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Yakushima boasts the title of ‘Japan’s wettest place’ with locals jokingly claiming that it rains 35 days a month. The sub-tropical climate and heavy rain brings life to the lush forests and rich vegetation which consume the island. The wildflowers and blossoms that dot along the roads and through the forests create some wonderfully enchanting scenery. Such is the natural beauty of the forests and the mountainous terrain that it inspired the setting for famed Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki’s animated film Princess Mononoke.
Yakushima is covered by a dense forest with towering cedar trees which seem to act as wise old guardians of the small island. The forest is so charming and characterful that visitors can find individual trees that have been given their own name. The term Yakusugi is used to describe the trees that are over 1,000 years old, though these are mere babies compared to some of the trees on the island - some of which are more than 7,000 years old.
The island was logged heavily from the start of the Edo period, with the revenue raised from the felled trees being used as a means to benefit the island locals and alleviate economic hardships. The cedar wood was used in the construction of ships and other architecture, with the bulk of the cedar being used to manufacture roof tiles called ‘hi ragi.' Logging has now ceased across Yakushima, with some areas declared a Natural World Heritage site. Since it is now no longer permitted to cut Yakusugi, the souvenirs that found on display are made from stumps of previously felled trees, or trees that have fallen naturally. These trees are called domaiboku which translates to ‘buried trees in the ground.'
It would seem that Yakushima has cultivated the perfect conditions for these trees to thrive, with high rainfall and high humidity making the cedars resistant to rotting. Despite all the rain, the warm conditions on the island ensure that the surrounding water temperatures never drop below 19C which makes for perfect swimming conditions, beautifully contrasting snow falls high up in the mountains.
With the island’s steep terrain and exceptional climate, the appeal of stunning scenery and hiking trails draw adventure seeking tourists to Yakushima’s shores. Due to its isolation, the number of tourists that visit each year is relatively low, but those who do come are blessed with a myriad of beautiful natural sights to explore, with hiking opportunities all around the island and several impressive waterfalls that are well worth the 90-minute bus ride to reach. On days that it may be too wet to be wandering, the Yakusugi museum provides videos and displays showcasing the island’s natural wonders and logging history.
Yakushima can be accessed via the hydrofoil ferry which runs seven to eight times a day from Kagoshima, or via plane to Yakushima Airport with up to five flights flying in daily from Kagoshima. Due to the island’s small population and an even smaller number of tourists who visit each year, the buses on the island operate infrequent services and are not the most reliable for getting to the remote stretches of the island. For this reason, renting a car or scooter is the most convenient option for getting around the island quickly.- Yakusugi Museum
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- Kagoshima Pref. Kumagegunyakushimachou Ambou 2739-343
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- 0997463113
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- 9:00-17:00(Last entry16:30)
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Yakushima Manten Ryokan
812-33 Koseda Yakushimacho Kumagegun Kagoshima
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