Yakushima Van Life: One Epic Day of SUP, Snorkeling, BBQ & Camper Overnight 🚐🤿🍖🌌

Ever dreamed of exploring Yakushima in a more flexible, adventurous way?

We recently set out on a full-day “Van Life Adventure” using a camper-style vehicle from Yakushima Rental Car, combining SUP, snorkeling, BBQ in the mountains, and even sleeping under the stars — all in one unforgettable day.

Here’s a look at how the day unfolded:

🚐 Morning: Hitting the Road with Yakushima Rental Car

We kicked off the day by picking up our Suzuki Every camper setup from Yakushima Rental Car.

This little van is fully equipped for adventure:

• Foldable chair & yoga mat

• Wooden table

• Lantern

• Tent & air mattress

• 2 outdoor chairs

• Portable power station (chargeable from the car's cigarette lighter socket)

• Plenty of storage space for activity gear

You can comfortably sleep inside the van, making it ideal for both short trips and longer island stays.

🐠 Snorkeling at Issou Beach

Our first stop: the crystal-clear waters of Issou Beach.

Armed with our snorkeling sets, we dove into a colorful underwater world filled with vibrant fish. The beach is also equipped with toilets, vending machines, and hoses for rinsing off seawater—making it a comfortable and convenient spot for a seaside adventure.

🦌Cruising Through the Western Forest Road🐒

The Western Forest Road, stretching along Yakushima’s remote western coast, is a World Natural Heritage site where wild Yakushima macaques and Yakushika deer roam freely. We passed through Nagata and slowly cruised along the narrow, often single-lane road that snakes through towering trees and our curious cousins🐒

💦Quick stop at Ōko-no-taki Waterfall

After our jungle adventure, we made a quick but unforgettable stop at Ōko-no-taki, one of Yakushima’s most iconic waterfalls. We were completely awestruck by the raw power and beauty of the towering 88-meter cascade. We also took a moment to refill our bottles with crystal-clear spring water from a nearby stream, a natural and revitalizing treat.

🦐Lunch at Kamogawa Restaurant🐟

Sipping the fresh spring water at Ōko-no-taki, our appetites kicked in — and we headed straight to Kamogawa Restaurant for lunch. This cozy Japanese eatery is a favorite among locals, which is always a good sign. We couldn’t resist the Kaisen-don, a colorful rice bowl topped with an assortment of freshly caught local fish.

🏄‍♂️ SUP Gliding on the Anbo River

After lunch, we headed to Anbo River — one of Yakushima’s most peaceful spots.

We inflated our 2-person SUP set (manual pump included) and set off on a relaxing cruise through the calm waters and songs of the cicada, which made for a truly peaceful and beginner-friendly experience. The best part? You can enjoy both the river and the ocean in a single day — a true highlight of van life on Yakushima!

🍖 Evening: BBQ at a Mountain Lodge

As evening approached, we arrived at the cozy Nagata Time Mountain Lodge, where local islanders were hosting a BBQ event. Veggies and meats grilled over charcoal, warmth from the fire and from conversations with locals, and a sky full of stars - the perfect ending to a day full of adventures.

⛽ Getting Around Yakushima – Just ¥3,000 in Gas!

Yakushima might look big on the map, but we were able to drive nearly the entire island on less than ¥3,000 worth of gas. The distance of one full loop of the island, plus a few stops here and there came out to be a total of 107.4 km.

✅ Final Thoughts

This trip turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences we've had in Yakushima.

With transportation, accommodation, and activities all in one vehicle, this van life style is the perfect way to enjoy everything Yakushima has to offer.

Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, a van adventure with Yakushima Rental Car lets you create your own unique journey.

👉 [See Rental Car Plans – Yakushima Rental Car page]

👉 [Explore Gear Rental Options – Gear Rental page]

👉 [Learn About the Mountain Lodge – Lodge Info page]