Explore Yakushima Island

The subtropical island of Yakushima is famous for its wildlife and cedar forests.

While staying in Yakushima and if you are in good physical condition we invite you to hike all the way to Jomonsugi (the oldest tree in Japan). The hike takes about ten hours round trip, and you should leave before sunrise in order to finish by sunset. Good rain gear and hiking boots are highly recommended. You must bring your own food, toiletries, and plenty of water.

Shiratani Unsuikyo will also be on top of your must see sights while in Yakushima. Shiratani Unsuikyo recently became famous after serving as inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Mononoke Hime (Princess Mononoke). Oga Kazuo, the art director for the film, spent lots of time at Shiratani Unsuikyo working on sketches for the movie’s forests with trees all covered by green moss.

This luxuriant, green nature park is home of some of the island’s most ancient cedars such as the Nidaiosugi, Kugurisugi and Yayoisugi.

The park offers a network of well maintained hiking trails that run along the ravine. The recommended circuits vary in length from one to five hours long.

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Jeff was born in a south suburb of Chicago named South Holland and lived in Japan for 14 years. He now lives in Commerce Township, Michigan with his wife Yoshimi, son Shota, and daughter Mina. He enjoys playing with his kids, volunteering with his daughter’s marching band, cycling and training and teaching Aikido.

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Explore Yakushima Island Japan