[2025 Yakushima Attraction] Travel Guide for Kuchinoerabu Island (Updated May)

Yakushima, a place in Kagoshima that is rich in nature, is famous, but next to it is a small island called Kuchinoerabujima. This is a volcanic island that is registered as a Global Geopark and is rich in nature. This time, I stayed at a guesthouse called "Yamanamimi". It is run by an old lady alone and feels like a mountain hut. You can enjoy nutritious and filling meals in the morning and evening. The sea spreads out in front of you, and the view is amazing. I soaked in a nearby hot spring and fell asleep warmly. I had a great time experiencing the warmth of the islanders, which is only possible on a small island. #0yentrip#domestictrip#Kuchinoerabujima

Have you heard of Kuchinoerabu Island in Kagoshima Prefecture? Located about an hour and a half west of Yakushima by ferry, this island boasts breathtaking scenery. One of my favorite spots on the island is Kinpo Shrine. Situated about a 15-minute walk from the village, the shrine is perched atop a steep hill. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Honmura Port, one of the most picturesque spots on the island. The combination of the shrine and the port creates a quintessentially Japanese landscape that is simply mesmerizing. Visiting on a sunny day and taking your time to soak in the views is highly recommended. If you ever visit Kuchinoerabu Island, make sure to check out the stunning scenery at Kinpo Shrine!

Kuchinoerabu Island, a small remote island in Kagoshima, was absolutely amazing! I visited this island, which is about an hour and a half ferry ride from Yakushima in Kagoshima Prefecture. With a population of only about 100 people, this small island has no convenience stores or supermarkets, just a few privately-owned shops. Everywhere you go, the scenery is breathtaking, with stunning views of mountains and the sea. One particularly beautiful spot was on the road behind the elementary school, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the harbor. On the roads, I encountered goats and deer, witnessing firsthand the relaxed environment where wildlife thrives. The island is also home to unique bats and plants that can only be found on Kuchinoerabu Island. Although I couldn't spot them, the experience sparked a sense of adventure. It takes a bit of time to get there, but that's precisely why the sense of wonder and joy you feel upon arrival is so profound. I highly recommend visiting Kuchinoerabu Island!