FerryConnect

Japan

Kagoshima → Yakushima

The sea route to Yakushima, the UNESCO-listed island of ancient cedar forest. Toppy and Rocket jetfoils run direct or via Tanegashima, while the car ferry Ferry Yakushima 2 makes a single daily round trip for drivers.

⏱ 1h 50m (direct jetfoil) – 4h (ferry)🚢 2 operators📅 Six jetfoils a day plus one car ferry a day🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly
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Kagoshima to Yakushima ferry at a glance

The ferry from Kagoshima to Yakushima takes 1h 50m (direct jetfoil) – 4h (ferry) across the East China Sea (Osumi Strait), operated by Tanegashima Yakushima Kosoku (Toppy & Rocket) and Orita Kisen (Ferry Yakushima 2). Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: six jetfoils a day plus one car ferry a day.

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-09-29.

Sources: tykousoku.jp · ferryyakusima2.com · ferryyakusima2.com · How we verify

Return crossing: Yakushima to Kagoshima

Tanegashima Yakushima Kosoku (Toppy & Rocket) and Orita Kisen (Ferry Yakushima 2) also sail Yakushima to Kagoshima, taking 1h 50m (direct jetfoil) – 4h (ferry).

Kagoshima to Yakushima ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Jetfoils: six departures a day each way (winter timetable 1 Oct 2026–28 Feb 2027); Ferry Yakushima 2: Kagoshima 08:30 → Miyanoura 12:30, Miyanoura 13:30 → Kagoshima 17:40

Published departure times

  • Jetfoil 07:30, 08:00, 10:00, 13:00, 13:30, 14:45 from Kagoshima
  • Ferry 08:30 from Kagoshima

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official Tanegashima Yakushima Kosoku (Toppy & Rocket) timetable →Check prices & book on 12Go →

Source: Tanegashima Yakushima Kosoku timetable page; Ferry Yakushima 2 timetable page. Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Kagoshima and Yakushima

📐 72 Nautical Miles
Kagoshima⇄Yakushima
⏱ 1h 50m (direct jetfoil) – 4h (ferry) · 📐 72 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Tanegashima Yakushima Kosoku (Toppy & Rocket)1h 50m – 2h 50mToppy 2, Toppy 3, Toppy 7, Rocket 1, Rocket 2, Rocket 3
Orita Kisen (Ferry Yakushima 2)4hFerry Yakushima 2

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

72 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Both the jetfoils and Ferry Yakushima 2 use Kagoshima’s Honko South Pier (6 Honko-shinmachi, Kagoshima)
  • Some jetfoils arrive at Anbo on the island’s east coast instead of Miyanoura; check the port on your ticket

Tips for the Kagoshima to Yakushima Crossing

  • Vehicles on Ferry Yakushima 2 must be booked in advance (from two months before sailing).

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from KagoshimaKagoshima → Sakurajima (Volcano)15m · Kagoshima City Ferry AuthorityAlso sails from KagoshimaKagoshima → Naha (Okinawa)About 25h · A-Line FerryAlso sails from KagoshimaKagoshima → Tanegashima (Nishinoomote)1h 35m – 1h 40m (direct) · Tanegashima Yakushima Kosoku (Toppy & Rocket)Also sails from KagoshimaKagoshima → Amami Oshima (Naze)About 11h – 11h 10m (overnight) · A-Line FerryOnward from YakushimaTanegashima (Nishinoomote) → Yakushima45m – 55m · Tanegashima Yakushima Kosoku (Toppy & Rocket)Nearby alternative crossingKumamoto → Shimabara30m – 1h · Kumamoto Ferry, Kyusho Ferry
⚓ Kagoshima Honko South Pier guide⚓ Miyanoura Port (Yakushima) guide⛴ All ferries from Kagoshima⛴ All ferries from Yakushima🗺 All ferries in Japan🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Kagoshima to Yakushima?
The crossing typically takes 1h 50m (direct jetfoil) – 4h (ferry). By operator: Tanegashima Yakushima Kosoku (Toppy & Rocket) about 1h 50m – 2h 50m; Orita Kisen (Ferry Yakushima 2) about 4h. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Kagoshima to Yakushima ferry sail?
Jetfoils: six departures a day each way (winter timetable 1 Oct 2026–28 Feb 2027); Ferry Yakushima 2: Kagoshima 08:30 → Miyanoura 12:30, Miyanoura 13:30 → Kagoshima 17:40. This is the pattern published in the Tanegashima Yakushima Kosoku timetable page; Ferry Yakushima 2 timetable page (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Kagoshima to Yakushima?
Tanegashima Yakushima Kosoku (Toppy & Rocket), Orita Kisen (Ferry Yakushima 2) operate this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Kagoshima to Yakushima ferry?
Yes. Vehicles are carried on this route. Book vehicle space in advance for peak dates, and check the operator’s height, length and trailer limits for campervans and larger vehicles.
Can I take the Kagoshima to Yakushima ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Kagoshima to Yakushima ferry?
Pets are accepted on this route, subject to the operator’s rules (for example staying in the vehicle, kennels or pet-friendly cabins). International crossings also require the correct pet travel documents.
How far is Kagoshima from Yakushima by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 72 nautical miles (roughly 133 km).