What kind of wildlife can I see in Yakushima National Park?

Yakushima is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Yakushima macaque, Japanese deer, and the endangered Yakushima rat. Bird watchers may also spot species like the Japanese woodpecker and the Amami raven.

How do I get to Yakushima National Park?

You can reach Yakushima Island by taking a flight from major cities in Japan like Tokyo or Kagoshima, or by ferry from Kagoshima. Once on the island, you can use local buses, taxis, or rental cars to access various parts of the park.

What hiking trails are recommended for visitors?

Popular trails include the Jomon Sugi Trail, which leads to the ancient cedar, and the Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine, known for its moss-covered trees and beautiful landscapes. The Yakusugi Land and the Kigen-sugi Trail are also worth exploring.

Yakushima

Yakushima National Park

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Yakushima National Park is an extraordinary natural treasure on Yakushima Island. This park is a haven for ancient cedar forests, with giants like Jomon Sugi standing tall for over 7,000 years. These Yakusugi trees are massive, with twisted trunks and deep roots, creating an almost mystical atmosphere.

The park is a biodiversity hotspot, home to a wide range of plant and animal species. The island's heavy rainfall, reaching up to 10,000 millimeters a year, nourishes lush vegetation from subtropical to temperate zones. This unique climate supports rare wildlife like the Yakushima macaque and the Yaku deer, which are often spotted roaming freely.

Hiking in Yakushima National Park is an adventure in itself. Trails vary from the serene paths of Shiratani Unsuikyo, covered in vibrant moss, to the challenging climbs up Mt. Miyanoura, the tallest peak in Kyushu. The views are breathtaking, with clear streams, majestic waterfalls like Oko no Taki, and panoramic vistas of the ocean and mountains.

Website

www.env.go.jp

The area

Address

Yakushima, Kumage District, Kagoshima, Japan

Website

www.env.go.jp

Top ways to experience Yakushima National Park

8 hours

Explore Yakushima Island on Foot with a Local Guide

5 hours

Explore Yakushima's Enchanting Forests on our Yakusugi Land Walking Tour

What other travelers are saying about Yakushima National Park

We visited Yakushima National Park during a cruise stop and decided to explore it by bicycle. It was an incredibly beautiful ride—about 11 km from the cruise wharf—and every minute felt magical. The scenery changed constantly, from coastal views to lush green forests, and the air felt unbelievably fresh. The highlight was seeing the ancient cedar trees, some thousands of years old. The atmosphere in the forest is calm, almost mystical, and completely worth the effort of the ride. The roads were manageable, with a few hills, but the peaceful environment and stunning nature made it an unforgettable experience. If you love exploring outdoors, cycling, or discovering unique natural wonders, Yakushima is a must-visit. Highly recommend!

pragalaathan sivanathan

Nov 20, 2025

The tiny, circular island of Yakushima to the south of Honshu is a dense, lush, semi-tropical forest of ancient cedar trees, some that have made the forest their home for over 1,000 years. It was a Stop on our cruise, and was fantastic. If you have a chance to go here while visiting Japan, do it!

woglinda

Nov 3, 2023

This place is paradise. The trees here are among the oldest on Earth and everything is covered in this lush green moss that feels like it’s straight out of a scene from Princess Mononoke. If you’re a nature lover, this place is an absolute must-visit. I highly recommend packing waterproof gear and warm layers, as the weather can be completely unpredictable.