Overview:

Yakushima is a subtropical volcanic island located in the southern part of Japan’s Kyushu region and easily accessible from the mainland. The island is famous for its impressive ancient cedar forests, pristine beaches, and stunning coastal views. The towering mountains are covered in lush, old-growth forests, crystal clear rivers, and numerous waterfalls. Yakushima is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage natural park, Yakushima Natural Park, and is a popular destination for eco-tourism and outdoor activities. Yakushima's ecology is unique, presenting flora native to both the northern and southern hemispheres, as well as both temperate and tropical species. The island is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including wild boar, sika deer, and the rare Japanese macaque, or snow monkey. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Japan
Prominent Features:

1. Yakushima Island – an island south of Kyushu in Japan, famed for its pristine forests containing ancient cedar and cypress trees. 2. Mount Miyanoura – the highest mountain in Japan at 1,935 meters (6,345 feet) in elevation. 3. Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine – a primeval forest with a variety of plants and wildlife. 4. Jomon Sugi – a majestic cedar tree believed to be between 2000 and 7000 years old. 5. Yakusugi Land – a vast, picturesque area for trekking and nature exploration. 6. Waterfalls – there are numerous waterfalls with varying sizes and sights to be seen. 7. Hot Springs – there are hot springs scattered across Yakushima Island, some of which are said to have healing properties. 8. Wildlife – Yakushima is home to various species of birds and animals, including Macaque monkeys and deer. 9. Fresh Local Produce – Yakushima is known for its excellent quality fruits, seafood, and vegetables. 10. Scenic Beaches – the island also has many scenic beaches that are popular for swimming and relaxing. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Japan.

History:

Yakushima has a long and storied history dating back to the Jomon period (14,000 BC - 500 BC). Archaeological evidence shows that the island was likely inhabited for around 20,000 years before the arrival of modern people in the 4th centuryAD. According to local legend, the area was once home to a corrupt governor, and in the 10th century, Yukamsa was used as a place of exile for criminals from all over Japan. Yakushima is mentioned in records of the Heian period (794–1185) as a source of gold and copper; however, the island was not heavily settled until the Edo period (1603–1868). During this period, Yakushima was an important trading hub for lumber, and the island was logged extensively for centuries. Despite this, the island also became known for its high quality cedar trees, and much of the remaining forests on Yakushima are said to date back to this period. In the Meiji period (1868-1912), a copper mining town was established at the foot of the mountain known as Jomon Sugi. This copper mine was the main source of employment in the region, but was eventually closed in the late 20th century. In 1993, Yakushima was designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site due to its unique flora and fauna, stunning landscape and lush vegetation. The island is now a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visit one of the famous monuments of Japan with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Yakushima is home to one of the oldest known living trees - Jōmon Sugi, estimated to be over 7,000 years old. 2. Yakushima is the first island in Japan to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. 3. The island has some of the best wildlife spotting opportunities in Japan, including rare monkeys, birds, and deer. 4. The Yakushima soil is incredibly fertile, allowing for the production of high quality agricultural products like tea, mandarins, and figs. 5. The island’s streams and rivers are full of salmon and char making Yakushima a popular spot for fly-fishing. 6. The island is home to one of the hottest new eco-tourism activities – sea kayaking. 7. The vast cedar trees of Yakushima are so thick they are said to envelop the mountain, giving it an out-of-this-world feel. 8. The ocean surrounding Yakushima is one of the few coral ecosystems in Japan. 9. Yakushima is the only Japanese island that enjoys a perfect climate with temperatures that rarely rise above 33°C (91° F). 10. Yakushima is home to two sacred symbols of Japan – the sun and the moon. A popular legend has it that at the summit of Mount Miyanoura the rising of the sun and the setting of the moon can be seen in the same way. One of the historical monuments of Japan, it tells the story of a bygone era