The amount of travel time was trying though. From Nagoya we took the Willer highway bus to Osaka, then a Peach flight from Osaka to Kagoshima, a airport shuttle to Kagoshima, a 4-hour Ferry to Yakushima, and finally city bus to the south side of the island where we stayed at the Yakushima Youth Hostel. *Phew*
Peach air has super cheap domestic flights! But if I had to go again, I would fly straight to yakushima to get more time on the island.
There is a faster ferry but it's double the price. This ferry was creepy and interesting. It reminded us if the Shining on water. If the waves get rough they even lock you inside (O_O)
The Youth Hostel that we stayed at was clean and reasonably priced but the owner seemed grumpy all the time. Since there are only city buses, it took forever to get there!
http://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/yakushima-youth-hostel.html
When traveling around yakushima it may be best to hitchhike or rent a car/scooter/bicycle, depending on how far away you are from your planned activities. The bus is the most frugal choice though. Bus passes can be bought a certain hostels, hotels and at the information desk at the port. FYI their are two bus companies. The city bus is the one you want if you really want to get around the island at the cheapest price. A day pass for 4 days is about 4000yen. The guides spoke very good English and were extremely kind and helpful!
Jomonsugi
If you plan to visit the 3000-7000 year old cedar tree called Jomonsugi, be prepared for a long hike. The first part follows the old tracks of a train that stopped running up the mountain a long time ago, which actually makes the walk uneven and more difficult than it should be in my opinion. If it rains, it even gets a little slippery. While I saw people in all kinds of shoes and attire I recommend basic hiking gear/rain gear. Don't forget gloves!
We left our hostel and took the first bus from the south side of the island around 4:50am. If you don't get to the Trail entrance by a certain time you may not make it back to the buses in time to return home O.O
Plan all your buses and ask for advice from the tourist information center they can help make sure you catch the right buses.
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