[Yakushima Budget Campsite] No Reservation Needed! Yakushima Ocean View Campground – The Perfect Base for a Flexible Trip

Hello! If you’re looking to explore Yakushima freely and affordably, let me introduce you to the perfect place: Yakushima Ocean View Campground, a budget-friendly campsite ideal for independent travelers.

Yakushima’s famous Jomon Sugi—an ancient cedar tree often described as a “must-see once in a lifetime”—draws visitors from all over. But as a remote island, travel costs can add up quickly. To keep expenses down, I took the ferry to Yakushima and stayed at this campsite, where you can spend the night for just 800 yen. It’s a great way to enjoy nature without breaking the bank.

Experience the Best of Yakushima’s Nature — A Scenic Campsite That Shines on Sunny Days

What truly sets this campground apart is the stunning ocean view you get on clear days. The panoramic blend of sky and sea offers a sense of freedom and luxury that only Yakushima can provide.

With rain falling as often as “35 days a month,” as the locals joke, sunny weather is a rare treat on Yakushima. Luckily, I had great weather during my stay and got to fully enjoy a picture-perfect camping experience under bright blue skies.

What’s more, no reservation is required, making it easy to stop by spontaneously. In a place with such unpredictable weather, the ability to decide last-minute—“It looks like a good day, let’s camp!”—is incredibly convenient.

I personally planned to camp only if the weather was good, and thanks to this flexibility, I got to enjoy the best possible timing. The peace and openness of camping in the heart of nature became one of the highlights of my trip.

Great Access – A Convenient Base for Sightseeing Across Yakushima

Yakushima Ocean View Campground is located just a short distance from Miyanoura Port, where ferries arrive. Thanks to its central location, it’s easy to reach both the eastern and western parts of the island. Being close to the port also means you can settle in right after arriving, and on departure day, you won’t have to stress about making it back in time for the ferry.

I spent two nights camping on Yakushima and focused my trip around the island’s two most iconic spots: Shiratani Unsuikyo Gorge and the Jomon Sugi trekking route.

Shiratani Unsuikyo, famously said to have inspired the forest in Princess Mononoke, offers a mystical moss-covered landscape typical of Yakushima. The round-trip hiking trail takes about 4 hours and is highly recommended for its accessible yet magical atmosphere.

Meanwhile, the Jomon Sugi Trek is a more demanding journey, leading to Yakushima’s symbolic ancient cedar, estimated to be between 2,100 and 7,200 years old. The trek begins at the Arakawa Trailhead, accessible via a bus from the Yakusugi Nature Museum, which is also about 30 minutes by car from the campground. This full-day hike takes roughly 10 hours round trip, so be sure to prepare well in advance with proper gear and time.

The campground’s location—midway between these two major attractions—makes it ideal for exploring Yakushima efficiently. It also offers easy access to stores and restaurants, making it a well-balanced base for your stay.

Before You Go – Know That Reception and the Campsite Are in Different Places

One important thing to note is that the reception area and the campground itself are in separate locations.

Check-in is done at the Yakushima Kanko Center (Tourist Center), but the campground is a short distance away from there.

If you’d prefer to see the site before committing, it’s a good idea to visit the campground first and then return to the Tourist Center to check in. Knowing the layout ahead of time will help make your arrival stress-free.

[How to find the site]
From Yakushima Kanko Center, head out and turn left when you see the elementary school on your left. Continue toward the port. The entrance can be a little tricky to find—it’s a narrow road next to a vending machine, leading to the campground.

True to Its Name – A Stunning Ocean View on Sunny Days

On clear days, you’ll be treated to ever-changing scenes of nature: the deep blue ocean stretching out in front of you, the vivid colors of the sunset sky, and a star-filled night above.

What’s more, early mornings offer a magical view of the sunrise over the sea, turning the start of your day into a memorable moment.

This location lives up to its name—“Ocean View”—offering an open and luxurious camping experience surrounded by Yakushima’s breathtaking natural beauty.

Goats Roaming Freely – A Unique Touch of Yakushima’s Nature

One charming feature of the campground is the presence of goats, freely roaming around the site. Watching them calmly wander through the area adds a soothing, peaceful atmosphere.

This kind of up-close encounter with animals living naturally reflects the intimate connection between daily life and the wild that makes Yakushima so special.

Simple but Reliable Facilities

The facilities at the campground are simple and minimalist, but they cover all the essentials. I didn’t feel any inconvenience during my stay.

There’s a compact outdoor sink for washing dishes, and having a designated waste disposal area is another practical plus for campers.

• Toilets: Yes
• Washing Area: Yes
• Electricity: Not available
• Open Fires: Not allowed (Fire pits are permitted)
• Garbage Disposal: Yes

Nearby Essentials

Drugstore Mori – Yakushima Branch

Yakushima doesn’t have major convenience store chains, and ATMs are limited. To avoid any issues, it’s best to bring plenty of cash in advance.

Drugstore Mori is a large-scale store that stocks not only medicine and cosmetics but also daily necessities, groceries, and alcohol. It also supports cashless payments, which makes it a convenient option even if you’re short on cash.

During my stay, it was the go-to place for anything I needed—reliable and fully stocked.

Kusugawa Onsen – A Local Hidden Gem

Sightseeing in Yakushima often involves long hikes—especially to places like Shiratani Unsuikyo and Jomon Sugi. After a full day of walking, there’s nothing better than soaking in a hot spring to soothe your muscles.

Kusugawa Onsen is a simple, no-frills local bathhouse that has clearly seen some years, but it offers a great way to relax at a very affordable price.

It’s the perfect hidden gem for unwinding after a long day outdoors.

Final Thoughts: An Ideal Base for Flexible Travel in Yakushima

Yakushima Ocean View Campground is:

• Available without reservation, perfect for spontaneous stays
• Conveniently located with easy access to key attractions
• Flexible for adapting to Yakushima’s unpredictable weather
• A place to enjoy breathtaking ocean views on sunny days
• Full of natural charm, including freely roaming goats

It’s the perfect base for travelers who want the freedom to explore Yakushima at their own pace. Whether you’re passing through or planning a longer stay, this campground offers a memorable and budget-friendly way to connect with the island’s nature.