YAKUSHIMA ISLAND
A subtropical island off the northern coast of Kyushu and part of Kagoshima Prefecture, Yakushima is a secluded island that exudes an air of mystery and adventure, unlike anywhere else in Japan. A Nature lover’s paradise, the island is home to ancient cedar forests that have been left untouched for decades. Ringed by small towns with a single main road that connects them to one another, the island is the ultimate destination for those looking to explore a different side of the country.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, Yakushima Island has maintained its pristine and almost fairy-tale-like like atmosphere for decades. Blanketed in ancient cedar forests, the island’s mountainous, wooded interior has remained mostly undeveloped. It is also famous as the backdrop and inspiration for animated film director Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibil movies – most notably the 1997 film, Princess Mononoke.
With a population of around 13,000 people, Yakushima Island’s pristine and unspoiled natural beauty has been left largely untouched by modern commercialisation. If you need a place to go to just spend time with yourself and the party you came with, this is the place to be. And when you need some human interaction, head to the island’s main town of Miyanoura, where you’ll find a great selection of hotels, restaurants and cafés.
SHIRATANI UNSUIKYO
Yakushima iisland is known for its many hiking trails and waterfalls, and one of the most popular spots is the Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine. This lush, green Nature park is filled with the island’s ancient cedars and offers you a network of well- maintained hiking trails that run along the ravine. Trekkers are able to choose and wander around the different paths, which vary in length from roughly one to five hours long. Additionally, for anyone who is a Studio Ghibil fan, this forest may seem familiar as part of it served as the inspiration for the animated film Monoke Hime ( Princess Mononoke).
OKO-NO-TAKI WATERFALL
One of the most revered waterfalls in Japan, Oko-no-taki stands at a height of 88 metres, making it the highest waterfall on Yakushima Island. The beautiful waterfall creates a scene straight out of a movie, and in the summer, it’s the perfect spot to just relax and cool off. Water from the Ogawan river falls over the edge of a steep and broad mountainside, which then lands in a pool below before flowing out into the ocean just a few hundred metres down. Located near the waterfall is where the Oko Yusui Spring bubbles up and it is believed that drinking from it will bring good health.
A Nature lovers paradise, the island is home to ancient cedar forests that have been left untouched for decades