Yakushima, Protected forest island in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan
Yakushima is a forested island in southwestern Kagoshima Prefecture located roughly 60 kilometers off the coast of Kyushu. The island spans roughly 500 square kilometers and displays steep granite peaks that transition into subtropical coastal zones.
The woods were heavily logged during the feudal era to harvest cedar timber for roof shingles and temple construction. After designation as a national park in 1964 large sections of the island were protected and recognized as a World Heritage site in 1993.
The island name refers to Mount Yakushidake and the dense woods serve as a spiritual retreat for Japanese visitors. Hikers often come here to see ancient cedars that are revered in Japanese culture as symbols of longevity.
Regular hydrofoils depart from Kagoshima to the island and flights are also available via Fukuoka and Osaka. Hiking trails wind through different elevation zones and visitors should prepare for changing weather conditions since rain falls very frequently.
Locals joke that it rains 35 days per month here describing the exceptionally high precipitation levels. Some cedar trees on the island are over 1000 years old and their gnarled roots twist over moss-covered rocks.
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