Yakushima

A World Natural Heritage island of mossy forests, where Jomon Sugi and the Shiratani Unsuikyo ravine are pilgrimage sites for hiking enthusiasts.

Yakushima Town governs Yakushima and Kuchinoerabu Island, south of the Osumi Peninsula in Kagoshima Prefecture. Yakushima has towering mountains and abundant rainfall, and in 1993 became one of Japan's first World Natural Heritage sites. Among the island's primeval Yakusugi forests is the ancient Jomon Sugi, a round-trip hike that takes about 10 hours; the mossy forest of Shiratani Unsuikyo is relatively easy to walk, and there are also Okawa Falls, Senpiro Falls and Nagata Beach, where sea turtles lay eggs. Spring and autumn have the best weather, and summer suits stream and beach activities, but it rains throughout the year, so bring rain gear. You can get there from Kagoshima by plane or high-speed boat.

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