Yakushima
Registered in: 1993
World Heritage Type: Natural Heritage
Inscription criteria: - Includes an outstanding natural phenomenon or area with exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic elements.
- They represent outstanding examples of important ongoing ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems, plant and animal communities.
Access: Approximately 12 km from Yakushima Airport to the Yakushima World Heritage Center, approximately 21 minutes by car
Experience the charm of this World Heritage Site! Trekking on Yakushima
Yakushima was the first Japanese natural world heritage site to be registered in 1993, along with Shirakami-Sanchi. This island, located about 60 km south-southwest of Cape Sata, the southernmost point of Kyushu, is also known as the "Alps of the Sea" due to the mountains over 1,000 m above sea level. It is also known for its beautiful forests, nurtured by abundant rainfall and a rich variety of topography. If you want to enjoy the charms of this world heritage site with all your senses, trekking is the recommended option! There are a wide variety of trekking routes scattered across the island, from easy hiking trails that can be enjoyed in 1-2 hours to traverse routes for advanced hikers. The most iconic route on Yakushima is the trekking route to Jomon Cedar, an estimated tree aged 2,170-7,200 years. The route, which takes about 8-10 hours round trip to walk a 610 m elevation difference, is quite physically demanding. However, if you walk along the trekking route, you will come across many sights, such as mossy forests, flowing rivers, and giant Yakusugi trees, and you are sure to experience the excitement worthy of a trip to a World Heritage Site!
In addition to the Jomon Cedar Course, Yakushima has many other hiking routes, including the Taikoiwa Course, which takes about five hours round trip, and the Miyanouradake Course, which aims for Kyushu's highest peak, Miyanouradake (1,936m). There are also plenty of areas perfect for a leisurely stroll, such as Yakusugi Land and Shiratani Unsuikyo Gorge. There are also plenty of tours run by outdoor guides who are well acquainted with the island's nature, so be sure to experience the charms of this World Heritage Site, Yakushima, with your whole body.
Be sure to check out the healing experiences that are only possible at this natural heritage site!
Hiranai Undersea Hot Springs
About 20% of Yakushima is registered as a World Natural Heritage site, but the island is also known as a "hot spring paradise" for those in the know! For example, Hiranai Undersea Onsen, located on the southern coastline of the island, is a rare open-air bath where hot springs bubble up from the sea. When you dip into the bath, which appears only about two hours before and after low tide, the ocean is right in front of you. If you want to enjoy a wild bathing experience unique to a World Heritage island, please give it a try. Also, Kusugawa Onsen, located in the northeastern part of the island, is a public bath with a history of over 400 years. The small indoor bath is filled with water that feels smooth on the skin, and the rustic atmosphere is perfect for a trip. Interacting with the locals is also one of the pleasures of visiting this hot spring. Yakushima also has a wide variety of hot springs, such as Onoma Onsen, a public bath with natural spring water, and Yudomari Onsen, an open-air bath with a spectacular view located on the beach in the Yudomari area. Walk through the beautiful forest and soothe your fatigue in the hot springs. Why not try enjoying a healthy trip to this World Heritage site?
The food in Yakushima is also top-notch! How to enjoy the delicious food
Deep fried flying fish
One of the best parts of traveling to Yakushima is discovering the island cuisine that is unique to this remote island blessed with abundant nature. For example, the dishes that use flying fish are synonymous with Yakushima's local cuisine. In fact, Yakushima boasts the highest flying fish catch in Japan. Fresh flying fish is an excellent ingredient that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, such as grilled with salt or as sashimi, as well as deep-fried and tsukeage (satsumaage).
It has become an indispensable part of the island's cuisine and can be enjoyed at a variety of restaurants. Another Yakushima specialty, along with flying fish, is the "broken neck mackerel." Named after the mackerel's neck, which is broken immediately after it is caught to maintain freshness, this mackerel has a great chewy texture. It is commonly eaten as sashimi or grilled with salt. In addition to this, there is a wide variety of seafood that can be enjoyed on Yakushima, including water squid and striped jack.
One of the attractions of Yakushima is that you can enjoy not only seafood but also mountain produce. For example, this island, most of which is covered in forest, is also famous for its venison dishes. Tropical fruits such as mangoes and pineapples are also cultivated, taking advantage of the warm climate. Furthermore, if you like alcohol, you can't miss the sweet potato shochu brewed with Yakushima's clean water! Yakushima, which is visited by many travelers, has a wide range of gourmet facilities, from casual izakayas and local cuisine restaurants to stylish cafes and luxury hotels. Be sure to enjoy the best "island cuisine" at your favorite place!
Travel writer/Yoshiwara
Yakushima is an "outdoor paradise" where you can enjoy a variety of activities. In addition to trekking to Jomon Cedar and Miyanouradake, you can enjoy water sports such as SUP (stand up paddle) and kayaking in the sea and rivers. You can also dive and snorkel in the underwater world with its rich coral reefs! Please experience the nature of this World Heritage Site through various activities!
If you go here, this is the tour for you
The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
