World Heritage Hidden Gem - Yakushima, Japan

If you go to Kagoshima, be sure to set aside 2 days for Yakushima. Located at the southernmost tip of Japan, Yakushima was listed as a World Natural Heritage site in 1993, a hidden gem and a fairyland-like destination. To tour Yakushima, we contacted a local driver-guide in advance to arrange transportation, accommodation, a guide, and a simple lunch. Early in the morning, we took a ferry from Kagoshima for about an hour to reach Yakushima. The island, with its abundant water sources and ample sunlight, has nurtured Yakusugi cedars that are over a thousand years old. Jomon Sugi is the second-largest ancient cedar on the island, over 1300 years old. The tree hosts a variety of life forms and has a unique shape, as if carved by the divine craftsmanship of nature; along the mountain roads, Yakushima macaques can be seen everywhere. It is said that there are 10,000 macaques on the island to the 15,000 human residents; also, Yakushima deer, which coexist with the macaques, are extremely cute. The island is covered with lush green moss, with as many as 600 species. There are two spots in Japan known as 'taki', which we call waterfalls, where few tourists go, making them perfect for photography and even better for leisurely appreciation, bringing tranquility and cleansing to the soul. When you come to Yakushima, you can stay at a local hot spring hotel for a night, soak in the hot springs, taste delicious food, and even purchase souvenirs made of Yakusugi cedar, which leave a lasting fragrance and long-lasting memories.