Yakushima day trip from Kagoshima

Is it reasonable to go to Yakushima for a day trip from Kagoshima? I would like to take the earliest ferry out and the latest ferry back, but I don't have an international drivers license so I wonder if this is unreasonable. Thoughts?

The first jetfoil arrives on Yakushima at 10:10, and the last one departs at 16:00 (current winter timetable), giving you about five hours for sightseeing and getting around. Jetfoil round trip: 15,000 yen.

This may be enough time to see the Shiratani Unsuikyo (you have to check bus timetables or hire a taxi):
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4654.html

Most people will find this unreasonable, but certain people will do it.

Thank you!

Alternatively, how many days do you think is ideal to visit Yakushima? I may go back when it's warmer :)

I went to Yakushima Island last year in April, and had a great time. I asked similar questions before I went, and zoomingJapan gave me some answers along with links to his blogs.

http://www.japan-guide.com/forum/quereadisplay.html?0+99508

I didn't rent a car, but took the bus tour, which you find on the Yakumonkey's website. Here is the tranportation page:

http://www.yakumonkey.com/2007/06/transport-to-and-from-yakushima.html

Here is the bus schedule, with the bus tour:

http://www.yakumonkey.com/2012/05/new-yakushima-bus-timetables-2012.ht...

You can take the 7:45 jetfiol and arrive at Yakushima Island in time for the Bus tour A to pick you and your luggage up and take you around the Island. If you stay at the JR Hotel, the tour B will pick you up again the next morning, and drop you off for the 1:30 PM (13:30) Jetfoil back to Kagoshima.

This is probably the fast route to visiting Yakushima Island. It requires one night stay on the Island.

I hope this helps.

ebaychucky311, thanks for mentioning me. :)

I'd say Yakushima shouldn't be explored in a short day trip. And like others said it would be more like half a day.
Even if you get a rental car, you won't be able to see much.

The great thing about Yakushima is that you can explore the great forest and nature, but for that you need TIME! It's nothing you can just rush through.

Here are some of the things with photos:
http://zoomingjapan.com/tag/kagoshima/

I'd definitely give Yakushima two or three days.

So one or two nights.

If you want to see jomon-sugi you'd want the three day option too, so you can do the long walk on the second day and not worry about boats.