The Ōsumi Islands (大隈諸島) comprise the two main islands of Yakushima and Tanegashima and the seldom-visited triumvirate of islands known as Mishima-mura. The all-star attraction in the group is World Heritage–protected Yakushima, known in Japan as a 'power-spot' (パワースポット, paawaa supotto) for its ancient cedar trees. The island, most easily accessed from Kagoshima city, is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers, enticing large numbers of domestic and international visitors every year.
Neighbouring Tanegashima's claim to fame is as the home of Japan's space program, but despite being a popular surfing destination for domestic surfers, the island sees relatively few foreign travellers.
Of the Mishima-mura group, the most commonly visited island is tiny Iō-jima, a gem of a volcanic island with natural onsen (hot springs).
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Ōsumi Islands.
Landmark
Jōmon-sugiThis enormous yakusugi tree is estimated to be between 3000 and 7000 years old, and though no longer living, it remains a majestic sight. Most hikers reach the tree via the 19.5km, eight to 10-hour round trip from Arakawa-tozanguchi.
Museum
Space Science & Technology MuseumReopened in 2017 after an extensive re-design, Tanegashima's Space Centre, on the spectacular southeastern coast of the island, is a large parklike complex with rocket-launch facilities. Its Space Science & Technology Museum details the history of Japan's space program, with models of Japan's rockets and some of the satellites it has launched (with some English interpretive signage).
Museum
Yakusugi MuseumIn a forested spot with sea views, the Yakusugi Museum has informative, beautifully designed exhibits about yakusugi and the history of the islanders' relationship to these magnificent trees. The museum offers an excellent audio guide in English. It's conveniently located on the road leading up to Yakusugi Land. Two daily buses run to and from Miyanoura (¥960, 80 minutes, March to November).
Museum
Tanegashima Development Centre – Pistol MuseumThough one focus is on the history of guns in Tanegashima, with an excellent collection of antique firearms, this is actually a cultural and natural-history museum. The combined ticket includes admission to an interesting samurai house about 50m away. Make as straight a beeline as possible uphill from the port; the building resembles the stern of an old galleon.
Waterfall
Ōko-no-takiOn the west coast is Yakushima's highest waterfall, at 88m. It's a five-minute walk from Ōko-no-taki bus stop, which is the last stop for some of the buses running south and west from Miyanoura and Anbō (note that only two buses a day run all the way out here).
Beach
Takezaki-kaiganNearby to the Space Centre, this coastline is home to a beautiful stretch of white sand popular with surfers. The best spot to enjoy it is the beach in front of the Iwasaki Hotel (closest bus stop: Iwasaki Hotel), which has some impressive rock formations.
Historic Building
GessōteiAt the southern border of the Akaogi Castle ruins, this preserved samurai house and garden contains a few cultural artefacts. A short informational video is available in English, narrated by local students, and accompanied by tea and a small snack.
Beach
Nagata Inaka-hamaOn the island's northwest coast, Nagata Inaka-hama is a beautiful beach for sunsets, and it's where sea turtles lay their eggs from May to July. It's beside the Inaka-hama bus stop, served by Nagata-bound buses from Miyanoura.
Beach
Nagahama-kaiganThe west coast of Tanegashima is home to a 12km stretch of beach known as the Nagahama -kaigan (coastline) that is equally popular with diehard surfers and egg-laying sea turtles.