Soaring, spectacular sugi (Japanese cedars) and mountains cloaked in lush primeval forest - it is little wonder how Yakushima Island earned its UNESCO-protected status. Lying 38 miles south of Kyushu, this small, circular island is famous for its great wealth of cedar species, with the older cedars - dubbed yakusugi - dated to several thousands of years. Aside from incredibly scenic ancient rainforest and steep, 6,000-foot-plus slopes, Yakushima is an important site for loggerhead turtles, who lay their eggs on the island's beaches between May and August every year. Visitors to Yakushima come to experience the island's moss-covered forests, and if not to hike its challenging mountain terrain then to simply appreciate the majesty of its yakusugi. The landscapes here are truly enchanting; it was in fact Yakushima that inspired Hayao Miyazaki's iconic animation Princess Mononoke. Turtle viewing is another draw, with several options for seeing these incredible creatures without encroaching on their territory. As with many other Japanese destinations, Yakushima also offers a natural onsen experience, with some springs located by the sea.
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There are two main hiking options: a 3 to 4-hour route through an moss carpeted forest with a half-dozen or so yakusugi trees, and a 30-minute there-and-back hike to the magnificent 3000-year-old cedar called Yayoi sugi. The longer route begins with a series of wooden steps and walkways past waterfalls.Here and there you may come across Yakushima monkeys (“yakusaru”) and Yakushima deer (“yakushika”). After about two hours of walking with stops to take in the natural sights of the forest, the trail divides, with an option to turn right to Shiratani hut and Mononoke-hime no Mori, a part of the forest named after Hayao Miyazaki’s anime movie Princess Mononoke.
Visit the Yakushima Environmental and Cultural Village Center which provides an introduction to the island’s varied ecology and history. The center features exhibits about the island’s natural environment as well as a theater which screens a large format film that takes you on a ride across the island. Please note that commentary is in Japanese.
Visit Yakusugi Land, a nature park populated by a number of yakusugi, the Japanese term for Yakushima cedar trees over 1,000 years old. There are a variety of hiking options based on time including 30, 50, 80 and 150-minute round trip trails.
There are several waterfalls on the island, including Ooko-no-taki which is rated as one of Japan’s best. It is on the remoter southwest coast of the island, a 60- and 90-minute drive from Anbo and Miyanoura respectively. The 90-meter falls are easily accessible, being a short walk away from the main highway on a paved road, and can be approach the base for a good view.
There are photos, movies and hands-on exhibits showing the island’s natural wonders and the history of the logging industry. You can also hug a section of a 1660-year-old yakusugi. A short walk away is the World Heritage Conservation Center.
Walk among the hundreds of tropical fruit trees and plants, with seasonal fruit like papaya, mango, guava and starfruit which may be available to eat or drink.
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Experience a side of Japan that very few visitors get to see on this exciting two-week adventure through Kyushu and Shikoku. Enjoy breathtaking hikes in some truly beautiful places, marvel at spectacular scenery and soak up the local culture in these two unique, remote areas of Japan.
Yakushima Island, on the southernmost tip of Japan’s toes, is a designated UNESCO world heritage site. Nestled between its mountains and cedar forests, still within close proximity of the ocean, is the Sankara Hotel & Spa. The ideal secluded retreat for nature lovers, the hotel is surrounded by stunning, rugged scenery and hiking trails which lead intrepid explorers to ravines and waterfalls and through forests filled with exotic flora and fauna. Guests seeking a more relaxing experience will be delighted with the cozy on-site library, a perfect spot to curl up with a good book. What’s more, the resort boasts the first Asia Herb Association spa in Japan, where a range of Thai herbal treatments are available. The auberge-style hotel pays homage to French style and elegance, with delicious French cuisine cooked in an open kitchen and served in Okas Restaurant. Meanwhile, the 29 suites and villas are warm and sumptuous, clad with deep cedar wood, yet maintaining a sense of space and light with their high ceilings.
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