Yakushima has some of the richest marine life in Japan and certainly the cleanest rivers in the country. During a visit to Yakushima then you should consider some water activities while you are here: scuba diving, snorkeling, shower climbing, river kayaking and SUP (Stand Up Paddle Boarding).
Take a look below at the Yakushima water activities available and contact YES with your booking request.
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River Kayaking
The water is so pure on Yakushima that even the estuaries are crystal clear. It is possible to river kayak year round and it’s a great way to experience the serenity and nature of Yakushima. The most popular kayaking river is the Anbo River. (安房). A river kayak trip usually starts from Anbo village and goes upstream a kilometer or so. Just beyond the Matsumine Bridge, the kayak guide will turn around to head back down-river. However, there is always time take a rest by the river bank or a dip in the river before you paddle leisurely back down towards the sea. The river is wide and calm, meandering slowly between deep-forested valley walls. It is safe and suitable for even complete kayaking novices. Keep your eyes and ears open and you may well spot monkeys feeding in the canopy close to the river or even sea turtles swimming upstream.
River kayaking is also possible along the Miyanoura River (宮之浦).
A half day river kayak activity starts from 10,000 yen per person.
Contact YES to make your booking.
Scuba Diving
The warm water allows corals to flourish and the swift current brings a multitude of sea life including the sea turtles that nest on the island during the summer. There is certainly plenty to see under water. An annual nationwide ocean diversity survey has, on three occasions, found Yakushima to have the greatest variety of marine life in Japan.
There are several Yakushima diving companies on the island which offer a range of diving services catering from ‘trial dives’ for first timers to boat dives for experienced divers. The prime beach dive spot is Isso in the north. Expect to pay around 12,000 yen for a half day beach trial dive including equipment rental or 17,000 yen for 2 dives. If you have a diving qualification make sure to bring your certification.
Contact YES to make your booking.
Snorkelling
From April to November a very popular ocean activity is snorkelling. The rocky shore has some interesting underwater life to explore and the local marine guide will know which places to go to at different times of the year. The sea temperature ranges from 20C in the winter to 28C in the summer and the warm seas mean that there are a whole array of fish and other marine life.
A half day tour is from 8,000 yen per person
Contact YES to make your booking.
Shower Climbing
Summer is the season for shower climbing (‘sawanobori’ in Japanese). The activity consists of ascending and descending a river, including climbing small waterfalls, sliding down ravine walls, and swimming through gorges. Guests wear special padded wet suits, life jackets, helmets, and hand and feet protection.
On Yakushima, the number of courses is almost limitless as there are rivers and waterfalls everywhere on the island. Children can also enjoy this activity. A half day tour is from 10,000 yen per person.
Contact YES to make your booking.
Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP)
Stand up paddle boards (SUP) are popular activity on Yakushima. In the heat of the summer, they make good launching vehicles for jumping off into the river! The main river for this activity is the Anbo River (安房). A half day trip starts from 8,000 yen.
Contact YES to make your booking.
