Best Seasons to visit Yakushima island in Japan

“When is the best time to visit Yakushima?” This question is quite common, and the answer is that the best season varies according to altitude zones.

Yakushima is an island with subtropical vegetation to cool temperature zones distributed vertically on its steep mountains. Due to a temperature difference of approximately 14°C between inhabited areas and mountain peaks, the best season differs.

We introduce Yakushima’s best seasons.

Late March to Early April: Stunning Views from Taikoiwa

Stunning Views from Taikoiwa

The view of mountain cherry blossoms from Taikoiwa is breathtaking, resembling a paradise on Earth.

The mountain cherry blossoms are full bloom annually around April 5th to 10th.

Beautiful Fresh Greenery of Evergreen Trees

March to April showcases the beautiful fresh greenery of Acer morifolium. It’s a time when new shoots of evergreen trees sprout, displaying colors like red, yellow, and fluorescent green, creating a stunning visual.

Peak Season for Flowers

The island bursts into bloom from March to May with various wildflower species.

September to October: Panorama from the Summit of Mt. Kuromi is Recommended

Panorama from the Summit of Mt. Kuromi

Here, Mt. Miyanoura (1,936m) stands tallest, with Mt. Nagata (1,886m) to the left and Mt. Okina (1,868m) to the right. During winter, more than 2 meters of snow can accumulate, earning it the nickname “the Alps of the Sea” on the South Seas.

Altitudes exceeding 1700m reach Yakushima’s forest limit, where direct sunlight intensifies. Therefore, the slightly cooler months of September to October are optimal.

Abundant Flowers of Yakushima’s Unique Alpine Plants

From September to October is the season for alpine plants. At the summit of Yakushima, the average annual temperature is said to be comparable to Sapporo. Yakushima’s unique plants bloom extravagantly from summer to autumn.

Late May to Early June is Also Recommended

Surprisingly, late May to early June is also recommended at the summit of Mt. Kuromi. Yakushima’s unique rhododendrons bloom across the mountains, creating a world akin to paradise, a sky-high flower field. Originally native to the Himalayas, these rhododendrons evolved independently on Yakushima during ancient times when the island was connected to the Asian continent during the glacial period.

Relaxed Camping Tour at Mt. Kuromi is Recommended

Participate in the “Relaxed Camping Tour at Mt. Kuromi” with a Yakushima-certified guide, where you’ll learn about the origins and mysteries of Yakushima’s native plants, deepen your understanding of Yakushima’s nature and history, and enjoy even more.

Late October to Early November: Breathtaking Autumn Leaves by Yodogawa River

Like a mirror, the clear stream reflects the autumn leaves of Siebold maple and nanakamado, offering a breathtaking view. Enjoy a luxurious time listening to the murmuring of the Yodogawa River in the tranquil forest.

The autumn leaves on nanakamado and Siebold maple, which grow on giant fir, hemlock, and Yakucedar, are beautiful. Early November, around November 1st to 10th, is particularly recommended.

Beautiful Reflection of Autumn Leaves in the Mirror-Like Stream

The autumn leaves reflected in this clear stream are magnificent. Enjoy a luxurious bento box and coffee while listening to the river’s murmurs.

(Reference: Enjoy the Autumn in Yakushima! Yodogawa Trekking Tour)

Yakushima, where vegetation from subtropical forests to cool temperature zones is vertically distributed, offers different best seasons depending on altitude zones. Refer to the introduced “Best Seasons of Yakushima” and enjoy Yakushima to the fullest!