Yakushima

Residents of Yakushima say that it rains for 35 days a month - which is part of the reason the island is so famously lush! Another contributing factor is the sheer range of habitats Yakushima supports, from subtropical conditions around the coastline to almost subarctic temperatures at its highest altitudes. As a result of these sharply contrasting conditions, Yakushima plays host to a diversity of wildlife unrivalled by anywhere else in Japan.

Of great significance to Yakushima's forests is the presence of Japanese yaku cedars, which can live for thousands of years. Those which are over 1,000 years old are termed yakusugi, whilst younger trees are known as kosugi. The oldest tree on the island, Jomon Sugi, is thought to be as old as 7,000 years, which (if true) would make it the oldest tree in the world.

Before the 1600s, trees on Yakushima were only cut down when they were needed for building and firewood, and the yakusugi were held as sacred by the islanders. During the Edo period (1603 - 1867), however, a Yakushima monk named Tomari Jochiku who wanted to relieve the poverty of his home island persuaded the residents to begin logging the forests. This practice continued for almost four-hundred years. Throughout this time yakusugi were used for shipbuilding and architecture, but most of them became roof tiles known as hiragi, which were paid to the Satsuma clan in exchange for rice and other supplies.

After the Meiji Restoration, islanders were restricted from cutting trees. Although this was good news for the preservation of ancient woodland, it spelled destitution for the residents of Yakushima, who lost their principal source of income in one fell swoop. In 1921, a "forest management" plan was introduced to the island which nationalised certain areas of the forest and partially restored the timber industry. This meant that residents could once again use the trees for local profit and firewood, but important swathes of woodland remained protected. Today the forests have recovered well from past logging and are a national park.

The fauna of Yakushima is as diverse as its flora, and it is home to 16 mammal species - of which four are endemic to the island. These include the famous yakuzaru monkey and the yakushika deer, which together outnumber the human population! Lucky visitors during the summer months may also witness the hatching of thousands of baby turtles on the island's beaches, as it is a spawning ground for migratory loggerhead turtles.

As you follow hiking trails through primeval forests, soak in beachside hot springs, enjoy the warm hospitality of the local inns, admire powerful waterfalls and spot fascinating wildlife, you can hardly fail to be bewitched by the atmosphere of Yakushima as many others have before you. To get you in the mood for your visit, we highly recommend watching Hayao Miyazaki's animated masterpiece, Princess Mononoke, which was inspired by the director's memories of the island.