |
| 12.00 | 13.50 | |
| 13.20 | 15.10 | |
| 16.00 | Tanegashima | 18.30 (Anbo) |
| www.yakumonkey.com | ||
| Yakushima | via | Kagoshima |
| 7.00 (Anbo) | Tanegashima | 09.35 |
| 10.00 | Tanegashima | 12.45 |
| 10.45 | 12.35 | |
| 13.30 (Anbo) | 15.30 | |
| 16.00 | Tanegashima Ibusuki | 18.40 |
| 17.15 | Ibusuki | 19.15 |
/div>
Check this site for up-to-date timetables:
If there is bad weather and the wave height goes over 3 metres the jetfoils may be cancelled. Be prepared. If the worst does happen and it is cancelled, a refund is given. If they are cancelled due to bad weather, try the ferry (see below) as it often still runs when the jetfoils are cancelled or take the plane which rarely cancels.
BY FERRY
1. FERRY YAKUSHIMA 2
| www.yakumonkey.com | ||
| Kagoshima | Yakushima | Kagoshima |
| 08.30 | 12.30 | |
| 13.30 | 17.40 | |
(2nd class) Single: 4,900 yen Return: 8,900 yen
The ferry is large and comfortable and provides a carpeted area to lie down. If you have the time, it is the best way to arrive.
2. YAKUSHIMA FERRY HIBISCUS
| www.yakumonkey.com | ||
| Kagoshima | Tanekashima | Yakushima |
| 18.00 | 21.40 | |
| 05.10 | 07.00 | |
| Yakushima | Tanekashima | Kagoshima |
| 08.20 | 10.10 | |
| 11.00 | 14.40 | |
Here is what the ferry looks like inside:
Do you know how much it costs to take a car on either of these ferries?
Yes I do and the page has been updated with the information you want.
I was planing to take a ferry from Kagoshima to Yakushima in the morning in mid May. But have I understood it correctly, that there no longer operates a slow ferry, only jet foil ferries? Are they likely to extend their schedule in May and summer?
Grateful for re-confirmation, with thanks, Karin
Hey Yakumonkey!
Thanks for the site, great information. I'm having a little trouble navigating the toppy ferry website (mostly because of all the complicated Japanese!), so I was hoping I could run a quick query by you. I know that the information you've provided states that only the 7.45 ferry from kagoshima stops at Ibusuki, but I wanted to check whether or not that was still the case. I'm hoping to leave from Ibusuki in the afternoon after visiting the sand onsens there, but clearly if the ferry doesn't stop there in the afternoon I'll need to change my plans. Thanks in advance.
ryan
Hello Ryan, I had a check on the Toppy website and the information above is still correct. I've never taken that Toppy myself so can't give you the specifics. Anyway have a good trip.
No, the ferries are still running as normal. The ferry you want is the Ferry Yakushima 2 which runs all year.
I just made reservations via Toppy, and it seems you -have- to call in now to do it. I think they and Cosmo are merging and the web registration has been taken down. (Even though it still takes up half the front page of Toppy…)
They just took my name and phone number, then told me to transfer money to their bank account and bring that receipt to the dock as a ticket. Is that standard? My boyfriend says it's how things are done in Japan, but it sounds so sketchy to me. 🙁
On their site, I found this: 予約センター（個人） Tel：099-226-0128 Fax：099-222-7155
予約センター（団体） Tel：099-223-5688 Fax：099-222-7155
営業時間（平日） 8：30～19：00
（土日祝）8：30～17：30
〒892-0814 鹿児島市本港新町5
I called the first number for my reservations. Might be a good addition to the site. 🙂
Thank you for all the awesome info on this site!!
Hi, I am wondering if there are any extra per person charges if you ferry a car across? We are 4 people in 1 car thanks.
Related to the question above. The charges you have listed for a car, is that on top of the per person single or return ticket price? Or does it include the price for all people in the car? Thanks!
Hello,
Thanks for the information! Just wondering about the Yakushima Ferry Hibiscus service – are you allowed to stay on board the ferry during the Kagoshima to Yakushima stopover in Tanekashima (from 21:40 to 5:10) ? Thanks!
Sarah, yes. You can't actually get off! There are large carpetted rooms to sleep in.
Thanks so much for your quick reply!
Hi, where can you pre-purchase tickets for the Yakushima 2 ferry? I will be traveling from Fukuoka to Kagoshima and will arrive at 8am, and the ferry leaves at 8:30am, so I want to make sure I have enough time to find my way to the dock without having to also find a ticket. Is this enough time?
Are you arriving by bus?
I have a rail pass and will be arriving by JR rail to the station in Kagoshima.
OK. Well the simple answer is that the train station is not near the port so it's very doubtful that you'd make it in time. You can't unfortunately buy the ferry ticket online.
Hello, I thought about taking the ferry Hibiscus on the way back.
My shinkansen is at 16:43 at Kagoshima-chuo (already booked as I couldn't take another one later).
I just discovered that Hibiscus ferry doesn't arrive in Kagoshima but next to Goino station (one train to Kagoshima every half hour + 25 min of travel)!
Do you think I can make it (I have a big suitcase to roll, so I cannot run)?
I mean get off the ferry with my big suitcase and reach the station in less than 30minutes) as I see a train at 15:25 from Goino to Kagoshima-Chuo.
thks!
Gwenn.
Hi,
Anyone have any idea if there's any charge for taking a bicycle across?
Taking a bicycle trailer too.
If you know, thanks!
Erik
The trip from Taniyama port to Kagoshima city center can also be done by taxi in15 mins. Or take the 15.14 bus which takes 40 mins. Both will get you there on time.
How are you travelling?
By bicycle!
Many thanks!!!
I was stressed. Now I relax. I will reach your beautiful island tomorrow^^ (and I can't wait).
Gwenn
Oh for goodness sake. Are you going via jet foil, ferry Yakushima 2, Hibiscus?
Hahaha.. sorry. Jetfoil, by the looks of it. I want to arrive tomorrow afternoon.
hi, I jsut wanted to know where the hibiscus takes off in kagoshima exactly and where it´ll arrive in yakushima and reverse….
It leaves from Taniyama port in Kagoshima (40 min bus from the center) and goes to Miyanoura in Yakushima.
so does that mean i have to take a certain bus in the towncenter, or just the same one from the airport as for the jet foil?? and thank you for answering me, my japanes is really not that great!
No, it's a particular bus (to Taniyama) from where the airport bus drops you off in Tenmonkan in the city center. All the details are in the book.
Hi, I just want to know if there is any ferry or jet foil which stops at anbo in July.
Thanks, Jan
Yes, two jet foils a day go to Anbo. The 10.30 and the 16.00 from Kagoshima.
Hello! Thank you for all of the information!
My husband and I are coming to Yakushima for our honeymoon in November. We will be arriving from Kyoto at 2:14pm and are hoping to catch the last Jet Foil of the day at 4pm. Thanks to your link I tried looking at the website for the current timetable (even though I don't speak or read any Japanese ^^), but it seems that the timetable only exists for July and August. Is this a misunderstanding on my part, or does the jet foil not run in November? Thank you very much for any help you can give us!
Hi there we are planning on getting the last jet on the 5th of September @4 (till Sept 8th) we are going to get a round trip but its hard to find information on if we HAVE to get an Anbo back or if we can just get on the jet at Miyanoura Port? this is also being said are we allowed to just hop on when we want? it says its good for 7 days but when buying the return ticket do we have to book what Time/Port we're getting back for Kagoshima? If you could give us any information it would help us a lot with our trip ^.^
Just a comment.. I've been to Yakushima a few times, and never had a problem just getting a ticket on the jetfoil on the day (weather permitting)… but two weeks ago I ran into a totally new situation: rocket launch on Tanegashima! Everything boat completely full with waiting lists… never seen such crowds, all going to see the launch. Fortunately the 12.00 was still available, since that one doesn't stop at Tanegashima. By the way, you can see the rocket launch very clearly from Yakushima.
Hi,
Thanks for such a comprehensive site! its been a pleasure to use. I was wondering though if you could tell me what port the Hibiscus ferry docks at in Yakushima. And, perhaps how i would get from there to Shiki-No-Yado Onoaida?
Thanks so much
The Hibiscus goes to Miyanoura from where you can catch a bus. You can contact Shikinoyado direct – they speak English and will help you with any issues getting there from the port.
The timetables change seasonally but the jet foil runs the whole year through. You should see the timetable for November now.
Hi,
First time to Japan and Yakushima. Does the JR pass cover the ferry as well, or is that a separate charge? Your site is very helpful. Thanks.
Hello Roger. The pass doesn't cover the ferry so you'll need to buy a separate ticket.
I am traveling alone and planning to visit on a weekday around May 16 to stay for a week. How in advance do you recommend me to book accommodation?
Sorry, I meant to also ask about how in advance would be recommended for booking Jet Foil.
Hi Stephanie. For May I'd recommend you book as soon as possible for both the jet foil and accommodation.
Hello,
i'll take a ferry around 26 december so i have a question about Yakushima 2 ferry. Can i buy a ticket on port ?, No reservation because i can't read Japanese and i don't know how to buy a ticket at Lawson
Thanks
Yes, you can't reserve it beforehand. You have to buy the ticket when you arrive.
My husband and I are arriving in Yakushima on 23/9 by ferry from Kagoshima. We are staying at Sankara Resort. We leave on the 27/9, heading for Okinawa. What Is the best way to get there? I can only find a flight from Kagoshima on ANA. Is there a direct flight from Yakashima? We are flying with JAL from Australia.
We love Japan as we are skiers, and head to Hokkaido every Jan/Feb. This will be our first time here in the Autumn. Any must see destinations? Any advice will be most appreciated
Thank you in anticipation
Ann
There are very few connections between the islands along the Ryukyu chain. If you want to go south from Yakushima, you have to go back to Kagoshima. Keep you eye on the weather forecast as there can be typhoons around which can affect transportation.
How do you reserve a ticket for the Yakushima 2 ferry in advance? Thank you!
Hi,
1) what is the timetable for the Shimana <-> Miyanoura <-> Kuchierabujima (or is there a website?i,
2) would the Toppy accept a bicycle still in its cardboard box?
Thank You
hi,
i would like to ask how much the ferry (the ferry yakushima 2) will cost with car in the days 28-29th april. car plus trip go and return i mean.
thank u!
Hello Davide. It depends on the length of your car. But you'll have to pay 4,900 each adult each way (9,800) + the cost of the car at that time.
Thanks for the infos! We are taking the April 11th ferry 2 (the slow one) from Kagoshima. Should we buy the ticket in advance or it ain't necessary? If we want to book it in advance I heard we can buy it at a LOPPI machine. Is that right?
Yes, you should be able to buy the Yakushima 2 ferry tickets on a LOPPI machine. Buying in advance is only necessary at busy times like Golden Week.
Hello! Thank you very much for your help and your book! (I bought it) But in the book there is no information where (and how) to buy a ticket for the ferry hibiscus. Help me please.
Hello Roman. Yes, that's the most difficult to buy in advance if you don't speak Japanese. They have a number on the website (www.yakushimaferry.com)” target=”_blank”> ” target=”_blank”>(www.yakushimaferry.com) for reservations. If it's not a busy period, you can buy your ticket at the port.
Thank you very much!
Tell me please, can I buy the tickets into the ferry? In LOOPI machine?
Hi,
I'm thinking about taking the Hibiscus ferry to Yakushima and I've read that there are carpeted room to sleep in. What does that actually mean? Are there beds? Matrasses? Or do you sleep on the floor? Do you need a sleeping bag?
Any info is welcome!
Thanks,
Sandra
It's a raised area with a carpet covering the floor. You sleep on the carpet with a blanket. You can see for yourself here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhO4GiwJpDo
Hi,
We would like to take the Hiniscus ferry at 6PM. We could not figure out on the Japanese website how you can book the tickets in advance. Is that possible? If not, how likely would it be that we can just arrive around 4-5 PM, just show up and still get on board?
About the sleeping area: I seems like they do provide blankets, but did not see any mattresses. Should you sleep on the ground?
If anybody can help us, that would be great. Thanks!
Hi Ming. This is the old page – did you get here via a link? So for the Hibiscus you just turn up and buy the ticket! You can't buy it online. And yes, you sleep on the carpet.