Yakushima National Park

Yakushima National Park is an extraordinary natural treasure on Yakushima Island. This park is a haven for ancient cedar forests, with giants like Jomon Sugi standing tall for over 7,000 years. These Yakusugi trees are massive, with twisted trunks and deep roots, creating an almost mystical atmosphere.

The park is a biodiversity hotspot, home to a wide range of plant and animal species. The island's heavy rainfall, reaching up to 10,000 millimeters a year, nourishes lush vegetation from subtropical to temperate zones. This unique climate supports rare wildlife like the Yakushima macaque and the Yaku deer, which are often spotted roaming freely.

Hiking in Yakushima National Park is an adventure in itself. Trails vary from the serene paths of Shiratani Unsuikyo, covered in vibrant moss, to the challenging climbs up Mt. Miyanoura, the tallest peak in Kyushu. The views are breathtaking, with clear streams, majestic waterfalls like Oko no Taki, and panoramic vistas of the ocean and mountains.