Step into an enchanted island where 7,000-year-old Yakusugi cedar trees rise through misty moss-covered rainforests—the natural wonder that inspired Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece, Princess Mononoke.
UNESCO Heritage Inscribed
Oldest Jomon Sugi Cedar
Mt. Miyanoura (Kyushu's Highest)
Species of Forest Moss
Located 60 kilometers off Kyushu’s southern tip, Yakushima is a granite island shrouded in lush subtropical rainforest, ancient trees, cascading waterfalls, and rare wildlife.
Cedars over 1,000 years old are called *Yakusugi*. Encounter living monuments that have stood since the ancient Jomon period.
Walk through Shiratani Unsuikyo, the emerald moss ravine that directly inspired Hayao Miyazaki’s animated film *Princess Mononoke*.
Home to Mt. Miyanoura (1,936m), the highest mountain peak in southern Japan, offering breathtaking alpine ridge hikes.
Soak in natural seaside thermal springs like Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen, accessible only during low tide directly on the rocky coast.
From misty moss ravines to sea turtle beaches, explore the island's most iconic natural landmarks.
GHIBLI INSPIRATION
A magical forest covered in a deep green carpet of moss, ancient roots, and clear mountain streams. Features well-maintained wooden footpaths suitable for day hikes.
View Trail Route →
7,000-YEAR-OLD TREE
The crown jewel of Yakushima. Standing at a circumference of 16.4 meters, this monumental giant is estimated to be between 2,000 and 7,000 years old.
Jomon Sugi Trek Info →
ACCESSIBLE NATURE
A natural cedar forest park offering courses ranging from 30-minute easy boardwalk walks to 150-minute wilderness treks through giant cedar groves.
Explore Trail Maps →
WATERFALLS
Sempiro Falls plunges 60 meters down a colossal monolithic granite cliff, while neighboring Toroki Falls cascades directly into the sea—one of only two in Japan.
View Waterfall Guide →
OCEAN ONSEN
A unique natural hot spring pool emerging directly from the ocean floor. Accessible twice a day for a few hours around low tide beneath open coastal skies.
Check Onsen Etiquette →
WILDLIFE & BEACH
North Pacific's premier nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. Between May and August, mothers crawl ashore to lay eggs under moonlit sands.
Sea Turtle Season Info →Immerse yourself in nature activities guided by certified local eco-guides.
Paddle along the serene, mirror-like waters of the Anbo River framed by towering evergreen canyon walls and pristine subtropical flora.
Trek above the forest treeline onto alpine dwarf bamboo ridges, giant boulder formations, and panoramic views of the East China Sea.
Drive through the UNESCO Western Wilderness Path (Seibo), where native Yaku deer (Yakushika) and dwarf macaques freely roam the forest roads.
Experience the forest after dark with expert naturalists to observe bioluminescent mushrooms (Tsukiyotake), flying squirrels, and starry skies.
Choose the perfect trail schedule based on your fitness level and travel duration.
A 4 to 5-hour scenic day hike through mossy ravines to a breathtaking mountain overlook.
Begin hiking along the historic Edo-period stone pathway following mountain streams.
Enter the emerald moss forest (*Koku Sugi*). Take photos of ancient twisted roots and mossy rock formations.
Reach Taiko Iwa rock for panoramic views overlooking the deep Anbo River canyon valley.
Hike back down and unwind at Kusugawa Onsen bathhouse near the coastal village.
A challenging 22-kilometer roundtrip trek (10-11 hours) through historical trolley tracks and ancient cedar groves.
Board the early shuttle bus from Anbo to Arakawa Trailhead equipped with headlamps and packed lunches.
Hike 8 km along the flat logging railway before entering the heart-shaped interior of Wilson Stump.
Reach the viewing deck of Jomon Sugi cedar. Marvel at the ancient tree and enjoy lunch in the high forest.
Complete the descent walk back to Arakawa Bus Stop for shuttle transport back to your hotel.
JAL operates direct 30-minute flights daily from Kagoshima Airport (KAJ) to Yakushima (KUM), as well as seasonal direct flights from Fukuoka Airport and Osaka Itami.
High-speed "Toppy & Rocket" hydrofoils depart Kagoshima Port multiple times daily, reaching Miyanoura or Anbo ports in 1.5 to 2 hours. Car ferries are also available for overnight sea voyages.
Extend your adventure into other mainland prefectures across southern Japan.
