🗺️ Yakushima

Yakushima is an island located 60 kilometers southwest of Sata Cape in Kagoshima Prefecture. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Yakushima has a circumference of 132 kilometers and an area of 505 square kilometers. The island is home to many mountains over 1,000 meters high, earning it the nickname "Alps on the Sea." Among them, Miyanoura-dake stands at 1,936 meters, making it the highest peak in Kyushu. Ninety percent of the island is covered in forests, with a climate ranging from subtropical to cool temperate. The coastal plain has a warm and pleasant climate, while the mountainous areas can be cold enough to experience snowfall. The main tree species on the island is the Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica), with those over 1,000 years old referred to as Yakusugi. The "Jomon Sugi" is the largest cedar on the island, estimated to be over 2,000 years old, with some believing it to be over 7,200 years old. These ancient trees, standing majestically between heaven and earth, have become symbols of Yakushima. Additionally, the famous "Wilson Stump," which features a heart-shaped tree hollow formed from a felled tree, is a popular photography spot. Yakushima receives abundant rainfall throughout the year, creating a rich forest ecosystem. The island is home to over 70% of Japan's plant species and many endemic species. The moss covering the ground adds a beautiful and dreamlike green hue to Yakushima. The island also boasts a beautiful white sandy beach, which is known as a nesting habitat for sea turtles during the early summer.

The small island registered as a World Natural Heritage site by UNESCO. The ancient trees known as "Sugi" (縄文杉) stand majestically between heaven and earth and are a must-see attraction. It is said that the moss-covered forest offers a wonderful landscape that resembles scenes from animated films. The entire island is a popular energy spot.