Ōsumi Islands
Yakushima's old cedar forests and mountain trails bring travelers here, and Tanegashima's space center adds a different side to the trip.
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The Ōsumi Islands are a volcanic archipelago in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. The chain runs south from the tip of Kyushu and makes up the northernmost part of the Ryukyu Islands. The main islands are Tanegashima, Yakushima, Kuchinoerabujima and Mageshima. Yakushima is known for its mountains and forests, with Miyanouradake rising to 1,935 meters and ancient cedar on its slopes. Tanegashima is known for the Tanegashima Space Center, a rocket launch site at its southeastern end.
People have lived here since at least the Jōmon period. In 1543, a Chinese ship carrying Portuguese traders stranded on Tanegashima, and the Portuguese are credited with bringing firearms to Japan. The climate is humid subtropical, with very warm summers and mild winters. Rain falls heavily all year, most of all in May, June and September, so pack for wet weather on Yakushima's trails. Regular ferries link the islands with Kagoshima and the Amami Islands, and New Tanegashima Airport and Yakushima Airport serve the islands.
Ōsumi Islands in five
- Plan the Jomon Sugi shuttle firstFrom 1 March to 30 November, private cars cannot use the road to the Arakawa trailhead. Shuttles leave the Yakusugi Museum in Anbo at about 5:00–6:00; buy tickets a day ahead if you can.Yakushima trip planning
- Start the Jomon Sugi hike before dawnThe round trip is about 22 km and takes 9–12 hours. Get back to the trailhead before the last shuttle in the afternoon or early evening.
- Take the jetfoil, or fly if seas are roughJetfoils from Kagoshima take 2–3 hours, and a slower car ferry runs once a day. Flights from Kagoshima take about 40 minutes. Rough seas can cancel boats.
- Rent a car for the coast roadDriving around the island takes about three hours. Buses run roughly hourly along most of the coast, but not on the west side.Getting around Yakushima
- Pack for rain in any monthThe mountains are among the wettest places in Japan. June is the heaviest month, and a light shell, spare socks and boots with grip matter more than a summer outfit.
Need to know
- Getting there
- Kagoshima jetfoil 2–3 h, or a flight of about 40 min
- Getting around
- Rental car, or buses about hourly on the coast
- Best base
- Anbo for the Jomon Sugi shuttle; Miyanoura for ferries
- Time needed
- 2–3 nights, plus a spare day for weather
- Trail fees
- Shuttle plus a per-person mountain fee for Jomon Sugi
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- JanuarySnow on peaks
- FebruaryCold, quiet
- MarchBus season starts
- AprilMild, greener
- MayBest hiking
- JuneHeaviest rain
- JulyHot, humid
- AugustTyphoon risk
- SeptemberTyphoon risk
- OctoberClear, mild
- NovemberAutumn, drier
- DecemberCold, quiet
Right now in Ōsumi Islands
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
20
- Feels like
- 17°
- Humidity
- 69%
- Wind
- 33 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 4%
Ōsumi Islands
07:03 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today23°20°4%Tuesday: Partly cloudy. High 23°, Low 20°. Chance of rain 4%.
- Wed25°22°10%Wednesday: Partly cloudy. High 25°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 10%.
- Thu26°24°61%Thursday: Drizzle. High 26°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 61%.
- Fri24°20°35%Friday: Drizzle. High 24°, Low 20°. Chance of rain 35%.
- Sat20°17°0%Saturday: Clear. High 20°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sun20°19°0%Sunday: Cloudy. High 20°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Mon20°19°3%Monday: Cloudy. High 20°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 3%.
Updated 05:12 AM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 157.5 JPY
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
Day trips from Ōsumi Islands, the full guide- Jōmon SugiAbout 40 min shuttle, then 9–12 hours on footA full-day hike on the Arakawa trail to the island's best-known cedar.Read the guide
- Shiratani Unsuikyo1–4 hours on footMossy forest walks of different lengths from a road-accessible trailhead.
- TanegashimaAbout 1.5 hours by jetfoil from KagoshimaBeaches, surf and the JAXA rocket center; a separate trip from Kagoshima.
- Kagoshima2–3 hours by jetfoilThe mainland gateway, with volcanic Sakurajima across the bay.Read the guide
Before you go to Ōsumi Islands
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Rules for Ōsumi Islands, checked
- Arakawa trail: from 1 March to 30 November, take the Yakusugi Museum shuttle to the trailhead; submit a trekking registration form first.Checked Oct 1, 2026 · Source
All Ōsumi Islands guides
Plan around Ōsumi Islands
Kagoshima is the gateway; plan the mainland leg first.
Read the guideIs the JR Pass worth it?Price your Kyushu route before you buy a pass.
Read the guideBest time to visit JapanRainy season, typhoons and the seasons that suit hiking.
Read the guideMoney in JapanCarry cash for small island shops, buses and huts.
Read the guideeSIM for JapanCoverage is patchy inland; pick a plan and download offline maps.
Read the guideŌsumi Islands FAQ
How many days do you need on Yakushima?
Two nights is the minimum for one Jomon Sugi day hike plus a short forest walk. Three nights leaves a spare day for rain, which is common, and lets you add Shiratani Unsuikyo or the coast.
How do you get to Yakushima from Kagoshima?
By jetfoil in 2–3 hours, by the daily car ferry in about 4 hours, or by plane in about 40 minutes. The jetfoil can be cancelled in rough seas, so avoid a same-day international flight after leaving the island.
Can you hike to Jomon Sugi in one day?
Yes, but it is long: about 22 km round trip and 9–12 hours, starting from the early shuttle. Fit hikers do it in a day; otherwise choose a shorter forest walk instead.
When is the best time to visit Yakushima?
April and May, and October to November, are the best balance of milder weather and lighter rain. June is the wettest, and August to September carries typhoon risk.
Do you need a car on Yakushima?
Not required, but useful. Buses run about hourly along much of the coast, though not the west side and not to trailheads at dawn. A car gives freedom for waterfalls and viewpoints.
Can you combine Yakushima with Okinawa?
Yes, but not directly by boat. Fly Naha to Kagoshima, which takes roughly two hours, then continue by jetfoil or plane. Allow a buffer day, since weather can delay sea crossings.