Yaku Island Japan (Yakushima) is situated about 70 km (45 mi) south of Kyushu’s southern tip. It is a relatively small and mountainous island that boasts more than 30 peaks of over 1,000 m (3,280 ft), and one, Mt Miyianoura, that is almost 2,000 m (6,560 ft) high.
The vegetation in Yaku Island Japan ranges from subtropical at sea level, to subarctic on the mountain-tops, and the extraordinarily heavy rainfall ranges from 4-10 m (13-32 ft) per year. The combination of heavy rainfall and remote location has allowed lush, primeval forest to flourish without interference.
The subtropical zone consists mainly of various ficus trees, and the temperate zone is predominantly evergreen oak, tabu and chinquapin. From 800-1,600 m (2,625-5,250 ft) is a band of coniferous forest containing some of the world’s oldest trees, the Yaku cedars.
The most ancient of these are about 3,500 years old, and the biggest of them, known as Jomon Sugi, has a circumference of 16.4 m (54 ft), which would make it about 7,000 years old. It takes eight adults with their arms outstretched to encircle its trunk. These cedars are considered sacred, and they all have names – Meoto-Sugi, or Married Couple, used to be two separate trees, which over time have joined together and begun to coexist. Wilson Stump is a huge stump that you can walk into. A small stream runs through it and a shrine has been made in the interior.
Panorama Image Of The Jomon Sugi On Yakushima, Japan | Source : en.wikipedia.org
Yaku Island Japan is full of beautiful rivers and waterfalls, and along the shore are wonderful tropical gardens. There are deer here, and macaques, as well as several endangered bird species. It has the nesting sites of both green and loggerhead turtles, both of which are also endangered.
Where Is Yaku Island Japan
The island is situated 70 km (45 mi)south of Kyushu’s southern tip.
What Is To See In Yaku Island Japan
Yakushima Environmental and Cultural Centre, the Sea Turtle Museum, Yakushima Fruit Garden, Shakunage Rhododendron Park.
What Is Yaku Island Japan Known For
The Yaku cedars, some of the world’s oldest trees.
How To Get To Yaku Island Japan
By air, jet-foil or ferry from Kagoshima.
