Yakushima is a lush, subtropical island off the southern coast of Kyushu in Japan’s Kagoshima Prefecture, just around 135 km south of Kagoshima city. It is famous for its ancient cedar forests, rugged mountains, and rich biodiversity. Recognized as Japan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, Yakushima is a paradise for nature lovers and hikers, offering some of Japan’s most pristine natural landscapes.
Nature and Wildlife in Yakushima
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The island’s most iconic feature is its “yakusugi” – ancient Japanese cedar trees over 1,000 years old, some believed to be more than 7,000 years old. The most famous of these trees is the Jomon Sugi, the largest and oldest tree on the island, attracting hikers from around the world.
The island’s interior is largely mountainous, with Mount Miyanoura being the highest peak at 1,935 meters.
The diverse topography, combined with Yakushima’s unique climate, results in a wide variety of ecosystems, from subtropical forests at sea level to temperate and even subalpine environments in higher elevations.
Yakushima is also home to diverse wildlife, including the native Yakushima macaque monkeys and Yaku deer, which roam freely throughout the island.
Yakushima experiences an exceptionally high level of rainfall, particularly in the mountainous regions, receiving up to six times more than Tokyo. This heavy precipitation sustains the island’s natural beauty and its unique ecosystem. Here are some breathtaking sights you can discover on this extraordinary island.
Hiking in Yakushima
Yakushima is a hiker’s paradise, with trails for all levels of difficulty: despite being an island, Yakushima has several peaks almost 2,000 meters in height.
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Jomon Sugi
The trek to Jomon Sugi, one of the island’s most popular hikes, takes around 10 hours round-trip, passing through stunning forest scenery.
The Jomon Sugi hike begins at the Arakawa Trailhead, about a 40-minute bus ride from Anbo Port or Miyanoura. Due to environmental concerns, private cars are restricted from accessing the trailhead, so hikers must use the Arakawa bus service which operates early in the morning. The buses start early, typically around 4:30 AM, to allow hikers enough time to complete the trek during daylight hours. You can buy a ticket directly at the counter in the morning or purchase it in advance at specific locations. It will be crowded, so getting there ahead of time will surely be helpful for your hike.
The first part of the hike follows an old logging railway track, known as the Kusugawa Trail, which was used during the island’s logging period. The trail is relatively flat but long, and hikers will walk along the rail tracks for about 8 kilometers.
After the railway section, the trail becomes steeper as you ascend through dense forest toward Jomon Sugi. The path here is more rugged, with stairs and wooden boardwalks built into the hillside to protect the fragile ecosystem. The forest becomes thicker and more primeval as you approach the higher altitudes.
This part of the hike is more physically demanding, as it involves a steady climb and some steep sections, but the sense of remoteness and ancient atmosphere of the forest makes it worthwhile.
After another 2-3 hours of hiking, you’ll reach the viewing platform for Jomon Sugi, where you can rest and take in the sight of the ancient tree. Jomon Sugi stands about 25 meters tall with a circumference of more than 16 meters, making it the largest and most impressive tree on the island.
Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine
Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a moss-covered forest that inspired the mystical landscapes in the Studio Ghibli film “Princess Mononoke.”
The gorge features well-maintained trails that wind through a fairytale-like setting of towering cedars, some over 1,000 years old, and a thick layer of moss covering rocks and tree roots.
Among the notable trees is the Yayoisugi, a 3,000-year-old cedar near the start of the trails. Hikers can choose from several routes of varying difficulty and length, including the popular 2-3 hour hike to Taiko Iwa Rock, which offers panoramic views over the forest and valleys below.
Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is accessible year-round and is one of the most beautiful spots in Yakushima for a peaceful, immersive nature experience.
Mount Miyanoura
Mount Miyanoura is the highest peak on Yakushima Island, at 1,936 meters, and one of the tallest mountains in southern Japan.
The trail to Mount Miyanoura takes you through different ecosystems, from subtropical forests at lower elevations to alpine-like environments near the summit. Along the way, you’ll encounter ancient yakusugi cedar trees, lush moss-covered forests, rocky outcrops, and wide-open views. The mountain’s weather is unpredictable, with frequent rain and fog adding to the mystical atmosphere.
The Miyanoura Loop Trail typically takes 10-12 hours to complete as a round-trip or can be done as an overnight hike by staying at one of the mountain huts along the route, such as the Yodogawa Hut. Hikers usually begin from the Yodogawa Trailhead, ascending through thick forests before reaching higher, rockier terrain. The summit rewards hikers with sweeping views over Yakushima’s interior and, on clear days, you can even see the Osumi Peninsula on the mainland.
Beaches and Hot Springs
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In addition to its mountains and forests, Yakushima has beautiful coastal areas, including beaches like Inakahama, where endangered loggerhead sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. The island also has natural hot springs such as Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen.
Hirauchi Kaichu onsen is incredibly unique, as its waters emerge from beneath the sea and fill natural rock pools, creating a rare and remarkable hot spring experience. Because of the tide, this onsen can only be accessed at certain times of the day when the tide is low. You can confirm the specific times at the visitor center at Miyanoura port upon your arrival.
Access and Accommodation
Yakushima can be reached by ferry or plane from Kagoshima. Most visitors stay in towns like Miyanoura or Anbo, which are the main ports of entry, and offer a range of accommodations from guesthouses to traditional ryokan. Public transportation on the island is limited, so many travelers prefer to rent cars or rely on buses to reach trailheads and tourist spots.
Discover the Fairy-Tale Like World of Yakushima
Overall, Yakushima is a magical island offering a combination of rich history, and breathtaking nature, the perfect retreat for those looking to immerse themselves in true untouched wilderness.
More reads:
- National Park Guide: A Window Into Japan’s Precious Heritage
- Discover the Untouched Beauty of Oze National Park
- Hiking in Japan: Preparation, Equipment & the 7 Best Trails in Japan!
- Shinrin Yoku: The Japanese Experience of Forest Bathing
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