Part of BBC Earth documentary on Yakushima

These short videos show you a little of the magic of Yakushima For more more detailed information about Yakushima – check out the one and only Yakumonkey Guide to Yakushima

Yakushima is blessed with several onsen or natural hot springs. They range from the deluxe hotel based baths to the free outside natural hot rock pools. So should you get the urge to strip off with a bunch of complete strangers, here’s where to go. KOSEDA: Jomon no yado Manten  

While there is so much to see in Yakushima, here is my list of top 10 sights that should not be missed: 10. Kayaking on Anbo river 9. Driving, cycling or walking through Seibu Rindo Forest Path   8. Snorkling in Tsukasaki tide pool in Kurio 7. Feeling the spray

Yakushima offers a selection of campsites around the coast ranging from virtually no facilities to cabins and open air hot tubs. Much more information about each campsite has been included in the guide book but I have listed the bare bones of each place below. Booking ahead is rather difficult

Furusatoichiba ふるさと市場 Location: Miyanoura near the port (See Google maps) Google Street view The menu is a bit like a ‘family restaurant’ but it has a wide variety of food. Il Mare イルマーレ  Location: Koseda (See Google maps street view) An authentic Italian restaurant as close as Yakushima gets to

The South-west coast of Yakushima NAKAMA BEACH 中間浜 Location: Nakama (See Google maps) Nakama beach Nakama is a quiet village and the beach is usually deserted. It’s the best place on the island to surf.   TSUKAZAKI TIDAL POOLS 塚崎タイドプール Location: Kurio (See Google maps) Tsukazaki Tidal pool is usually