After some back and forth we decided to visit the Yakushima island. After Tokyo this was one of the most recommended places. The preparations for the passage however were cumbersome. The bikes needed to be wrapped up so that we could take them along the Hydrofoil Ferry. Prepared with large rubbish bags and ducttape we went to work and after 20 minutes the bikes were packed.
The circular island is one of the most rain-laden places of whole Japan. This proved to be true during our visit. However this was not preventing us to see the UNESCO world-heritage rain-forest with the famous Yaku-sugi (over 1000 year old cedars).