Ferry Canceled!? My Troubled Journey to Yakushima by Motorcycle — and How I Got There Anyway

Hello! In this article, I’ll share in detail how to get to Yakushima by motorcycle, based on my real-life experience — including the unexpected twists along the way.

Yakushima had long been on my travel bucket list. Registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 1993, this mystical island is famous for its lush forests and unique ecosystems. One of the island’s main attractions is Jomon Sugi, an ancient cedar tree estimated to be between 2,100 and 7,200 years old — a must-see for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

To reach the island, I took a ferry from Kagoshima with my motorcycle.
Or at least, that was the plan…

On the day of departure, I encountered an unexpected problem — the ferry was canceled due to mechanical trouble.

In this article, I’ll walk you through how to get to Yakushima with your bike, the available ferry options, and how I dealt with this sudden cancellation. Hopefully, my story helps you avoid the same pitfall and plan your trip smoothly!

How to Get to Yakushima by Motorcycle?

There Are Two Main Ferry Options from Kagoshima

The most common way to bring your motorcycle to Yakushima is by ferry from Kagoshima. As of now, there are two major ferry routes available:

① Yakushima Ferry 2

Yakushima Ferry 2 is a regular ferry service that operates between Kagoshima Main Port (Honkō Shinmachi) and Miyanoura Port on Yakushima Island.

• Departure (Kagoshima): 8:30 AM – Arrival (Yakushima – Miyanoura): 12:30 PM (Approx. travel time: 4 hours)
• Motorcycles and bicycles require advance booking by phone.

For those who want to make the most of their time on the island, this morning departure gets you to Yakushima by noon—perfect for riders looking to hit the road early. The fare is also relatively affordable, making this a popular option for motorcycle touring.

② Ferry Hibiscus

Operated by Kasho Kaiun, the Ferry Hibiscus is a cargo-passenger ferry that connects Kagoshima, Tanegashima, and Yakushima. In addition to tourists, it’s an essential transportation option for local residents, carrying daily goods and supplies to the islands.

• Departure from Kagoshima (Taniyama Port): 6:00 PM – Arrival at Tanegashima: 9:40 PM
• Overnight stop at Tanegashima – Arrival at Yakushima (Miyanoura Port): 7:00 AM (next day)
• No advance reservations for motorcycles — first-come, first-served (up to 10 motorcycles)
•  Registration opens at 3:30 PM on the day of departure

This ferry departs in the evening, docks overnight in Tanegashima, and arrives in Yakushima the next morning. It’s a great choice for travelers who want to spend the day exploring Kagoshima before enjoying a restful night on the ferry, waking up ready to explore Yakushima from sunrise.

Note: The ferry departs from Taniyama Port, not the central Honkō Port. Since it’s located a bit outside the city center, be sure to allow extra time to get there.

If you’re traveling during spring or summer and the weather is clear, you’ll be treated to stunning sunset views over the sea—and even a glimpse of Mount Kaimon, often referred to as the “Satsuma Fuji” for its resemblance to Mount Fuji. This ferry is also popular among international backpackers looking for a cost-effective and relaxed journey.

【My Experience】Ferry Yakushima 2 Was Canceled on the Day of Departure!?

Yakushima is famous for its unpredictable weather—there’s even a saying that it rains “35 days a month” on the island. Because of this, I kept a close eye on the weather forecast and made a phone reservation for the Ferry Yakushima 2 just before departure.

Since the ferry doesn’t operate on Sundays, I chose the Monday morning service. The day before departure, I spent time exploring Kagoshima City and stayed overnight in a local hotel.

The ferry was scheduled to depart at 8:30 AM, and I needed to complete the check-in process by 7:00 AM, so I woke up early and headed to Kagoshima Port.

Be Careful — the Vehicle Check-in Area Is Hard to Find!

When I arrived at Kagoshima Port, I mistakenly went to the passenger terminal, but motorcycles and cars must check in at the “Vehicle Freight Entrance” instead.

There’s a barrier gate at the vehicle entrance, and motorcyclists are instructed to enter via the sidewalk, not the main gate. Unfortunately, the signs were tiny and hard to notice, and I got a bit lost. As a result, I arrived at the check-in counter a little later than planned.

Check-in Process and Ticket Purchase

The vehicle freight reception is located inside a building, where you’ll be asked to fill out a short form with your personal details. I gave them my reservation number and name, and then paid:

• ¥6,000 for one adult passenger
• ¥2,700 for a motorcycle (under 750cc)
• Total: ¥8,700

They accepted both cash and credit cards, but electronic payment options (like IC cards or mobile apps) were not supported.

Boarding the Ferry — Then an Unexpected Turn of Events…

Boarding began around 7:20 AM, and under the guidance of the crew, I rode my motorcycle onto the vehicle deck. Although the ship showed signs of age, it was well-maintained and clean. There were vending machines, a small snack shop, and even a little game corner—enough to keep passengers entertained during the voyage.

After storing my luggage in the cabin, I waited for departure. However, even after the scheduled 8:30 AM departure time, the ship hadn’t moved.

A short while later, an announcement came over the PA:
“Departure will be delayed due to engine adjustments.”

I figured it would be a short delay. But then…

20 minutes passed…
30 minutes…
40 minutes…

Finally, at 9:30 AM, a full hour after the scheduled departure, the announcement everyone dreaded:

“Today’s service is canceled due to engine trouble.”

All passengers were asked to disembark, and a long line quickly formed at the passenger terminal for refunds. I joined the queue and waited about 30 minutes to receive a full refund.

Not exactly the morning I had hoped for—it was a rough start to the trip.

Switching to “Hibiscus” — Watch Out for First-Come, First-Served Motorcycle Loading!

After a quick regroup, I called the Ferry Hibiscus, the alternative option. They told me that motorcycle loading was first-come, first-served, limited to 10 bikes, with check-in starting at 3:30 PM on the same day.

Since I had plenty of time before then, I decided to do a bit of touring around Ibusuki before heading to Taniyama Port.
※This port is not the same as Kagoshima’s main city port; it’s located further out in the suburbs, so plan extra travel time.

I arrived shortly after the 3:30 PM check-in time but had no issues getting processed.

Ticket Purchase

• ¥3,900 for one adult
• ¥3,050 for a motorcycle (under 250cc)
• Total: ¥6,950

Just like with Ferry Yakushima 2, both cash and credit cards were accepted, but electronic payment (e-money) was not available.

Perhaps due to the earlier ferry’s cancellation, a few other riders had also switched to the Hibiscus. Still, the number of motorcycles stayed under the 10-bike limit, and I was able to secure my spot without any trouble.

Ferry Hibiscus Boarding Experience Report: How to Stay Comfortable on a Long Ferry Ride

The Ferry Hibiscus doesn’t have a shop or kiosk on board, so it’s essential to bring your own food and drinks in advance.

After checking in, I was told that I could leave the port area until 5:00 PM, so I headed to a nearby convenience store and restaurant to stock up. There are several dining options around the port, so I had no trouble finding what I needed.

Inside the ship, the passenger cabin is a carpeted, open-floor sleeping area. Blankets and pillows are provided, but it’s best to claim your space early. Since the ferry ride lasts about 13 hours, securing a spot near a power outlet can be very helpful for charging your devices. Just be sure to share and be considerate of other passengers.

A Dreamlike Departure at Sunset

After having dinner on board, I spent some time relaxing and watching Netflix shows I had downloaded on my tablet. The ferry arrived at Tanegashima around 9:00 PM, where some passengers disembarked, while others stayed on the ship overnight. The lights were turned off just before 11:00 PM.

The ferry left port around 6:00 PM, and as it sailed away, the sky was painted with the most beautiful sunset reflected on the sea. The view was so breathtaking, it almost made me forget about the earlier cancellation.

Must-Haves for a Comfortable Night on the Ferry

Sleeping on the Hibiscus is done dormitory-style, with everyone sharing a large open space. Seasoned travelers bring their own items to make the ride more comfortable.

Earplugs are a must!

→ When I was aboard, one of the passengers snored quite loudly. I was very glad I had brought earplugs.

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Bringing your own pillow is highly recommended.

→ he onboard pillows are very thin and can leave your neck sore. I used my inflatable camping pillow, and it made a big difference.

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Landing in Yakushima at Last!

At 5:00 AM, the ferry departed from Tanegashima, and by 7:00 AM, we arrived at Miyanoura Port in Yakushima. Just as forecasted, the weather was clear and sunny—an amazing start to the day!

Return Trip: Taking the Hibiscus Back to Kagoshima

For the return leg, I once again took the Ferry Hibiscus. One of its great advantages is that you can get back to Kagoshima the same day you leave Yakushima.

• 8:10 AM Departure from Miyanoura Port (Yakushima)
• 10:10 AM Arrival at Tanegashima / 11:00 AM Departure
• 2:40 PM Arrival at Taniyama Port (Kagoshima)

Check-in opens at 7:10 AM.
I arrived at the port just before 7:00 AM, and happened to catch the Hibiscus ferry arriving from Tanegashima—a fun little bonus!

Camping for Flexible Travel — No Reservations Needed!

I hadn’t booked any accommodations in advance, which actually worked out well when I had to change my ferry plans.

Yakushima has campgrounds that don’t require reservations, making them perfect for travelers needing flexible options.

2025-05-20 [Yakushima Budget Campsite] No Reservation Needed! Yakushima Ocean View Campground – The Perfect Base for a Flexible Trip

Summary: Motorbike Travel to Yakushima Requires Preparation & Flexibility

Ferry Comparison

• Yakushima Ferry 2: Departs in the morning, arrives mid-day.
  → Best for those who want to get there quickly.
• Ferry Hibiscus: Departs in the evening, includes overnight stay on board.
  → Ideal for budget-conscious travelers with a relaxed schedule.

Tips for a Successful Yakushima Motorbike Trip:

• Check the schedules for both ferries in advance
• Have a backup plan (like the Hibiscus) in case of cancellations
• Use campgrounds for more flexibility and budget savings

Traveling by motorcycle lets you truly embrace the grandeur of Yakushima’s wild nature. With the right prep, your trip is bound to become an unforgettable adventure. Safe travels and happy touring!