Yakushima, Amami Oshima, and Tokunoshima are World Heritage Sites in Kagoshima. What are the highlights of each island?

Yakushima Island is located about 60km south of the Osumi Peninsula. Approximately 12,000 people live on this small island, which has a circumference of 130 km and can be circled in about three hours by car. In the center of the island are a series of 1,800-meter-high mountains, including Kyushu's highest peak, 1936m high Miyanoura-dake, which rises steeply out of the sea, giving the island the nickname "Alps on the Ocean”.

Yakushima's unique ecosystem is particularly noteworthy in its nature. Between 0m and 2,000m above sea level, the climate ranges from subtropical to subarctic, comparable to that of Hokkaido. Approximately 1,900 species of plants that grow in subtropical and cool-temperate zones live there. This vertical distribution is unique in the world. The island is said to be a miniature of the Japanese archipelago.

Yakushima is also known for its abundant rainfall. The annual rainfall is an astonishingly high 4,500 mm on the plains (Tokyo receives about 1,600 mm) and 8,000 to 10,000 mm in the mountainous areas. It is sometimes said that it rains 35 days a month. The rain creates countless valleys and brings an abundance of water to the island.

The best way to learn about the nature of Yakushima is to walk in the forest. You may have heard of Yakusugi cedars, but they are older than 1,000 years old. On Yakushima Island, even cedar trees several hundred years old are still considered young trees and are called kosugi.

The most representative Yakusugi cedar is the Jomon cedar. Although there are several theories, it is believed to be between 2,000 and 7,200 years old, making it the oldest and largest of the Yakusugi cedar trees currently known. The 25-meter tall, 16-meter circumference giant tree, which has been exposed to the harsh natural environment but has spread its roots into the earth, has an overwhelmingly divine appearance. It is the king of the forest that everyone should visit at least once.

Seeing the Jomon cedars is not so easy. The road to the cedars is a 10-hour round-trip trek that includes a serious mountain trail. Climbing gear such as rain gear and portable toilets are also a must. The Jomon cedars are a moving sight to behold after overcoming such hardships. On the way to the cedars, there are many other interesting sights, such as Wilson's stump, which is said to make love come true, and the 3,000 year old Daio cedar.

Those who think that trekking is too strenuous for them can rest assured, as “Yakusugiland” offers easy 30-minute and 50-minute trekking courses, and Shiratani-unsui Gorge, which is said to have served as the motif for the movie Princess Mononoke, is dotted with spots where even those who are not confident in their physical strength can get in touch with the nature of Yakushima.

Although you can visit the island on your own, we recommend that you go with an eco-tour guide who will explain the origins of the island from various aspects, including its natural environment, history, and culture. You will be able to learn more about the endemic species and other plants, which will further deepen your knowledge.

Located approximately 380 km south of Kagoshima City, Amami Oshima is the largest island in the Amami Archipelago, with a population of approximately 60,000 people living on an island with a circumference of approximately 461 km. In July 2021, the island was designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site along with Tokunoshima, northern Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island.
The natural feature of Amami Oshima is its biological diversity. The plants and animals that survived the separation from the continent long ago have evolved uniquely and nurtured their own ecosystems. The Amami black rabbit and the Lidth's jay are typical examples. Both species are endemic only to Amami Oshima and Tokunoshima.

To feel the richness of Amami's nature, visit Kinsakubaru, an area of subtropical virgin forest. As you approach the mountain, the road becomes unpaved and rattles along a gravel road. In the past, visitors were free to enter the mountain, but entry has been restricted since 2019 due to concerns about the increasing number of tourists and the destruction of vegetation. Amami City recommends that visitors be accompanied by a certified eco-tour guide.

The mountain path is lined with many plants on both sides, and birds can be heard chirping from time to time. The guide will tell you the names and ecology of the plants, which makes it even more interesting. The number of visitors is limited, so make reservations early during the high season!

Exploring the mangrove forest, the second largest in Japan after Iriomote Island, is also recommended. The mangrove forest is located in Sumiyo-cho in the central part of Amami Oshima. It is an area rich in nature, with 94% of the town covered by mountain forests. The watershed is home to an endemic species of ayu (sweetfish). Smaller than mainland ayu and with a slightly different dorsal fin shape, it has already become extinct in Okinawa and can now only be found on Amami Oshima. The mangrove forests are definitely worth exploring by canoe. “Kuroshio no Mori Mangrove Park” offers one-hour canoeing tours for those who are not confident about their physical strength, small children, and the elderly.

Tokunoshima Island is located approximately 468 km south of Kagoshima City and has a circumference of 89 km. Tokunoshima consists of three towns, Tokunoshima Town, Isen Town, and Amagi Town, and approximately 22,000 people live there. The main industries are agriculture, such as sugarcane and fruit tree cultivation, and fishing. Parts of the island that still retain a rustic atmosphere are home to valuable ecosystems, including the Amami black rabbit, and were registered as a World Heritage site in 2021.

Tokunoshima is also famous for its bullfighting. Bullfighting, called "nakusami," was the only entertainment for the islanders, who were tormented by the painful collection of annual tribute, which was called "sugar hell”. Even today, a major bullfighting tournament is held several times a year, attracting more than 3,000 fans from the island and beyond.

If you want to know more about bullfighting, visit the Tokunoshima Nakusami Kan. It is the largest bullfighting arena on the island and has a "Bullfighting Museum" with exhibits of information on bullfighting. Visitors can learn more about bullfighting, including its history, types of bull horns, and the rules of the game.

Tokunoshima is also known for its dynamic topography and unique scenery. One of the island's most spectacular spots is Innojofuta. The cliffs and oddly shaped rocks that stretch along the coastline facing the East China Sea are overwhelming natural formations created by wind and rain over a long period of time. Megane Rock (Glasses Rock) is located down the promenade from the parking lot. The two cavities formed by uplifted coral are indeed like glasses.

A tunnel of cycad trees, some 300 to 350 years old, in the village of Kanami in the northeastern part of the island. Originally planted to protect against northerly wind storms, the sycamores have over the years become a natural archway. The tunnel is approximately 250 m long, and after exiting the tunnel, visitors will find the Kanamizaki Observatory overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea.

Mushiroze has a dynamic landscape of giant rocks. On an island with many uplifted coral reefs and Ryukyu limestone formations, the scenery of strange granite rocks creates an otherworldly atmosphere. In winter, the dynamic splashing of the waves is a powerful sight. Sharinbai, used for dyeing Oshima silk, grows wild in the surrounding area.

Yakushima, Amami Oshima, and Tokunoshima each have different charms. Why not visit an island that interests you?