Explore Yakushima, an island of ancient forests and mystic allure. Wander through the Yakushima Forest, home to the old Jomon Sugi cedar—experience Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine's mossy realms, inspiring Princess Mononoke. Enjoy serene beaches and clear waters for snorkeling. Hike diverse trails for breathtaking views and wildlife. Unwind in soothing hot springs. As a UNESCO site, Yakushima offers a unique mix of natural splendor and tranquility.
Yakushima, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, boasts ancient Yakusugi cedar trees, some over a millennium old, unspoiled beaches, and Japan's premier nesting grounds for sea turtles. This enchanting island is the essence of Japanese folklore.
Hosting around 1,900 varieties of plants, along with 16 types of mammals and 150 bird species, this area showcases an abundant biodiversity. It includes the scenery dominated by Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) and a pristine forest filled with ancient "Yakusugi" trees, each over a millennium old.
Yakushima Island boasts a rugged landscape featuring some of Kyushu's tallest mountains and extraordinary natural forest vistas. Here, ancient Japanese cedars, some over a millennium old, tower majestically.
This island's stunning natural splendor is acknowledged globally as a World Heritage site of exceptional universal value.
Yakushima is renowned for hosting the Yaku sugi, some of the oldest living trees in the world. This island is also the habitat of unique sub-species of deer and macaque monkeys, whose population surpasses the human residents of the isle.
The summer season is the prime time for Japanese tourists to explore Yakushima, and rightly so. With temperatures around 30°C, complemented by gentle sea breezes, Yakushima offers a more pleasant climate than the intense heat in mainland Japan during these months.
Yakushima is renowned for its "Kubiore-saba," a delicacy featuring specially prepared, fresh mackerel. Tourists should seize the chance to try this fresh mackerel dish – "Kubiore-saba" comes highly recommended! Another local specialty is "Saba-suki," akin to sukiyaki but substituting beef with mackerel, a unique twist on traditional flavors.
Yakushima offers a wide variety of accommodation options. Select from luxurious hotels to affordable shared lodgings.
Yakushima offers various transportation options, like buses, taxis, motorbikes, and bicycles. However, it's important to remember that the island is quite expansive!
A complete circuit of the island by car can take around 3 hours. As a result, relying on taxis can become quite expensive.