Kagoshima Prefecture’s best tours cut right to the heart of southern Japan’s natural treasures. My absolute favorite is the Amami Oshima Island Nature Highlights – it packs kayaking and waterfall discoveries into one action-filled day. The Private Yoron Island tour is worth every penny, giving you three full days to experience authentic island life and world-class snorkeling spots that most travelers never see. For nature lovers, nothing beats Yakushima’s ancient cedar forest tours. The Shiratani-Unsuikyo trek stands out for its moss-covered forest paths, while the Private Full-Day option lets you set your own pace through these 1,000-year-old giants. Let’s explore these top-rated adventures in detail.

Key Points

  1. Explore the ancient forests and towering Yakusugi cedars of Yakushima Island through personalized trekking and walking tours with professional English-speaking guides.

  2. Experience the natural wonders of Amami Oshima Island with a day tour that includes kayaking in mangroves, waterfall exploration, and scenic trekking.

  3. Enjoy a private 3-day tour in Yoron Island, with inclusions such as private transport, hotel pickup, snorkeling gear, and meals at local eateries.

  4. Set out on a Yakushima Private Island Sights Tour, which features an English-speaking guide and moderate fitness requirements, with availability from September 2024 to January 2026.

  5. Take advantage of flexible cancellation policies, with free cancellation up to 6 days in advance for most tours, ensuring peace of mind when planning your Kagoshima Prefecture adventure.

Amami Oshima Island Nature Highlights Day Tour

Amami Oshima Island Nature Highlights Day Tour

Nestled within the picturesque Kagoshima Prefecture, the Amami Oshima Island Nature Highlights Day Tour offers travelers a captivating glimpse into the island’s natural wonders. Priced from $170.50 per person, this tour takes visitors on a journey through the island’s lush mangrove forests, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking coastal landscapes.

Accommodating a maximum of 6 travelers, the tour departs at 9:00 am and includes private transportation, a provided lunch, and guided walks. Highlights include kayaking through the serene mangrove ecosystem, exploring a picturesque waterfall, and trekking along the island’s scenic Cape.

Though the tour involves some uphill walking, it’s suitable for most travelers, excluding those with heart problems or serious medical conditions.

With a perfect 5-star rating based on 6 reviews, this immersive nature tour promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking to enjoy Amami Oshima’s captivating natural beauty. Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours prior and secure their spot through a Reserve Now and Pay Later option.

Read our full review: Amami Oshima Island Nature Highlights Day Tour Review
Book now: Check availability

Private 3 Day Tour in Yoron Island

Private 3 Day Tour in Yoron Island

Offering a comprehensive immersion into the picturesque Yoron Island, this private 3-day tour provides travelers with an opportunity to discover the island’s captivating natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Priced at $399.37 per person, the tour includes private transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off, and the use of snorkeling equipment. Travelers can enjoy a hassle-free experience, with a representative meeting them at the airport or port and a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle transporting them to various destinations.

The tour includes two breakfasts, as well as lunch and dinner at local restaurants, ensuring a well-rounded culinary experience. Most travelers can participate in the activities, and the tour is conducted privately, allowing participants to explore the island at their own pace.

With free cancellation up to 3 days in advance and confirmation within 48 hours of booking, this tour offers a flexible and convenient option for those seeking to enjoy the wonders of Yoron Island.

Read our full review: Private 3 Day Tour in Yoron Island Review
Book now: Check availability

Yakushima Private Island Sights Tour With English Speaking Guide

Yakushima Private Island Sights Tour With English Speaking Guide

Although Yakushima Island is renowned for its ancient cedar forests and pristine natural landscapes, this private sightseeing tour provides travelers with the opportunity to delve deeper into the island’s remarkable wonders.

For $203.29 per person, the Yakushima Private Island Sights Tour offers a comprehensive experience, including a box lunch, an English-speaking guide, and shuttle service. Hikers can explore the island’s scenic trails equipped with the necessary gear.

However, the tour isn’t recommended for those with limited mobility or certain medical conditions, as a moderate fitness level is required.

Availability for this tour is from September 2024 to January 2026, with daily departures between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Pickup is from the hotel where visitors are staying, but it’s essential to confirm the time with the local provider in advance.

Guests should be aware that the tour may be canceled due to heavy rains or winter traffic conditions, and no refunds are offered for cancellations.

Read our full review: Yakushima Private Island Sights Tour With English Speaking Guide Review
Book now: Check availability

Shiratani-Unsuikyo Trekking Tour in Yakushima Island

Shiratani-Unsuikyo Trekking Tour in Yakushima Island

Travelers seeking to enjoy the ancient, moss-covered landscapes of Yakushima Island can embark on the Shiratani-Unsuikyo Trekking Tour. This half-day or full-day hiking excursion in the Shiratani-Unsuikyo forest is limited to groups of four, ensuring a personalized experience.

Hikers can explore the forest’s mossy trails and have the option to trek to the Taiko-Iwa rock for panoramic views of the valleys and Yakushima’s tallest peaks.

The tour includes round-trip transport and a midday lunch. Participants should wear trekking shoes and a waterproof jacket, as the routes can be leisurely or more challenging, depending on the group’s preference.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible and not recommended for those with certain medical conditions, it offers an opportunity to take in Yakushima’s ethereal natural beauty.

With a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to six days in advance, the Shiratani-Unsuikyo Trekking Tour is an ideal way to discover the island’s ancient forest landscapes.

Read our full review: Shiratani-Unsuikyo Trekking Tour in Yakushima Island Review
Book now: Check availability

Private Tour: Full-Day Walking Tour With Professional Local Guide in Yakushima Island

Private Tour: Full-Day Walking Tour With Professional Local Guide in Yakushima Island

Yakushima Island’s lush forests and towering waterfalls await explorers on this private full-day walking tour.

Customized to your interests, the tour showcases the UNESCO-listed island’s natural wonders, including a 3,000-year-old cedar tree and a scenic onsen bath overlooking the ocean.

Led by an English-speaking local guide, the experience begins with hotel pickup and allows you to discuss and tailor the itinerary.

Highlights include a visit to Yakusugi Land, where you’ll hike through dense forests, and a stop at the impressive Senpiro Falls.

You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the black-sand beach of Nagata Inakahama before concluding the day with an evening hotel drop-off.

Lunch, private tour photos, and insurance are all included in the tour price of $449.21 for up to 4 travelers.

With free cancellation available up to 6 days in advance, this private tour offers a customizable and immersive way to discover the natural beauty of Yakushima Island.

Read our full review: Private Tour: Full-Day Walking Tour With Professional Local Guide in Yakushima Island Review
Book now: Check availability

3-Day and 2-Night Amami Folksong Private Tour in Japan

3-Day and 2-Night Amami Folksong Private Tour in Japan

This 3-day, 2-night private tour in Amami, Kagoshima Prefecture, offers an immersive experience exploring the region’s rich folksong traditions.

With no other groups of guests, the tour provides a personalized experience with a private guide. Guests will be picked up from Amami Airport and transported in an air-conditioned vehicle equipped with WiFi.

The tour includes two breakfasts, as well as lunch and dinner arrangements based on guest requests.

Accessibility is a key feature, with the tour accommodating most travelers, including those with strollers and infant seats.

Booking is flexible, with free cancellation up to 3 days in advance and a lowest price guarantee. Confirmation is provided within 48 hours, subject to availability.

This private tour in Amami offers a unique opportunity to take in the captivating folksong heritage of Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan.

Read our full review: 3-Day and 2-Night Amami Folksong Private Tour in Japan Review
Book now: Check availability

Half Day Walking Tour in Yakusugi Land

Half Day Walking Tour in Yakusugi Land

The half-day walking tour in Yakusugi Land, located in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy the ancient forest’s captivating beauty.

This private tour, with a minimum of two participants, departs at 8:00 am and includes hotel pick-up and drop-off. Participants will be provided with the necessary equipment for trekking, such as quick-drying, easy-to-move clothes, waterproof trekking shoes, and a backpack.

The tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, heart conditions, or pregnant travelers, as a moderate level of physical fitness is required.

In winter, there’s a possibility of road closures due to snow. Confirmation of the tour is received within 48 hours, subject to availability. Participants should bring their own water, snacks, and waterproof rain gear.

The tour is non-refundable, and the price is $163.95 per person, with a lowest price guarantee.

Read our full review: Half Day Walking Tour in Yakusugi Land Review
Book now: Check availability

Granite Obelisk in Yakushima Full-Day Trekking Tour

Granite Obelisk in Yakushima Full-Day Trekking Tour

For those seeking a more challenging and immersive trekking experience in Kagoshima Prefecture, the Granite Obelisk in Yakushima Full-Day Trekking Tour offers an unforgettable adventure.

This full-day tour takes visitors to Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore the island’s ancient forests and marvel at the iconic Granite Obelisk. With a maximum of 4 travelers, the tour provides a personalized experience led by a knowledgeable guide.

The tour includes lunch, insurance, and national park entry fees, as well as private tour photos and the use of a portable toilet. Participants must have a strong fitness level and come prepared with trekking shoes, rain gear, and other optional gear like poles and gaiters.

The tour isn’t recommended for those with mobility issues or certain medical conditions.

Starting at 7 AM, the tour departs from a selected meeting point and returns to the same location at the end of the day. This exclusive trekking experience promises breathtaking scenery and a deeper connection to Yakushima’s natural wonders.

Read our full review: Granite Obelisk in Yakushima Full-Day Trekking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability

Yakusugi Cedar Forest Walking Tour on Yakushima Island

Yakusugi Cedar Forest Walking Tour on Yakushima Island

Exploring the ancient Yakusugi cedar forest on Yakushima Island provides visitors with an immersive journey into a world that inspired the fantastical landscapes of Hayao Miyazaki’s “Princess Mononoke”.

This guided walking tour takes guests on an easy trail through the UNESCO-listed Yakusugi Land, allowing them to witness the towering, centuries-old Yakusugi cedars up close.

The tour includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as a delicious lunch. Trekking poles and other gear can be rented on the island, making the experience accessible for most fitness levels.

While the path is leisurely, a steeper option is available for those seeking a more challenging hike.

Guests should note that the tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible and isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions. A moderate level of fitness is required.

With a maximum group size of 4 travelers, this intimate experience ensures personalized attention from the guide. Free cancellation is available up to 6 days in advance.

Read our full review: Yakusugi Cedar Forest Walking Tour on Yakushima Island Review
Book now: Check availability

Recap

Kagoshima Prefecture offers a diverse range of tours that showcase its natural wonders. From Amami Oshima Island’s stunning landscapes to Yakushima Island’s ancient cedar forests, there’s something for every traveler. These tours provide an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the region’s unique culture, heritage, and biodiversity. Whether you’re interested in hiking, wildlife viewing, or cultural experiences, Kagoshima has a tour that will cater to your interests.