Yakushima
Registered in: 1993
World Heritage Type: Natural Heritage
Inscription criteria: - Includes an outstanding natural phenomenon or area with unparalleled 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 12km from Yakushima Airport to the Yakushima World Heritage Center, approximately 21 minutes by car
Japan's first natural heritage site: the beautiful "Alps of the Ocean"
Yakushima lies about 60km south-southwest of Cape Sata, the southernmost point of Kyushu, and most of the island, which is about 130km in circumference, is covered in forest. In 1993, Yakushima was the first Japanese island to be registered as a World Heritage Site, along with the Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area (Nara Prefecture), Himeji Castle (Hyogo Prefecture), and Shirakami-Sanchi (Aomori Prefecture and Akita Prefecture). It is a natural heritage site known for its beautiful scenery and diverse nature nurtured by its varied topography. The island is home to a number of high peaks over 1,800m above sea level, including Kyushu's highest peak, Miyanoura-dake (1,936m), which stands in the center of the island, and is known as the "Alps of the Ocean" due to its unique topography. Water vapor colliding with these mountains causes a lot of rain, which is why Yakushima has developed a rich forest over many years.
The appeal of the World Heritage site Yakushima is its diverse nature. The climate created by the terrain with its varying altitudes ranges from subtropical to subarctic, and it is said to be a place where you can enjoy the climates of Kyushu and Hokkaido on one island. More than 70% of Japan's plant species live on the island, with an astounding 1,500 varieties, including about 40 endemic species. It is also known as the southern limit of cedar trees, and the mountainous area, which is over 500 meters above sea level, is dotted with Yaku cedar trees that are over 1,000 years old. Many animals also live in the lush forest, including Yakushima deer and Yakushima macaques.
To the place where Yakusugi awaits. Walk through the World Heritage forest
If you want to experience the rich nature of Yakushima, trekking is definitely recommended. The island is dotted with a variety of trails set in beautiful forests. Anyone, from beginners to advanced hikers, can experience the World Heritage forest at their own pace.
When talking about trekking on Yakushima, the first thing that comes to mind is the route to Jomon Cedar. The round trip route to Jomon Cedar from the Arakawa trailhead in the eastern part of the island is about 20km long. With an elevation difference of about 700m and a round trip time of about 9 to 10 hours, it is a tough route for intermediate hikers, but the experience of seeing Jomon Cedar, which is said to be over 3,000 years old, is an impressive one. With a trunk circumference of over 16m, its imposing appearance is truly worthy of being called the symbol of Yakushima. There are other sights along the way, such as Wilson Stump, so be sure to check them out.
Yakusugi Land, a natural recreational forest that spreads out at an altitude of 1,000m to 1,300m, is a recommended spot for trekking beginners. There are four courses, ranging from a walking route that takes about 30 minutes to a trekking route that takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, so you can choose according to your physical strength and time. There are beautiful courses where you can enjoy moss-covered forests, clear streams, Yakusugi trees, and more, so please feel free to visit them. In addition, Shiratani Unsuikyo Gorge, which spreads along the Shiratani River, a tributary of the Miyanoura River, is also a popular trekking course for beginners to intermediate level hikers. The mystical scenery of the clear stream, huge rocks, and the diverse trees is so photogenic that it will take your breath away. It is common to enjoy trekking in a walking time of about 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Yakushima also has trails for advanced hikers, such as the Miyanouradake Traverse Route. Yakushima is an island that receives a lot of rain, so be sure to bring rainwear, trekking shoes, a headlamp, and other equipment. There are also many eco-tours conducted by guides who are well acquainted with the island's nature, so we recommend taking advantage of these.
Hot springs, waterfalls, beaches... The attractions that add color to your trip to Yakushima
Of course, the joy of traveling to the World Heritage Site "Yakushima" is not limited to encountering forests. For example, the spectacular waterfalls created by the large difference in altitude and the large amount of rain are also one of the island's highlights. In particular, "Okawa Falls," where a large amount of water tumbles down a cliff of about 88 meters, and "Chihiro Falls," surrounded by a deep valley, are spectacular. In addition, beautiful beaches such as "Nagata Inakahama," which is famous for sea turtles coming to lay their eggs, are also worth visiting.
After touring these spots, head to one of the hot springs scattered across the island. Located on the coast at the southern end of the island, Hiranai Undersea Hot Springs is only visible for a limited time around low tide, and is an open-air bath with a spectacular view of the ocean. A rustic bathing experience is sure to make your trip to this World Heritage site even more memorable. There are also many hot spring facilities on the island, such as Onoma Hot Spring and Oura Hot Spring, so we recommend chatting with the locals and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere that is unique to remote islands.
Walking through the mysterious forest, admiring the magnificent views, and soothing the island's peaceful time... Yakushima, Japan's first natural heritage site, was registered in 1993 and is a World Heritage Site filled with attractions that will make you want to return again and again.
Comment
If you want to enjoy trekking in the forests of Yakushima, early summer is the best season to enjoy the beautiful new greenery! The leaves and moss on the trees sparkling in the sunlight are breathtakingly beautiful. When walking through the forest, it is useful to have mountain climbing items such as rainwear, trekking shoes, a backpack, and a headlamp! Even though it is a remote island in Kyushu, it gets colder than you might imagine at high altitudes, so simple cold weather gear that you can easily put on and take off will also be useful.
Here is the tour to go here
The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
