Yakushima, a mountainous island off the southern coast of Kagoshima, is one of Japan’s most extraordinary natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Almost circular and covered in dense, ancient forest rising to peaks nearly 2,000 metres high, it is famous above all for its yakusugi — venerable Japanese cedars over 1,000 years old, some far older. The greatest, Jomon Sugi, is thought to be thousands of years old. The island’s misty, moss-carpeted primeval forests are hauntingly beautiful and are said to have inspired the film ‘Princess Mononoke’. One of the wettest places in Japan, its abundant rain feeds lush greenery, clear rivers and countless waterfalls. Visitors come to trek among the ancient cedars, hike the mountains, and experience the profound, spiritual atmosphere of the forest. Reached by ferry or short flight, magical Yakushima is a bucket-list destination for nature lovers.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Yakushima, Kagoshima |
| Hours | Trails daytime; access by ferry/air |
| Admission | Free (some areas/guides paid) |
| Time needed | 1–3 days |
| Best time | Year-round; very rainy — bring gear |
What to See
- Ancient yakusugi cedars over 1,000 years old.
- Misty, moss-carpeted primeval forest.
- Mountains, clear rivers and countless waterfalls.
- The ‘Princess Mononoke’-inspiring forest atmosphere.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Yakushima cedar trekking .
- Pair with Yakushima diving offshore.
- Read our Kagoshima overview .
Getting There
- By ferry: high-speed and car ferries from Kagoshima.
- By air: short flights from Kagoshima to Yakushima.
Tips
Allow at least one or two nights to do the island justice, and be prepared for rain — Yakushima is one of the wettest places in Japan, so bring waterproofs and good shoes whatever the forecast. Hire a local guide for the ancient-cedar treks, book ahead in peak season, and respect the fragile UNESCO forest.
