Explore the paradise island "Yakushima"

If one day you feel tired and tense with life, or simply want to go to a peaceful place to relax, remember the island of Yakushima of Kagoshima Prefecture - The place is covered by forests. old trees and mountain ranges, waterfalls, ... wild beauty fascinated.

Yakushima Island (屋 久 島) is a tropical island located off the south-western coast of Kyushu Island and is part of Kagoshima Prefecture. It is famous for its pristine wilderness and centuries-old cedar forests that were recognized by UNESCO as World Natural Heritage in 1993.

Ancient forest on Yakushima Island

The island has a humid subtropical climate, with heavy rainfall each year, so it is the dampest place in Japan. In addition, thanks to favourable climatic conditions, the Yakushima vegetation is rich with primaeval forests and endemic species such as Yakushima, Yakushika, etc. Especially, this place is also an ideal place for sea turtles to lay their eggs on the beach in the summer.

Monkeys on Yakushima Island

In addition, the wet climate of the island also creates vitality for the cliffs, winding rivers on the island, majestic waterfalls poured down from above, the same green moss covered the ground. Thanks to those factors, Yakushima was chosen to be inspired by Princess Mononoke, a popular animated film produced by Studio Ghibli.

Streams bend in the forest

From the forests of Yakushima, you can walk on many trails marked to reach the summit of Miyanoura, the highest peak in the Kyushu Islands. In addition, visitors should not miss the opportunity to kayak to the impressive waterfalls, or scuba diving in the pristine beaches, visit the Yakusugi Museum and Center Culture Environmental Village. In addition, the island also has many attractive natural hot springs such as Kusugawa onsen, Onoaida onsen, Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen, ...

Waterfall on Yakushima Island

To reach the island of Yakushima, you can take the Yakushima2 ferries to depart daily from Kagoshima Shinko Port of Kagoshima to Miyanoura Port in Yakushima for about 4 hours, with the adult fare of 5,000 yen/yen and 9,500 yen/yr. recovery.