Yakushima Town is located in Kumage District, Kagoshima Prefecture. Its administrative area covers the entirety of Yakushima and Kuchinoerabujima, both part of the Osumi Islands. As of 2022, the town had a population of approximately 11,000. Its abundant natural environment and distinctive culture attract visitors from around the world.
Yakushima is a precious natural environment that preserves ancient forests and has been registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
One of the island’s most famous natural landmarks is Jomon Sugi, one of the largest Yakusugi cedar trees in Japan. Estimated to be several thousand years old, this enormous tree leaves visitors with an overwhelming impression of the power and longevity of nature.
Another popular attraction is Wilson’s Stump, the remains of a Yakusugi cedar said to have been felled for the construction of the Great Buddha Hall at Hokoji Temple in Kyoto by order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
The hike to Jomon Sugi is a popular activity for visitors, from experienced hikers to beginners who are prepared for a demanding mountain journey.
The walk takes approximately five hours one way. The route passes through rugged mountain terrain, and reaching this mysterious giant tree after the long hike is an unforgettable experience.
Many other Yakusugi cedar trees can also be seen along the way, allowing hikers to appreciate the island’s remarkable natural beauty throughout the journey.
Wilson’s Stump is the remains of a Yakusugi cedar that was transported to Kyoto. Its enormous size is still impressive today.
The stump has a hollow interior. When visitors stand inside and look up, they can see the blue sky through an opening shaped like a heart. This unusual view has made it a popular and romantic sightseeing spot.
Yakushima is known for its mountains and exceptionally heavy rainfall. In some parts of the island, annual precipitation exceeds 10,000 millimeters. This abundant rainfall supports the island’s rich vegetation and diverse natural environment.
Mountains reaching elevations of around 1,800 meters rise in the center of the island, including Mount Miyanoura, which stands at 1,936 meters. The island’s mountainous terrain makes it an excellent destination for visitors who enjoy hiking and trekking.
Mount Miyanoura is the highest peak on Yakushima and is included among Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains.
From the summit, visitors can enjoy a spectacular 360-degree panorama. On clear days, it is sometimes possible to see as far as mainland Kyushu and Amami Oshima.
Although the climbing trails are maintained, weather conditions can change suddenly in the mountains. Proper preparation is therefore essential before setting out.
Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is one of the places that best represents Yakushima’s rich natural environment.
Its mystical scenery, formed by moss-covered forests and clear streams, is said to have served as a model for the forest in the animated film Princess Mononoke.
Walking trails are provided, and the area offers a variety of nature observation routes suitable for visitors with different levels of hiking experience, from beginners to more experienced walkers.
Yakushima has a long history and is mentioned in the ancient Japanese chronicle Nihon Shoki.
One notable episode from the Edo period concerns Giovanni Sidotti, an Italian priest who landed on Yakushima. This event became the starting point for Arai Hakuseki’s work Seiyo Kibun, which introduced information about the Western world.
The island’s history is also connected with Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who is said to have used Yakusugi cedar timber for construction projects in Kyoto. This historical background adds to Yakushima’s cultural significance.
Yakushima is known not only for its abundant natural environment but also for its hot springs. Visitors can enjoy a variety of bathing experiences in different parts of the island.
Kusugawa Onsen is located in the northern part of Yakushima. It is a quiet hot spring surrounded by rich natural scenery and is known for its clear water. It is an ideal place to relax and soothe tired muscles after sightseeing.
Onoaida Onsen is located in the southern part of Yakushima and offers naturally flowing hot spring water directly from the source.
The hot spring has long been familiar to local residents and provides a relaxing setting surrounded by nature.
Yakushima Onsen is known for its beautiful location overlooking the sea. Visitors can enjoy a bath while looking out over the ocean and watching the beautiful sunset, making it a pleasant place to refresh both body and mind.
Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen is a rare hot spring that bubbles up from beneath the sea. It can be used only at low tide.
At high tide, the bathing area becomes submerged beneath the ocean. Bathing here offers a distinctive experience in which visitors feel closely connected to the natural environment.
Yudomari Onsen is located in the southwestern part of Yakushima. Its outdoor baths make use of natural rock formations, allowing visitors to bathe in the middle of the island’s magnificent natural surroundings.
Kuchinoerabujima also has several hot spring areas, offering visitors opportunities to relax amid its mountainous and coastal scenery.
Yumugi Onsen is located in the central part of Kuchinoerabujima and is characterized by its clear water. Surrounded by mountains in a quiet setting, it is a peaceful place to spend time away from busy daily life.
Nemachi Onsen is located in the western part of the island and is known for its spectacular outdoor bathing area overlooking the sea.
Visitors can relax while listening to the gentle sound of the waves.
Nishinoyu is a secluded hot spring in the northern part of Kuchinoerabujima. It is quietly nestled among lush green forests and offers a peaceful bathing experience in harmony with nature, far from the noise of the city.
Yakushima has many sightseeing destinations where visitors can experience its remarkable natural environment. The following are some of the island’s best-known attractions.
Senpiro Waterfall is located in the southern part of Yakushima. With a drop of approximately 60 meters, it is an impressive waterfall surrounded by dramatic natural scenery.
Observation decks have been developed around the waterfall, providing visitors with views of the entire cascade.
Toroki Waterfall is one of only two waterfalls in Japan that flow directly into the sea.
Here, visitors can enjoy a remarkable landscape in which the waterfall and ocean meet, surrounded by the island’s magnificent natural environment.
Okonotaki is the largest waterfall on Yakushima and has been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls.
Its abundant volume of flowing water creates a refreshing and powerful spectacle for visitors.
Shiratani Unsuikyo is a ravine that represents the natural beauty of Yakushima.
The moss-covered forest and clear streams have captivated visitors and are associated with the forest scenery in the animated film Princess Mononoke.
Mount Miyanoura is one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains and the highest peak on Yakushima.
Its summit reaches 1,936 meters above sea level and offers a spectacular 360-degree panorama. The mountain is a popular destination among climbers.
In addition to its natural attractions, Yakushima has many places of historical and cultural interest.
Masukijinja Shrine is listed in the ancient Engishiki and is described as the southernmost shrine in Japan. It enshrines the three sacred mountains of Yakushima.
The shrine has been worshipped by local people since ancient times and is also recognized for its cultural significance.
The Yakusugi Nature Museum is a facility where visitors can learn about the natural environment and history of Yakushima.
Its exhibits introduce the ecology of Yakusugi cedar trees and the formation of the island. Visiting the museum before exploring Yakushima helps visitors gain a deeper understanding of the island’s natural environment.
Because of its beautiful natural environment, Yakushima has appeared as a setting in various films, television dramas, and manga.
Manten, an NHK morning television drama broadcast during the second half of fiscal year 2002, is set on Yakushima.
The story follows the growth of its main character while portraying the island’s beautiful landscapes. The scenery of Yakushima captured the hearts of many viewers.
Studio Ghibli’s feature-length animated film Princess Mononoke uses Shiratani Unsuikyo on Yakushima as a model for its forest setting.
The film’s mysterious forest landscapes are closely associated with the natural scenery found on the island.
Various festivals are held on Yakushima throughout the year. One of the best-known traditions is the mountain pilgrimage festival, or Take-mairi, which is based on the island’s mountain worship traditions.
During these ceremonies, people climb the island’s sacred mountains to pray for good harvests and safety. These pilgrimages remain important traditional events for local residents.
Yakushima Town can be reached by both air and sea.
Yakushima Airport has direct flights from Kagoshima Airport and Osaka International Airport, making air travel a convenient option. Ferries also operate from Miyanoura Port and Anbo Port, and visitors can travel from Kagoshima Port by jetfoil or ferry.
Once on the island, visitors can get around by rental car or bus.
Yakushima Airport is relatively small but has the facilities needed to serve visitors arriving by air.
Flights connect the island with Osaka, Fukuoka, and Kagoshima, allowing travelers to reach Yakushima in a relatively short time.
Visitors can travel from Kagoshima to Yakushima by ferry or jetfoil.
High-speed vessels such as the Ferry Taiyo and Toppy take approximately two hours to reach the island. Traveling by sea is also an enjoyable way to begin a visit to Yakushima.
Yakushima Town attracts visitors with its abundant natural environment, magnificent Yakusugi cedar trees, and long history and cultural traditions.
The island is a paradise for people who enjoy hiking and trekking, with natural treasures such as Jomon Sugi and its World Natural Heritage landscapes.
Convenient access and a range of sightseeing facilities also make it possible for visitors to enjoy a comfortable stay. A visit to Yakushima offers a special opportunity to experience the island’s nature, history, and culture.