Nature of Yakushima

Yakushima Island was formed by the uplift of granite. The island receives water vapor from the Kuroshio Current, making it prone to rainfall and earning it the nickname "the rainiest island in Japan. Despite being a small island with a circumference of only 130 km, it is characterized by towering mountains, led by the 1,936-meter-high Miyanoura-dake, and by the large difference in elevation between the mountains and the coastline. This harsh environment and diverse topography create a unique ecosystem and beautiful natural landscape.

A wide variety of plants are found here, including subtropical plants such as banyan trees along the coast, cedar and fir forests at around 1,000 m, and grassland zones such as Yakushima rhododendron near the top of the mountain. In particular, old-growth forests including yakusugi cedars, some of which are several thousand years old, create an overwhelmingly beautiful natural scenery with abundant moss. Monkeys and deer coexist with humans as if nothing has happened.

History of Yakushima

Approximately 14 million years ago, the granite rose through the intrusion and pushed up the strata, forming the original shape of Yakushima. It is said that humans began to live on Yakushima more than 10,000 years ago, and during the Jomon Period, human habitation was widely confirmed on the island. In the Edo period (1603-1867), the forestry industry flourished, and Yakusugi cedars, with their fine annual rings and abundant oil, nurtured by the unique topography, were sold as an annual tribute and distributed throughout Japan as high-grade building materials. In the Meiji era (1868-1912), the area was incorporated into the national forest system, and especially from the Taisho era (1912-1926) to the 1960s (1965-1970s), large-scale logging of cedar trees was conducted.

Yakushima Trekking

A green world covered with beautiful moss. A quiet virgin forest surrounded by mystery.
Rivers, waterfalls, and steep valleys formed by abundant rainfall. Oddly shaped rocks and huge rocks formed by weathering and erosion of granite.
The scenery that changes with each step is a unique experience.

SKYTREK offers exclusive private tours. All equipment is available for rent.

• Jomon Cedars
  This course takes you to the Jomon Cedars, said to be thousands of years old. They are the symbol of Yakushima. From the Arakawa trailhead, walk about 8.5 km on a trolley trail and climb about 2.5 km on a mountain trail. In addition to the Jomon cedars, the route passes by Wilson's stumps, Daio cedars, and Yakusugi cedars such as the Couple Cedars. The tour starts early in the morning and takes about 10 hours.
• Shiratani Unsui Gorge
  The fantastic "moss forest" and drum rocks are said to be the model for Princess Mononoke. The shiny-leaved forest is covered with ferns and moss, and the clear stream of the Shiratani River flows through the primeval forest, reminding one of a garden. There are courses for beginners and advanced hikers, and the popular Taikoiwa course takes about 5 hours.
• Yakusugiland
  A 270-hectare natural recreation forest spreading out at an elevation of around 1,000 m. There are many giant Yakusugi cedar trees. There are many giant Yakusugi cedar trees, and you can feel the virgin forest as it is. There are five walking trails for beginners, each lasting from 30 to 150 minutes, where you can observe the characteristic Yakusugi cedars such as the Millennium Cedar, Kuguri Cedar, and Butsudasugi Cedar from close quarters. Families and those who are not confident climbers can also enjoy the trail.