Yakushima Island, Southern Japan

Yakushima is located about 100km south of Kyushu island (where we live) in southern Japan. The reason we decided to visit Yakushima is because of its infamous mountains and ancient trees and, importantly for us, it is not built up. So a 6 hour train ride and over-night ferry (travel in Japan is slow but reliable) brought us to the gateway of this World Natural Heritage Site.

We hiked the island from north, Miyanoura port, to south east, Anbo port. It took two days and we camped overnight amongst the ancient cedar trees, some 7000 years old.



Mochomu-dake...a steep ascent will provide views of Onoaida and southern parts of the island.

Wet bears from the south....

The second day at about 1900m (the highest peak in Southern Japan) it poured and blew us soaking wet. The paths became waterfalls but luckily the sun returned which is unusual for this area as it receives the highest rainfall in Japan.

A roadside stop: A family invited us to join in in their gardening break


The waterfalls are clean and beautiful.


The views are some of the best in Japan as they are not obscured by pollution (just rain-bearing cloud!).


Beach onsen at Hirauchi.


Sugi (Cedar) stump: Most of the cedars were cut for logging but many have regrown.


We left the industria for a worthwhile island in southern Japan. It is a World Natural Heritage Site and is a good stop for any hiker, swimmer or nature lover.

The blog below provides maps, accommodation, travel and hiking information on the island
http://yakumonkey.blogspot.com/2007/06/accommodation.html

A great place to stay is with Rainer and Naoko at Jerry's Mandala Guesthouse on the Onoaida beach cliffs.