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Yakushima

Yakushima

屋久島

Kagoshima · Kyushu

A subtropical UNESCO island of ancient cedar forests, some trees over 2,000 years old. Studio Ghibli's Princess Mononoke drew its mossy, primeval atmosphere from these slopes.

Why we picked it

Reaching the Jomon Sugi requires a 10-hour round-trip hike few mainstream itineraries accommodate.

Best season
April–november (rainy through june)
Crowd level
Moderate
Opening hours
Seasonal — see below

Usual hours — confirm with the official site for holidays + seasonal closures.

Note

  • Trailheads dawn–dusk; permit required for some routes

Travel tipJR Kyushu Rail Pass + Toppy hydrofoil from Kagoshima port.

Tags

NatureForestUNESCOHikingRemote

Location

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Ojika Island

Ojika Island

Nagasaki

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