Car Hire Miyanoura Port — Explore Yakushima’s Ancient Forests
Yakushima is a UNESCO World Heritage island off Kyushu’s southern coast, famous for its ancient cedar forests—including the 7,000-year-old Jomon Sugi—and dramatic mountain landscapes. The island inspired Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke, and once you drive through the misty forests, you’ll understand why. Public transport here is limited, making a rental car essential for reaching the island’s trailheads, waterfalls, and coastal viewpoints.
Miyanoura is the main port where ferries from Kagoshima and Tanegashima arrive. Picking up your car here puts you immediately on the road to adventure, whether that’s the climb to Jomon Sugi or a drive around the island’s scenic perimeter.
Picking Up Your Rental Car at Miyanoura Port
Several rental companies operate near the ferry terminal, including Toyota Rent a Car and local operators like Yakushima Rental Car. Given the island’s rugged terrain, most vehicles are smaller models suited to narrow mountain roads. Four-wheel-drive options are available for those planning serious mountain exploration.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention is required. Australia, the UK, the USA, and most European countries participate. Arrange your IDP before departure—this cannot be done in Japan.
Counter hours align with ferry schedules, typically from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Ferry arrivals can be early morning or evening depending on schedules, so confirm pickup arrangements when booking. Some operators meet arrivals at the dock.
Where to Go with Your Rental Car from Miyanoura Port
Yakusugi Land (20 km) — This forest park offers shorter walks among ancient cedars without the full-day commitment of Jomon Sugi. The drive takes about 30 minutes into the mountains.
Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine (15 km) — The hiking trails through moss-covered forests inspired Princess Mononoke. Park at the entrance and explore multiple routes through this magical landscape.
Jomon Sugi Trailhead (25 km) — The hike to the 7,000-year-old cedar is a full-day commitment. Drive to the Arakawa Trail entrance—cars can’t go further, and the hike requires stamina and preparation.
Senpiro Falls (15 km) — This dramatic waterfall plunges 60 metres through granite cliffs. The viewing platform offers spectacular views, and the drive passes through rural villages.
Nagata Inakahama Beach (20 km) — The western coast offers beautiful beaches and the chance to see sea turtles during nesting season (May to July). The drive crosses the island’s mountainous interior.
Tips for Driving in Yakushima
Yakushima’s roads are generally well-maintained but narrow and winding. Mountain routes have tight curves and steep grades. Drive slowly and carefully, especially in foggy or rainy conditions—which are common on this wet island.
The island receives extraordinary rainfall—Yakushimans joke that it rains “35 days a month.” The roads handle the water well, but visibility can drop suddenly. Use headlights in rain and fog, and pull over at viewpoints if conditions deteriorate.
Fuel stations are limited. There’s one main station near Miyanoura and another in Anbo. Fill up when you arrive—the island is small, but you don’t want to run low before a morning trailhead drive. Stations close by 6:00 PM.
Parking at trailheads fills quickly, especially on weekends. Arrive early for popular hikes like Shiratani Unsuikyo. Some trailheads charge parking fees (¥500–1000), so carry cash.
Navigation is straightforward—the island has one main road that circles it and a few cross-island routes. GPS works well, but smartphone coverage can be spotty in the mountains. The rental companies provide paper maps with trailhead locations marked.
Deer and monkeys are common on the roads, especially at dawn and dusk. Drive cautiously and give wildlife plenty of space. The Yakushima macaques are habituated to humans but still wild—don’t feed them.
Book through our search above to secure car hire at Miyanoura Port and explore Yakushima’s ancient forests with complete freedom.