What to know
Yakushima (屋久島) is a subtropical island off the southern coast of Kyushu, part of Kagoshima Prefecture. It is covered by vast cedar forests that are home to some of Japan's oldest living trees. Trees over 1,000 years old are affectionately called yakusugi (a blend of Yakushima and sugi, the Japanese word for cedar), and the oldest may be more than 7,000 years old.
The island's cedar forests were heavily logged in the past, especially during the late feudal period for cedar shingles. Today, the forests have recovered well and are protected as a national park, with some areas designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Most visitors come to hike through the mountainous forests.
As a subtropical island with nearly 2,000-meter-high mountains, Yakushima receives abundant rainfall year-round. A local saying claims it rains "35 days a month." While that may be an exaggeration, some rain falls almost daily, especially in the mountainous interior, though it can be light and brief. At higher elevations, precipitation falls as snow in winter.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- Closed
- Admission
- English name
- Yakushima Town
- Original name
- Yakushima
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.