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Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site off the coast of Japan, is known for its lush forests, including the oldest trees in the world, diverse wildlife, and high humidity. The island has inspired novels and films, including Princess Mononoke. Despite its popularity, Yakushima remains remote and eerie, with only 300,000 visitors annually.
Yakushima is an island off the coast of Japan. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has been since 1993. It is known for its lush beauty, magnificent trees, and incredible humidity. The island has inspired many novels and films and remains a place of mystery and wonder for those who visit.
About 15,000 people live in Yakushima, which covers about 190 square miles (500 square km). The island is located approximately 40 miles (60km) off the southern coast of the Osumi Peninsula. There are six major mountains on Yakushima, with the tallest reaching nearly 6,000 feet (1,800 m), giving it the nickname The Ocean Alps.
The “cedars” of Yakushima are perhaps one of the most recognizable features of the island. These mighty trees, the oldest of which are called Yaku sugi, are often over a thousand years old. The oldest discovered so far, in 1996, is thought to be between 2000 and 7200 years old and is the largest in the world. Sugi isn’t a true cedar — it’s a member of the cypress family and is the only species of its genus, Cryptomeria. The tree is the national tree of Japan and is one of the reasons why Yakushima is so revered.
Yakushima is absolutely awash in moisture. It is one of the rainiest places on earth and people humorously remark that it rains 35 days a month. Because of the plentiful water and the range of temperatures the island has across its different elevations, a diverse range of species make Yakushima their home.
Two species of particular interest are the Yakushika deer and the Yaku red-bottomed macaque. Sea turtles also make their migratory home on Yakushima, and the tanuki have also established themselves on the island, quickly becoming completely home. For visitors seeking wildlife, Yakushima is one of the best travel destinations in Japan.
The real reason Yakushima is a World Heritage Site, however, has more to do with flora than fauna. The island contains some of the only warm-climate old-growth forests left on the planet, and it’s a truly surreal experience to walk in the mist and humidity through the huge old-growth trees.
Yakushima is undoubtedly best known in the popular imagination for his role in inspiring the forests of Hayao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke. The forest is also featured in numerous Japanese cartoons, video games, and comics.
Although Yakushima is very popular, it is remote enough not to be inundated with tourists. Just over 300,000 people visit Yakushima each year, so a visit to the island’s forests can be a deeply lonely and eerie experience. For travelers who want to get a little off the beaten track and want to try something different, Yakushima is a great destination. The island is most often reached by air, with Yakushima Airport serving the entire island. Once there, visitors can stroll through Yakushima forest, bathe at Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen, climb Ooko-no-taki waterfall, or walk on coral-studded Sango-no-hama beach.
