Miyanoura is the biggest village on the island, with a population of 2,900. This is where the ferries arrive and there are buses to Shiratani Unsuikyo. Miyanoura River, which is one of the four major rivers on Yakushima runs through the center of the village. Many of the public facilities such as the main post office, the library, and the town office are located here.
SIGHTS
Yaku-jinja
(益救神社)
The only shrine in the southern islands that appears in, “Engi-shiki Jimmyo-cho”, a list of shrines compiled in 927. This illustrates that Yaku-jinja was an important shrine in the area. Mt. Miyanoura is its Okumiya displaying its close relationship in mountain worship. The shrine building which was build in 1866 was destroyed by shelling in 1945. The current building was reconstructed in 1954.
To the left of the main shrine building, are statues of Nio, listed as Yakushima Town’s Cultural Heritage. It is thought to have been donated in 1832, during a time when there was an outbreak of infectious disease.
In 1868, Buddhist temples and items were ordered to be destroyed in Japan, known as Haibutsu kishaku. However, Nio statues were hid away underground and saved.
Town History and Folk Museum
(屋久島町歴史民俗資料館)
Located on the west side of the river, it’s the best place to get an overview of the history and culture of the island. Exhibits fishing, farming and logging tools as well as everyday items used at home. In the courtyard is a reconstruction of a traditional house.
The staff are very helpful and you can borrow a folder with detailed the information in English.
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
Closed: Mondays and December 29 to January 4
Admission: 100 yen
Eating
Restaurant and Cafe Yakushima
On the second floor of Yakushima Kanko Center. Light and airy atmosphere with big windows. Serves noodles with flying fish, sashimi and curry.
Hours: 10:00 to 15:30
Yakushima Kanko Center
(Japanese page)
Shiosai
(潮騒)
On the main street by bus stop 22, the place to go for traditional dishes such as flying fish and mackerel. Also serves ebi-fry teishoku(fried shrimp set), tempura and soba.
Hours: 11:30 to 14:00/17:30 to 21:30
Closed: Thursdays
Shiosai
(Tabelog page)
Wakadaisho
(若大将)
A cozy izakaya run by friendly owners. In a part of town with several restaurants and bars, one street to the west of Miyanoura River. It has a sushi bar and table seats with tatami mats.
Hours: 18:00 to 22:30
Closed: Sundays
Wakadaisho
(Tabelog page)
Panorama
(パノラマ)
A trendy restaurant/bar with a vibrant atmosphere. Serves inventive dishes using carefully selected local ingredients. Located one street to the west of Miyanoura River, near Kagoshima Bank.
Hours: 18:00 to 22:30
Closed: Wednesdays
Yakunosato Hyakusui
(屋久の郷 百水)
A relaxing cafe and gallery on the east side of Miyanoura, behind Tokushukai Hospital. Serves delicious hamburg steak, pasta and freshly baked bread. Exhibits and sells artwork, providing opportunities for people with learning difficulties.
Hours: 11:00 to 14:30
Closed: Saturdays and Sundays
Hyakusui
(Japanese site)
Cafe Kitchen Hub
(カフェキッチンハブ)
Stylish, friendly cafe located on the main street of Miyanoura. Serves good pizzas, curry and tapioca drinks. Blue building across the street from ENEOS filling station.
Hours: 9:00 to 18:00
Cafe Kitchen Hub
(Facebook page)
Shingetsudou
(新月堂)
The place to go for delicious sweets both Japanese and western. My personal favourite is their cream puff and hinyari-daifuku, mochi with cream and sweet red beans. Across the street from Kagoshima Bank. Takeout only.
Hours: 8:30 to 19:30
Closed: 1st and 3rd Sundays
Shingetsudou
(Instagram)
Village Walk Yakushima 