Yodogawa Trailhead
Gateway to Yakushima's highest peak, Mt. Miyanoura, offering challenging hikes through lush, rain-kissed forests and stunning island vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and weather
Yodogawa Trailhead
Best Time
Beat the crowds and weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Gateway to Yakushima's highest peak, Mt. Miyanoura, offering challenging hikes through lush, rain-kissed forests and stunning island vistas.
"The scenery was so refreshing and phenomenal. Def coming back!"
waterproof shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Much of the trail has flowing water, so waterproof footwear is essential to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
Pack for all weather :umbrella:
Expect cold, clouds, and rain even if it's sunny at sea level. Layers are key for comfort on the mountain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit of Mt. Miyanoura
Yodogawa Trailhead
Reach Yakushima's highest peak for breathtaking panoramic views of the island on clear days.
Yodogawa River Scenery
Trail leading from Yodogawa Trailhead
Experience refreshing, phenomenal natural beauty with flowing water and lush greenery along the path.
Wildlife Encounters
Yodogawa Trailhead trails
Keep an eye out for native wildlife as you traverse this beautiful and diverse island landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Yakushima Hikes
Getting to the Yodogawa Trailhead
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
waterproof shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Much of the trail has flowing water, so waterproof footwear is essential to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
Pack for all weather :umbrella:
Expect cold, clouds, and rain even if it's sunny at sea level. Layers are key for comfort on the mountain.
Consider an overnight stay :sleeping_bed:
The hut near the trailhead offers wooden floors for sleeping, making an overnight trip feasible and rewarding.
Car is most convenient :car:
While buses exist, a car offers the easiest and most flexible way to reach the Yodogawa Trailhead, especially for early starts.
Planning out 48 hours on Yakushima
Tips
from all over the internet
waterproof shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Much of the trail has flowing water, so waterproof footwear is essential to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
Pack for all weather :umbrella:
Expect cold, clouds, and rain even if it's sunny at sea level. Layers are key for comfort on the mountain.
Consider an overnight stay :sleeping_bed:
The hut near the trailhead offers wooden floors for sleeping, making an overnight trip feasible and rewarding.
Car is most convenient :car:
While buses exist, a car offers the easiest and most flexible way to reach the Yodogawa Trailhead, especially for early starts.
Allow a full day :stopwatch:
The hike to Mt. Miyanoura is 9+ hours roundtrip. Plan accordingly to enjoy the experience without rushing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Yodogawa Trailhead for its stunning natural beauty and the rewarding challenge of hiking to Mt. Miyanoura. The refreshing scenery and potential for wildlife sightings are highlights. However, the unpredictable and often harsh weather, coupled with the long and demanding trail, can be significant challenges for unprepared hikers.
"Parking available here! We started our day hike for Miyanoura here, however we couldn’t make to the top bc of the sudden rain. The scenery was so refreshing and phenomenal. Def coming back!"
Chutikhan Na Songkhla
"Beautiful trail and epic scenery. The trail is 9+ hours roundtrip. Expect cold, clouds, and rain even when it's sunny at sea level. You can make it a day trip with a car or overnight trip by bus. The hut near the trailhead has wooden floors to sleep on. Bring water proof shoes as a good portion of the trail has flowing water."
Lief Friedrichs
"we did the trail to mt miyanoura and continued towards shiratani unsuikyo, spending a night at shin-takatsuka hut.
taking the first bus to the trail head meant that we started the hike around 10.30am. for those looking at an earlier start, taking a taxi would be the only way."
Ian Pan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Yodogawa Trailhead is best accessed by car for convenience and flexibility, especially for early starts. Public buses are available on Yakushima, but they can be infrequent and may not align with optimal hiking times. Taking a taxi is another option for an earlier start than public transport allows.
The roads leading to the trailhead are generally manageable, but can be narrow and winding in places. It's advisable to have a reliable vehicle and drive cautiously. Parking is available at the trailhead.
Yes, it's possible to reach the Yodogawa Trailhead by bus, but it requires careful planning due to limited schedules. Many visitors find it inconvenient for an early start, making a car a preferred option.
The Yodogawa Trailhead is one of the closest starting points for a one-day hike to Mt. Miyanoura. The trail is well-marked, though it can be challenging in parts.
While dedicated shuttle services specifically for the Yodogawa Trailhead might be limited, local taxi services can be hired. It's recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific entrance fees or tickets required to access the Yodogawa Trailhead itself. However, any associated park fees or permits for specific hiking routes on Yakushima should be checked beforehand.
The Yodogawa Trailhead is an outdoor natural area and is generally accessible 24/7. However, it's recommended to hike during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
Typically, there is no admission fee for the hiking trails originating from the Yodogawa Trailhead. However, Yakushima National Park may have general entrance fees or specific trail regulations to be aware of.
While the trailhead itself doesn't require booking, if you plan to stay overnight in the nearby hut, it's advisable to inquire about reservation possibilities, especially during busy periods.
Generally, there are no specific entry restrictions for the Yodogawa Trailhead. However, always be mindful of park regulations, leave no trace principles, and any temporary closures due to weather or maintenance.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike to Mt. Miyanoura from the Yodogawa Trailhead is considered strenuous, covering approximately 9.5 miles roundtrip. It involves some minor scrambles and can be challenging, especially with changing weather conditions.
You can expect refreshing and phenomenal natural scenery, including flowing water, lush greenery, and potentially wildlife. On clear days from Mt. Miyanoura's summit, you'll get beautiful views of the entire island.
Yes, it is possible to complete the hike to Mt. Miyanoura and back in a single day from the Yodogawa Trailhead, but it's a long day (9+ hours). Starting early is crucial.
It's essential to wear waterproof hiking shoes as parts of the trail have flowing water. Layering clothing is also recommended due to unpredictable mountain weather.
There is a hut near the trailhead that offers wooden floors for sleeping if you plan an overnight trip. Basic amenities like restrooms might be available, but it's best to confirm beforehand.
📸 📸 Photography
The Yodogawa Trailhead offers stunning natural beauty, including the flowing Yodogawa River and lush forests. The summit of Mt. Miyanoura provides panoramic island views on clear days, making it a prime photography spot.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes and forests. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or capturing the movement of water. Don't forget a waterproof camera bag or cover.
Early morning and late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. However, the dramatic, misty atmosphere can also create unique photographic opportunities at any time.
The trail itself offers numerous scenic spots along the Yodogawa River. The summit of Mt. Miyanoura is the ultimate viewpoint, but be prepared for potential cloud cover obscuring the view.
Be patient and respectful. Use a telephoto lens to get close-up shots without disturbing the animals. Look for movement in the undergrowth and listen for sounds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎒 Budget Travelers
🚶 Solo Adventurers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Yakushima's Unpredictable Weather
Embrace the elements – the rain is what makes Yakushima so lush and unique. Don't let it deter you, but rather, prepare for it. Many hikers find that the challenging weather adds to the adventure and the feeling of accomplishment upon reaching their destination.
The Yodogawa Trailhead to Mt. Miyanoura Hike
For those looking to break up the long day hike, there's a hut near the trailhead that offers basic accommodation with wooden floors for sleeping. This allows for an earlier start on summit day or a more relaxed pace. If you choose to hike in one day, starting as early as possible is highly recommended to maximize daylight hours and potentially avoid afternoon weather changes. Remember to carry plenty of water and snacks, as facilities are limited along the trail.



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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit