Yakushima Mori Festival

Festival highlights

Highlights include enjoying music in nature, along with candles and lighting effects that bring color to the venue.

Performers will sing and play instruments such as guitar, piano, and percussion, while light-based cut-paper art also helps create the festival’s atmosphere.

In 2026, shamisen players and a dance team are also scheduled to perform, broadening the range of music.

Source: 出演アーティスト｜やくしま森祭り / 開催概要｜やくしま森祭り

A night when music and candlelight echo through Yakushima’s forest

What to expect

In 2026, the event opens at 4 p.m., followed by the pre-stage event, lighting ceremony, and main performance, leading into an evening concert.

Along with performers’ sets, opening acts and performances by a dance team are also scheduled.

Candles are set up at the venue, and when the event is held indoors, a café also sets up outside the building.

Source: お申込み｜やくしま森祭り

How to take part

General attendees can attend the concert by making an admission donation.

The donation amount and application process differ for Yakushima Town residents and visitors from outside the island. Admission is free for high school students and younger.

Photography, video recording, and audio recording are prohibited during performances, so please follow the instructions while watching.

Yakushima Town residents can apply at participating shops on the island, or on the day at the Yakushima Tourism Center or the shuttle bus departure and arrival points.

Visitors from outside the island should email the number of people applying, the representative’s name, and a contact phone number. After receiving the application confirmation email, they can pay and collect their tickets at the Yakushima Tourism Center after arriving on the island.

In 2026, shuttle buses will not operate due to the venue change.

Check participation details

Location and access

Venue and address

Yakushima Town Rito Kaihatsu Sogo Center (Miyanoura).

The venue was changed for 2026 because the road to Yakushima General Nature Park was closed.

Train and bus

Take the local bus and get off at “Miyanoura Shisho-mae.”

It is described as a 0-minute walk.

By car

General vehicles can drive into the venue.

Parking

Free parking is available.

In 2026, no shuttle buses will run from Honoue-yama Wharf.

Address Miyanoura, Yakushima Town, Kumage District, Kagoshima Prefecture

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Dates and season

2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)

It was announced that the 2026 event would be held on October 3 (Saturday).

Doors open at 4 p.m., the pre-stage event begins at 4:30 p.m., the lighting ceremony is at 5:30 p.m., the main event begins at 6 p.m., and it is scheduled to end at 9:30 p.m.

Following the road closure to Yakushima General Nature Park, the venue has been changed to Yakushima Town Rito Kaihatsu Sogo Center.

Source: やくしま森祭り[公式ウェブサイト]

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

Photography, video recording, and audio recording are prohibited during performances at the venue.

Do not move the candles, and take care when touching them because their lids can become hot.

At the indoor venue, food and drink are not allowed inside the building; please eat and drink outside.

Performers may change or the event may be canceled due to severe weather or transportation conditions.

Nearby attractions

Temples and shrinesYakushima Town

益救神社

鹿児島県屋久島町宮之浦にある神社

Visit the official page ↗ⓘ Photo and data sources

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写真：Yasu ( talk ) / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Facility data source

Attractions in the same municipality. Check each attraction’s official website for travel distances from the venue and current opening information.

Origins and History of Yakushima Mori Festival

Yakushima Mori Festival began in 2006, organized by Ayako Ikeda, Mutsumi Ono, a guide on Yakushima, and others.

It started with the aim of bringing live performances to the island’s children, and has been held repeatedly, mainly at Yakushima General Nature Park.

The event has also taken different forms, including an online broadcast in 2020 and special music classes at junior high schools in Yakushima Town in 2021.

Official information

You can check official information on the Yakushima Mori Festival Executive Committee’s official website.

Information is provided on the 2026 event overview, performers, application process, venue change, and visitor guidelines.

For inquiries, contact the Yakushima Mori Festival Executive Committee Secretariat.

Yakushima Mori Festival at a Glance

Yakushima Mori Festival is a music festival that brings together Yakushima’s natural surroundings, music, and the glow of candlelight.

It was announced as taking place at Yakushima Town Rito Kaihatsu Sogo Center on October 3 in 2026, with singing, instrumental performances, a lighting ceremony, and a pre-stage event planned.

Admission requires a donation application. Check for venue changes and transportation information before visiting.