Yaku-shima Island Area屋久島エリア

Yakushima Island is registered as a World Natural Heritage Site.
Its delightful coastline and crystal clear waters attract tourists each day.

Due to its abundant nature, Yakushima Island, lying in the sea to the south of Cape Sata in the southern part of Kagoshima, was registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site (together with the Shirakami Mountains in Aomori Prefecture). This was Japan’s first ever registration in the UNESCO World Heritage. About 75 percent of the island is mountainous, with Mount Miyanoura, the highest peak in Kyushu, situated in the middle of the island surrounded by many other high mountains of more than 1500m. This island is also called the "Alps on the Ocean".

From the coasts to the mountaintop, the microclimate changes from subtropical to a subarctic zone with the increasing altitude. The vegetation also varies in the same way, as if the natural geographic character of the Japanese archipelago is condensed into one location. Having much rainfall throughout the year, the island is covered with lush green forests, which includes many Yaku cedars which are more than 1000 years old, giving the place a mysterious atmosphere. There are many other noteworthy attractions such as the Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine with beautiful valleys and primeval forests, the Yaku Cedar Land with magnificent trees, and the Inaka-hama beach where sea turtles spawn. Guided eco tours on hiking and leisurely strolls are also available.

The Yakushima Goshinzan Festival held at the Miyanoura River is a peculiar event with links to a mountain god cult. This summer festival is both a solemn shrine ritual and an enjoyable event in which even tourists can take part. A spectacular ceremony where a fire is built on a turret constructed in the middle of a river should not be missed.