TRAVEL BY FERRY TO YAKUSHIMA 2020

WHAT IS THE TIMETABLE? 

Adult Single: 4,900 yen 

Adult Return: 8,900 yen

Prices increase during holiday times such as Golden Week (late April – early May) and Obon (early August])

WHAT’S IT LIKE?

The ferry is large and comfortable and provides a carpeted area to relax on the lower level and a lounge area upstairs. There is a small noodle restaurant, a simple shop and vending machines. Provided the weather is good, I really think that this is the best way to arrive as you get to see Yakushima magically looming in the distance.

HOW DO I GET A TICKET?

You can’t get a ticket online. It is possible to buy a ticket on any LOPPI ticket machine in Lawson convenience stores in Japan but you need to read Japanese. 

Travel form to Yakushima

Otherwise you have to physically go to the port, fill in the form in the black box above and hand it in at the counter to get your ticket. Just write your name – nothing else.

Ticket machine at the port

As you go in there is a colorful machine in front of you. You can also use that without having to fill in the form. Make sure you push the right buttons though. 


During peak season (Golden Week, Obon holidays and New Year), you can only buy single tickets.

DO THEY HAVE A WEBSITE?

This ferry leaves from Minami-futo Wharf Traveller’s Terminal 南埠頭旅客ターミナル which is super convenient, as it is close to the center of Kagoshima.

The price of taking a car is slightly less than Ferry Yakushima 2.

WHAT’S IT LIKE?

You may notice that this is the cheapest option. Take a look at the timetable and you’ll see why! You’re on the boat from 6 pm to 7 am. The boat docks at Tanegashima for the night but you can’t get off! Watch the video below to see where you sleep. Also note that this ferry leaves from a different port which is further south from central Kagoshima. 

If money is tight and time is no issue then this is the ferry for you!

Here is what the ferry looks like inside:

HOW DO I GET A TICKET?

You need to physically go to the port and buy the ticket. You can’t buy it online.  

WHERE DOES THE BOAT LEAVE FROM?

This is the problem with the Hibiscus ferry. It doesn’t leave from the same port as the jetfoils or Ferry Yakushima 2.  It leaves from Taniyama port 谷山港 and you need to catch the special bus at Tenmonkan in Kagoshima city center around 2 hours before the boat leaves. Failing that you can catch a taxi.

DO THEY HAVE A WEBSITE?

Yes. It’s www.yakushimaferry.com but it’s in Japanese!

For more information about Yakushima – check out the one and only Yakushima: A Yakumonkey Guide