Yakushima Airport serves Yakushima Island in southern Japan’s Kyushu region. The airport provides regular flights from Kagoshima and other nearby cities, connecting travelers to this remote location by air. Its small size makes navigation straightforward for visitors arriving with luggage or seeking quick transit. The terminal includes basic services such as ticket counters, baggage handling and a waiting area. Outside, the climate is often cooler than mainland Japan due to ocean influences. Yakushima’s unique natural environment draws hikers and nature lovers year-round.
| Power Grid: |
100 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type A
Type A:
 Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Japanese Yen (JPY) £1 ≈ JP¥210 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Cashless payments are becoming more common, especially in cities, with some shops still preferring cash. Be prepared for occasional cash-only situations in rural areas.
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| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not customary in Japan and can be considered rude. Excellent service is the norm, and tipping is unnecessary in most places. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is legal and commonly accepted, particularly during festivals and events. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public places but allowed in designated outdoor areas. Some restaurants may have smoking sections. |
| New Year (January) |
One of the most important holidays, expect crowded temples and high prices. Plan ahead. |
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| Golden Week (April-May) |
The busiest travel time, expect high demand for accommodation and transport. |
| Obon (August) |
A time to honour ancestors, many businesses close, and transport can be crowded. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 110 (Police), 119 (Fire & Ambulance) |
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| Taxi apps: | Uber, JapanTaxi, DiDi |
| Other: | Japan is a country of respect, so understanding local customs and etiquette is important. Public transport is efficient, but can be crowded during peak hours. |
Yakushima Airport, sitting quietly on the island’s northeast coast, is a true countryside hub: compact, low-key, with just a handful of daily flights to Kagoshima, Fukuoka and Osaka. The rugged peaks and lush forests of Yakushima spread out from here – a world famous for thousand-year-old cedar trees and UNESCO world heritage hiking trails.
The airport’s facilities are basic yet comfortable, including free Wi-Fi, a small café and souvenir shops featuring local citrus, handmade crafts and snacks. The vibe is laid-back and friendly, with staff happy to help, but limited English can make more complex questions a bit of an adventure. Most travelers find rental cars right at the airport, which is practically a must for getting around Yakushima’s winding, bus-scarce roads.
Keep in mind: the airport is operational only from about 8:30 to 19:30 and amenities are slim after closing. Flight delays sometimes occur due to the island’s unpredictable mountain weather, so build in a flexible buffer. Taxi and bus links are limited but well-coordinated with flight schedules, while rental cars remain the top choice, especially for reaching hiking trailheads or onsen.
Overall, Yakushima Airport is the perfect tiny doorstep to adventures in ancient cedar groves, waterfalls and remote shoreline hot springs – and it’s best enjoyed by treating the slow pace and natural energy as part of the island experience.
Most guests stay in Yakushima’s Miyanoura, Anbo or near the main hiking areas, choosing guesthouses, eco-lodges or cozy family-run inns. No big resorts or hotels at the airport – think locally-owned, nature-based lodging.
To Miyanoura:
Miyanoura Port and town, Yakushima’s transport and tourism centre, are about 20 minutes from the airport by car or taxi. Local buses also connect with major flight arrivals and departures. Hire car is most convenient for flexibility.
To Anbo:
Anbo can be reached by taxi (about 15 minutes) or by bus from the airport. Hire car options are also available and recommended, as buses run only occasionally.
To Yakusugi Land:
Reaching Yakusugi Land—the island’s legendary cedar forest—is easiest by hire car (about 40 minutes), as buses are infrequent and require transfers. Taxi hire is possible but expensive.
