Travel guide

Yakushima

Mossy forest of ancient cedars

🗓️ Best time: March–May, October–November💰 Mid-Range · ~$120/day📍 Japan

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About Yakushima

A mountainous UNESCO island of primeval rainforest and thousand-year-old cedar trees — the mossy, misty forest that inspired Princess Mononoke, plus waterfalls and sea turtles.

⭐ Things to do in Yakushima

Jomon Sugi ancient cedar trekShiratani Unsuikyo mossy ravineYakusugi LandOhko-no-taki waterfallSea turtle beachesShiratani mossy "Mononoke" forestSenpiro FallsNagata Inakahama turtle beach

🍽️ What to eat in Yakushima

Signature local dishes worth seeking out.

Flying-fish (tobiuo)Yaku venisonTankan citrusFresh seafood

✈️ Know before you go

🚕 Getting around

Rent a car; ferry or short flight from Kagoshima.

💡 Local tip

Start the Jomon Sugi trek before dawn — it's a long day hike to the oldest cedar.