Although the Kuromidake Tour (黒味岳) is suitable for beginners, the guests should be in good health and fitness as it is an 8 hour walk on uneven ground with one or two steep sections. There are also a few short ropes to ascend / descend near the top of Kuromidake. This is a great hiking day into the central highlands of Yakushima.
The highlights of the Kuromidake Tour include the marsh areas of Hananoego （花之江河）and Kohananoego（小花之江河）. Also , from Kohananoego there is a great view of Kobandake (高盤岳). Kobandake is often referred to as Tofu Rock – huge slabs of granite sit upon the summit of the mountain, arranged as though the rock had been sliced by the gods. Rather than tofu, it actually looks more like a loaf of sliced bread.
The early stages of the Kuromidake Tour go through some wonderful forest at the higher end of the temperate zone. There a good selection of weather-worn sugi and colorful stewartia trees. The latter stages of the trail enter the sub-alpine zone with many examples of the Yakushima rhododendron and other hardy species. In fact, there is a good variation of flora throughout the day. In June, the walk in the highland can be spectacular as the rhododendron are in bloom and late summer is also a good time to visit this area as some of the delicate alpine plants make an appearance.
The Yododgawa is a beautiful scene on a still day as the river becomes a mirror reflecting the canopy. The serenity around the river is to be savored and the water around this area is particularly delicious.
From the top of Kuromidake there is a 360° view as you stand near the center of the island at 1831 meters. The highest mountains on the island stand right in front of you – Miyanouradake and Nagatadake. There are also distant views of Aikodake, Tachudake and Kurio Village down by the coast. On clear days the west of Yakushima has a good view of the volcanic island of Kuchinoerabujima (口永良部島) .
There a few places to re-fill with water along the way, but it would be better to bring at least a litre with you (especially in the summer months when 2 liters would be recommended). Kuromidake is exposed to the sun and a hat is essential on sunny days. It can also be windy on the top so bring something warm to wear as eating lunch at the summit is recommended.
The drive up to the Yodogawa trail entry is a very interesting ride as we go from sea level to 1,300 meters and along the way the vegetation changes. There are also good views of Anbo in the east of Yakushima and the neighboring island of Tanegashima (種子島).
Tour Information
Level 4/5 | Distance: 10km | Time 7 – 8 hours | Altitude 1370 ～ 1831m
Kuromidake Tour fees
Options & Prices Open Tour - Guide with English ability Private Tour - Guide with English ability Open Tour - Native English Guide Private Tour - Native English Guide 1 person 49,000 yen 59,000 yen unavailable unavailable 2 people 50,000 yen 60,000 yen unavailable unavailable 3 people 66,000 yen 75,000 yen unavailable unavailable 4 people 76,000 yen 88,000 yen unavailable unavailable More the 4 guests - contact YES
Included in the guide rate： lunch bento | transportation
Visitors entering the UNESCO area aged 15 years or over are requested to pay a 1,000 yen Environment Maintaince donation. Please make this payment at the Yodogawa Mountain entrance on the day of the tour.
BOOK THIS TOUR and/or ask YES for more details.
Please check the YES hiking gear recommendations. If you do not have the correct gear and don`t wish to carry heavy hiking boots on an international flight then YES can arrange hiking gear rental on Yakushima.
Please click here for recommended travel insurance
Cancellation Policy
A cancellation charge will be waivered only if adverse weather prevents the guest from arriving to Yakushima, or adverse weather forces us to cancel the tour. Under all other circumstances if a the guest cancels a tour then cancellation charges apply.
Cancellation Charges
| 15 days in advance | Free |
| 14ー8 days in advance | 30％ |
| 7 – 2 days in advance | 50％ |
| 1 day or on the day | 100％ |
