YES! Yakushima

  We cannot recommend Steve enough. He was one of the best guides we have ever engaged. We had a group 10; 6 of which were children, and Steve was a... read more gracious guide to adult and child alike. We could have sent the kids alone. Not only did he take us through this amazing forest, he had a David Attenborough-like knowledge of the surroundings: the biology, the geology, the culture. It was truly educational. The 6-hours flew by and we were disappointed when it was over.

  Steve was an awesome tour guide and a huge help when some of our travel plans went sideways! He helped translate with the ferry and hotel to make sure we... read more were set up for the night when we weren't able to get off island the day we expected due to some bad weather. He is super knowledgeable about the island and japan, and was very responsive to our questions leading up to the tour. Fantastic experience! Highly recommend to anyone journeying to Yakushima.

  Amazing, Amazing, Amazing!! Steve is a wealth of information, awesome guide (became a friend really), better than a local due to the number of years living in this island... read more and raising a family. Passionate and cares about the island. Learned a lot from him about the place and hope to do another trip with him. Hats off to Steve …

  I had a wonderful time with Steve. We visited Princess Mononoke's forest. It was my dream! But Steve's tour was much more than that. I learned so much about the... read more history of Yakushima, why it is so beautiful, and why it is so special today. Want to know the answer? Take a tour with Steve! …

  Amazing, Amazing, Amazing!! Steve is a wealth of information, awesome guide (became a friend really), better than a local due to the number of years living in this island... read more and raising a family. Passionate and cares about the island. Learned a lot from him about the place and hope to do another trip with him. Hats off to Steve

  I had a wonderful time with Steve. We visited Princess Mononoke's forest. It was my dream! But Steve's tour was much more than that. I learned so much about the... read more history of Yakushima, why it is so beautiful, and why it is so special today. Want to know the answer? Take a tour with Steve!

  My husband and I booked the Shiratani Unsuikyo tour with two friends over the long weekend and had a wonderful experience. Steve was an outstanding tour guide who delivered... read more a professional, informative and fun tour that made a huge difference to our visit to Yakushima. Just a few specifics: Steve arrived at our hotel on time and checked our gear – both footwear and raingear – as well as inquiring into any medical issues and confirmed we knew what we were getting into before we set off. At the entrance to the trail, he provided us the layout of the hiking trail and noted that there were two routes we could opt for when we reached a certain point totally based upon how we felt physically and what it was we were looking for in the hike – summit or forest. While on the hike he made sure we were comfortable with the pace and would stop and provide informational vignettes which provided knowledge as well as upon occasion, much needed breaks in the hike up a very steep trail. He was able to read his audience which made the hike much more enjoyable for everyone. He provided the same measure of concern and control over us on our way back down which was significantly more difficult due to moss-covered rocks and water hazards. When we finally got down to the parking lot after approximately seven hours, he made certain everyone was physically well and satisfied with the excursion. On the way back to our hotel, Steve went out of his way to graciously stop at a several locations so we could pick up cash and groceries as these facilities would have been closed by the time we go back – lifesaver! Also important to note, the tour price included a filling Bento box for lunch consisting of two onigiri as well as pork cutlets and karaage. We highly recommend YES! Yakushima to anyone who wants to really learn about the island while enjoying the various excursions available.

  My husband and I booked the Shiratani Unsuikyo tour with two friends over the long weekend and had a wonderful experience. Steve was an outstanding tour guide who delivered... read more a professional, informative and fun tour that made a huge difference to our visit to Yakushima. Just a few specifics: Steve arrived at our hotel on time and checked our gear – both footwear and raingear – as well as inquiring into any medical issues and confirmed we knew what we were getting into before we set off. At the entrance to the trail, he provided us the layout of the hiking trail and noted that there were two routes we could opt for when we reached a certain point totally based upon how we felt physically and what it was we were looking for in the hike – summit or forest. While on the hike he made sure we were comfortable with the pace and would stop and provide informational vignettes which provided knowledge as well as upon occasion, much needed breaks in the hike up a very steep trail. He was able to read his audience which made the hike much more enjoyable for everyone. He provided the same measure of concern and control over us on our way back down which was significantly more difficult due to moss-covered rocks and water hazards. When we finally got down to the parking lot after approximately seven hours, he made certain everyone was physically well and satisfied with the excursion. On the way back to our hotel, Steve went out of his way to graciously stop at a several locations so we could pick up cash and groceries as these facilities would have been closed by the time we go back – lifesaver! Also important to note, the tour price included a filling Bento box for lunch consisting of two onigiri as well as pork cutlets and karaage. We highly recommend YES! Yakushima to anyone who wants to really learn about the island while enjoying the various excursions available. …

  Traveling to and on Yakushima with YES is highly recommendable! We had wonderful days on the island and Steve was key to this wonderful vacation! He arranged everything for us:... read more ferry tickets, a wonderful minshuku with lovely hosts and guided trips on the island (including snorkeling fun with wild sea turtles). He showed us his favorite places on the island, which were super beautiful. Listening to his stories and knowledge about Yakushima was great fun, too! Thanks a lot for everything!

  Traveling to and on Yakushima with YES is highly recommendable! We had wonderful days on the island and Steve was key to this wonderful vacation! He arranged everything for us:... read more ferry tickets, a wonderful minshuku with lovely hosts and guided trips on the island (including snorkeling fun with wild sea turtles). He showed us his favorite places on the island, which were super beautiful. Listening to his stories and knowledge about Yakushima was great fun, too! Thanks a lot for everything! …