9 spots โ sorted by traveller rating
Yakushima Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site blanketed in primeval rainforest containing cedars over 2,000 years old. The iconic Jomon Sugi โ Japan's oldest living tree, estimated at 2,170โ7,200 years old โ requires a challenging 10-hour round-trip mountain hike through moss-carpeted forest floors and mountain streams. The landscape inspired the forest spirits of Studio Ghibli's Princess Mononoke.
Amami Oshima and Yakushima are Japan's most important nesting sites for loggerhead sea turtles โ from May through August, guided night tours observe mother turtles laying eggs on moonlit beaches, and hatchling releases draw wildlife lovers from around Japan.
A primeval island of otherworldly forest โ Yakushima's ancient cedar trees (some over 7,200 years old) inspired Studio Ghibli's Princess Mononoke and are a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. The Jomonsugi trail is one of Japan's most awe-inspiring hikes.
A subtropical island 380 km south of Kagoshima โ Amami Oshima's UNESCO-listed forest shelters the endemic Amami rabbit, Amami woodcock, and Iriomote cat. The surrounding coral reefs and mangrove estuaries are among Japan's richest marine habitats.
Humpback whales migrate through the warm waters around Yakushima from January to April โ charter boats offer half-day tours with near-guaranteed sightings during peak season. Year-round pods of bottlenose and spotted dolphins also circle the island.
One of the world's most active volcanoes โ Sakurajima erupts dozens of times a year, visible from Kagoshima city across the bay. A short ferry from downtown leads to lava fields, observation decks, and footbaths on the volcano's flanks.
The southernmost point of Kyushu โ a wild headland of subtropical forest, Pacific swells, and a lighthouse above towering cliffs. The drive through the Osumi Peninsula's fishing villages and sea-view roads is one of southern Japan's most dramatic journeys.
The Kirishima mountain chain in northern Kagoshima is a volcanic highland of crater lakes, steaming vents, and panoramic ridges. The Ebino Kogen plateau at 1,200 m is the base for hikes across the caldera and to Karakuni-dake (1,700 m).
Japan's primary rocket launch facility on a spectacular Pacific island โ the JAXA Tanegashima Space Center has a public museum, and launch viewing events open the island to thousands of excited spectators. The island also has pristine surf beaches.
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