Lost Islands Of Japan

Our journey begins in the modern city of Kagoshima, a seaside city on Japan’s southern Kyushu Island (one of the four main islands of Japan). It is the ideal starting point for our exciting adventure, with easy boat routes to the islands we will be exploring in the coming days. As you fly in to Kagoshima you will see the stunning views of Sakurajima, an active volcano that faces KinkoBay. To keep flexibility for your arrival plans, we can support you in independently travelling to your hotel (bus or taxi) which is a simple journey, or can get you a quote for a private transfer. Our hotel in Kagoshima has been chosen for its location (easily reached by you independently) and modern facilities. Following the damage to the city in WW2, the city buildings, including our hotel, are largely modern structures. In the evening, timing of arrivals permitting, the group will meet together to enjoy a welcome briefing and dinner.For those arriving early, please note that you will be able to leave your luggage at the start hotel, but room check in is only available after 15:00.Overnight: Sunflex Kagoshima or similar. Included meals: Dinner.

After breakfast, at 10.20 we will catch our speedboat to the UNESCO Heritage island of Yakushima, arriving at Anbou Port at 13:05. It is one of the greenest, most lush places in the country (it receives a high rainfall), with a strong reputation for being a spiritual and mystical retreat and inspiration for Studio Ghibli's film "Princess Mononoke". Yakushima is home to a range of microclimates from subarctic to subtropical, thanks to its sandy beaches, ancient cedar forests with trees thought to be as old as 7,000 years, and its mountainous areas (it's highest peak, Mt Miyanoura, reaches 1935m). Our private guided tour by Yakushima Geographic Tour is arranged and includes the island includes Yakusugi Museum, the stunning Senpiro waterfalls as well as the Oko waterfalls with a walk along the western woodlands path. Yakushima produces much of its own food and has several specialities including flying fish - worth a try?In your free time, why not enjoy the onsen hot spring baths at your hotel. We will enjoy a Japanese dinner at our hotel tonight.Overnight: The Hotel Yakushima Ocean & Forest. Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Today we will explore on of Yakushimas most accessible nature parks, home to several of the islands ancient cedar trees including Nidaio Sugi, Kuguri Sugi & Yayoi Sugi. We enjoy a Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine Tour including some medium level hiking on well maintained trails to find the beautiful ancient cedar trees in what seems to be pre-historic forest, with amazing views. We will provide a packed lunch box for you.Overnight: The Hotel Yakushima Ocean & Forest. Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.