Yakushima: The Enchanted Forest and Natural Treasure
Introduction
Yakushima, an exquisite island located in Kagoshima Prefecture, captivates tourists from around the world with its rich nature and unique ecosystem. Registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, this island boasts unparalleled attractions such as the “Princess Mononoke Forest,” which preserves ancient nature, and the Jomon Sugi, a cedar tree thousands of years old. This article provides a detailed guide to Yakushima’s charms, how to get there, and surrounding information.
Access to Yakushima
From Narita Airport to Yakushima
To reach Yakushima from Narita Airport, first, take a flight to Kagoshima Airport. There are direct flights from Narita to Kagoshima, taking about 2.5 hours. Upon arrival at Kagoshima Airport, a 30-minute flight will take you to Yakushima Airport. Alternatively, you can travel by bus or taxi to Kagoshima City and then take a high-speed boat or ferry to Yakushima.
From Haneda Airport to Yakushima
There are direct flights from Haneda Airport to Kagoshima Airport, taking about 2 hours. After arriving at Kagoshima Airport, a 30-minute flight to Yakushima Airport is convenient. Another option is to take a high-speed boat or ferry from Kagoshima Port, enjoying the journey by sea.
From Kansai International Airport to Yakushima
From Kansai International Airport, direct flights to Kagoshima Airport take about 1.5 hours. A 30-minute flight from Kagoshima Airport to Yakushima Airport is convenient. If you have time, taking a high-speed boat or ferry from Kagoshima Port offers a scenic sea journey to Yakushima.
Yakushima’s Tourist Attractions
Jomon Sugi
Jomon Sugi is a symbol of Yakushima, one of Japan’s oldest cedar trees, estimated to be around 7200 years old. A round-trip trek of about 10 hours is required to see this giant tree, but the experience is well worth it. Walking through the pristine wilderness allows you to feel the passage of ancient time.
Shiratani Unsuikyo
Shiratani Unsuikyo, a forest that inspired the film “Princess Mononoke,” features a lush, moss-covered landscape. Many hiking trails are available, catering to both beginners and advanced hikers. Here, you can experience what feels like a fantasy world.
Oko no Taki
Oko no Taki, the largest waterfall on Yakushima, impresses with its majestic 88-meter drop. You can walk to the basin of the waterfall to experience its power up close. The area around the waterfall is rich in negative ions, making it an ideal spot for refreshing yourself.
Yakushima Onsen
Yakushima offers numerous hot springs in natural settings. The unique Undersea Hot Spring, accessible only during low tide, and other mountain hot springs provide a relaxing soak while listening to the sounds of nature.
Yakushima Cuisine
Flying Fish Dishes
Yakushima boasts the highest catch of flying fish (tobiuo) in Japan. You can enjoy fresh flying fish in various forms, including sashimi, fried dishes, and fish paste products. Yakushima ramen, made with flying fish broth, is a must-try delicacy.
Yakushima Shochu
Yakushima is also known for its shochu (Japanese distilled spirit). The island has several distilleries, each offering unique shochu varieties. The local shochu, made with the island’s natural water and resources, makes for a perfect souvenir.
Yakushima Tankan
Yakushima’s specialty, tankan (a type of citrus fruit), is known for its exquisite balance of sweetness and acidity. Tankan juice and sweets are popular, offering a fresh and memorable flavor.
Surrounding Information
Kuchinoerabu Island
Located west of Yakushima, Kuchinoerabu Island is a nature-rich island known for its active volcanic activity. The island features beautiful sea and mountain scenery, offering activities like diving and hiking. It is accessible by ferry from Yakushima.
Tanegashima
North of Yakushima lies Tanegashima, an island famous for its space center and beautiful beaches. At the Tanegashima Space Center, you can watch rocket launches, sparking an interest in space exploration. High-speed boats from Yakushima reach Tanegashima in about an hour.
Conclusion
Yakushima is a special place where you can enjoy abundant nature, a unique ecosystem, and breathtaking scenery. With convenient access, it is an ideal destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and rejuvenate. Savor the charms of Yakushima and enjoy an unforgettable trip.