What plants can only be found on Yakushima? In-depth explanation of the list of endemic species and the charms of the famous forest
Table of Contents
- 1 What is the attraction of Yakushima's flora? Why are there so many endemic species and World Natural Heritage features?
- 2 What plants can be found only in Yakushima? List of endemic species and their characteristics
- 3 Explanation of Famous Plants of Yakushima Island Representative species seen in sightseeing
- 4 Attraction of small plants in Yakushima Notable species such as mosses and ferns
- 5 How many kinds of plants are there in Yakushima? A rich lineup as seen in the illustrated book
- 6 Plant observation spots that even beginners can enjoy
- 7 Can Yakushima plants be purchased? Sales Circumstances and Points to Note
- 8 Attraction of Yakushima Forest Characteristics of virgin forests and natural environment
- 9 About plants in Yakushima Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 10 summary
What is the attraction of Yakushima's flora?
Reasons for the high number of endemic species and World Natural Heritage features

Yakushima Island is located in Kagoshima Prefecture and was established in 1993.world natural heritage siteThe area is rich in nature and is registered as a
The greatest feature of Yakushima is the change in climate due to the difference in elevation, and this environment is the reason why many endemic and rare plant species can be found on Yakushima.
In addition, the extremely high annual precipitation and humid climate promote the growth of mosses and ferns.
These conditions combined to make YakushimaA treasure trove of plantsIt is also called
This article provides an easy-to-understand explanation of Yakushima's botanical attractions and the reasons for its many endemic species.
◆For those who want to know about endemic species that can be seen only in Yakushima
◆To learn more about the types and characteristics of plants in Yakushima
◆Those who want to enjoy plant observation and trekking on a trip to Yakushima
Popular Tours of Yakushima
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What plants can only be found on Yakushima?
List of endemic species and characteristics

Yakushima Island is located in Japan.Endemic species found only hereThere are many
These plants have evolved over a long period of time in their own unique way.
Click here for recommended tours in Yakushima
Yakushima/Chartered]Even 75-year-olds can participate! You can choose the route according to your fitness level☆Estimated age of the 7200-year-old "Jomon Cedar" trekking tour (No.38)開始時間4:00-18:00所要時間Approx. 10 hours17,000 yen
Yakushima/One-day charter] 75-year-olds can also join this tour! You can choose the route ☆ "Shiratani-unsui Gorge" of mossy forest & "Taikoiwa" of 1,050m high "Trekking tour with spectacular view (No.40)開始時間9:00-15:00所要時間Approx. 6 hours13,000 yen
Yakushima Island/3 hours】March〜November limited!OK from 5 years old☆Encounter rate 80% or more! Sea Turtle Snorkeling Tour *Free Photo & Movie (No.11)開始時間8:00 / 10:00 / 11:00 / 13:00 / 14:00 / 15:00 (March - October)所要時間Approx. 3 hours5,500 yen
List of species endemic to Yakushima
Typical plant species

Typical plants known to be endemic to Yakushima include the following species.
◆ Yakushimasumire
◆ ◆ Yakushima gentian (Gentiana lutea)
The Yakushima rhododendron is especially representative of Yakushima.endemic speciesThe mountain is a popular destination for many tourists during the mountain climbing season.
These plants are often found at high elevations and have their own unique forms to survive in harsh environments.
Checking the list of Yakushima's endemic species will help you better understand its diversity and charm.
Plants that can only be found on Yakushima Island
Why were you born?

The geographical isolation and environmental diversity are the reasons for the creation of plants unique to Yakushima.
Being an island far from the mainland, there is little genetic interaction with the outside world, and the uniqueevolutionproceeded.
Differences in temperature and precipitation due to the difference in elevation also promoted plant differentiation.
These environmental conditions combine to form a flora that is unique to Yakushima.
Viewed from the Yakushima Plant Inventory
Diverse ecosystems

According to the botanical inventory of Yakushima, more than 1,900 species of plants have been identified, and about one-third of all the plants in Japan are found on the island.
This is very expensive.diversityIndicates
This abundance of plant species is evidence of the close relationship between forests, ecosystems, soils, and water environments.
The Yakushima Plant Inventory is an interesting source of information for researchers as well as tourists.
Explanation of famous plants in Yakushima
Representative species found in tourism

Yakushima also has many famous plants that can be easily seen by tourists.
Beginners can also enjoyis the appeal of this product.
Click here for recommended tours in Yakushima
Yakushima/Chartered]Even 75-year-olds can participate! You can choose the route according to your fitness level☆Estimated age of the 7200-year-old "Jomon Cedar" trekking tour (No.38)開始時間4:00-18:00所要時間Approx. 10 hours17,000 yen
Yakushima/One-day charter] 75-year-olds can also join this tour! You can choose the route ☆ "Shiratani-unsui Gorge" of mossy forest & "Taikoiwa" of 1,050m high "Trekking tour with spectacular view (No.40)開始時間9:00-15:00所要時間Approx. 6 hours13,000 yen
Yakushima Island/3 hours】March〜November limited!OK from 5 years old☆Encounter rate 80% or more! Sea Turtle Snorkeling Tour *Free Photo & Movie (No.11)開始時間8:00 / 10:00 / 11:00 / 13:00 / 14:00 / 15:00 (March - October)所要時間Approx. 3 hours5,500 yen
Yakusugi cedar and other famous trees

Yakushima is famous for its Yakusugi cedars.
Cedar trees over 1,000 years old are called Yakusugi, and some of them, like the Jomon cedarbig treealso exists.
These trees are the symbol of Yakushima.
In addition to cedar, coniferous trees such as tsuga and fir are spreading, creating a unique forest landscape.
About Jomon Cedar, one of the largest Yakusugi cedars
↓Click here for more information.
What is the largest Yakusugi cedar "Jomon Cedar" in Yakushima, a World Natural Heritage Site? Features and recommended toursContents1 Let's go see the largest Yakusugi cedar in Yakushima! Features and recommended tours of Jomon Cedars2 Power spot of Yakushima! Features and Attractions of Jomon Cedars2.1 History of Jomon Cedars2.2 How to get to Jomon Cedars (basic route) 2.3 [...].
Seen in mountaineering and trekking.
Popular Plants

Climbing or trekking, one can observe a variety of plants depending on the altitude.
The lowlands feature subtropical plants, while the highlands feature alpine plants, allowing visitors to enjoy a wide variety of flora in a single day.
Especially the Shiratani-unsui Gorge and Jomon-sugi routes,Plant Observation SpotsIt is popular as a
Hakutani Unsui Gorge Trekking Tour
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Jomon Cedar Trekking Tour
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Yakushima's plant highlights change with the seasons.

The flora of Yakushima shows different expressions in each season: rhododendrons in spring, deep green in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and quiet forests in winter.
The way you enjoy it changes depending on the time of year you visit.attractionIt is one of the
↓ For more information about Yakushima by month, click here↓.
Weather, clothing, and recommended activities in April on Yakushima Island!Contents1 What is April in Yakushima2 Weather in Yakushima in April2.1 Temperature in Yakushima in April2.2 Precipitation in Yakushima in April3 What to wear and bring to Yakushima in April3.1 Recommended clothes3.2 Recommended things to bring4 A [...]
Weather, clothing, and recommended activities in August on Yakushima Island!Contents1 What is August like in Yakushima? 2 Weather in Yakushima August3 What to wear and bring in Yakushima August4 Activities in Yakushima August4.1 Trekking tour4.2 Diving4.3 Snorkeling4.4 SUP5 Yakushima [...].
The weather, temperature, suitable clothing, what to bring, and recommended activities for December in Yakushima!Contents1 What is December in Yakushima? 2 Weather in Yakushima in December (temperature and typhoon information)3 What to wear and bring in December in Yakushima4 Events you can enjoy in December in Yakushima4.1 Mashujin Taiko New Year Festival5 Activities you can enjoy in December in Yakushima5.1 T [...].
Attraction of small plants in Yakushima
Mosses, ferns, and other noteworthy species

Yakushima Island isThe Moss ForestIt is also known as a place of small plant attractions.
Why Yakushima Island is called a moss forest

Moss grows abundantly on Yakushima due to the high annual precipitation and humidity of the environment.
Especially in Shiratani-unsui Gorge, the entire area is covered with moss,fantasticThe scenery is very beautiful.
↓Click here for recommended tours of Biratani-Unsui Gorge.
Yakushima/Half Day] Beginners are welcome! Shiratani-unsuikyo" standard trekking tour to the Mononoke Forest 《Participation OK up to 70 years old, pick-up and drop-off included》(No.71).開始時間7:45-12:30 / 12:00-16:30所要時間Approx. 4 hours8,250 yen
Yakushima/One-day charter] 75-year-olds can also join this tour! You can choose the route ☆ "Shiratani-unsui Gorge" of mossy forest & "Taikoiwa" of 1,050m high "Trekking tour with spectacular view (No.40)開始時間9:00-15:00所要時間Approx. 6 hours13,000 yen
Yakushima/Half-day charter] Even 75-year-olds can participate! Trekking tour to enjoy the Mononoke Forest of "Shiratani-unsui Gorge," which was the setting of a movie (No.39)開始時間9:00-12:00 / 13:30-16:30所要時間Approx. 3 hours10,000 yen
Rich natural environment supported by small plants

Small plants such as mosses and ferns are used for moisture retention and soil formation.Important RolesThe company has been fulfilling its
These allow even large trees to grow stably.
Popular photo-worthy moss spots

Yakushima Island hasPhoto-worthy spotsare many and popular on social networking sites.
Some people dare to visit in rainy days, as the moss looks even more beautiful in the rain.
↓Click here for a tour of spectacular photo-worthy spots.
Yakushima/One-day charter] 75-year-olds can also join this tour! You can choose the route ☆ "Shiratani-unsui Gorge" of mossy forest & "Taikoiwa" of 1,050m high "Trekking tour with spectacular view (No.40)開始時間9:00-15:00所要時間Approx. 6 hours13,000 yen
Yakushima / 1 Day] Shiratani-unsui Gorge is the talk of the movie forest! Private trekking around the spectacular view of Taikoiwa and moss forest 《6-year-old participants OK, pick-up and drop-off included》(No.91)開始時間8:00-17:00所要時間Approx. 6 to 7 hours9,000 yen
Yakushima] Beginners are welcome! Trekking tour to "Mt. Kromi" with spectacular view surrounded by rhododendron flowers (No.76)開始時間4:00-17:00所要時間Approx. 10 hours13,750 yen
How many types of plants are there in Yakushima?
Extensive lineup in the illustrated book

The vegetation of Yakushima is veryWide variety of typesand the use of an illustrated book will help you understand it better.
Basic knowledge of Yakushima's flora in an illustrated book

The botanical illustrations provide names, characteristics, distribution, and other information.
By checking in advance, even if you are a beginner,Local Funwill vary greatly.
Plant species vary with elevation

As elevation increases, the variety of plant species changes dramatically.
Banyan trees and other plants near the coast and near the top of the mountain.alpine plantscan be seen.
Plant observation spots that even beginners can enjoy

There are many spots on Yakushima where even beginners can easily enjoy observing plants.
Here, in particularTwo popular spotsto the following.
Shiratani Unsui Gorge (Shiratani Unsui Gorge)

Shiratani Unsui Gorge is a representative of YakushimaPopular Sightseeing Spotsand is also known as the "moss forest.
The fantastic landscape, which was used as a model for the movie, is spread out, and visitors can observe moss and ferns spreading all over the area up close.
Walking trails are in place.The park is designed so that even beginners can easily explore the area.
◆Access: 34 minutes by car from Yakushima Airport
Shiratani Unsui Gorge Shiratani Unsui Gorge, located on a tributary of the Miyanoura River, is one of the most popular wildernesses in Yakushima. It is said that Hayao Miyazaki, the director of Studio Ghibli, visited Shiratani Unsui Gorge many times and used it as the setting for the movie "Princess Mononoke. Hakutani Unsui Gorge Trekking Tour
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Hakutani Unsui Gorge Trekking Tour
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Yakushima/Half-day charter] Even 75-year-olds can participate! Trekking tour to enjoy the Mononoke Forest of "Shiratani-unsui Gorge," which was the setting of a movie (No.39)開始時間9:00-12:00 / 13:30-16:30所要時間Approx. 3 hours10,000 yen
Yakushima/One-day] Shiratani-unsui Gorge: Forest Bathing to Loosen Body and Mind☆Private guided tour to enjoy the mossy forest with all five senses《4-year-old participants OK, transportation included》(No.97).開始時間Within 8:00-17:00 *Consultation required所要時間Approx. 6 hours13,420 yen
Yakushima】Early morning start to avoid crowds☆You can join before departure on the last day!開始時間5:30-11:00所要時間Approx. 4 hours9,350 yen
Yakusugiland

Yakusugiland is,Altitude approx. 1,000 meters This natural recreation forest is a spot where you can observe a variety of plants, including Yakusugi cedars.
Several courses are available for beginners to choose from, depending on fitness and time.
◆Access: 40 minutes by car from Yakushima Airport
Yakusugiland Trekking Tour
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Yakusugiland Trekking Tour
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Yakushima/3 hours] A leisurely walk through the mysterious forest in Yakusugiland!開始時間Morning and afternoon *Consultation required所要時間Approx. 3 hours9,760 yen
Yakushima Island/One-Day] A relaxing walk in the mysterious forest at Yakusugiland!開始時間Within 8:00-17:00 *Consultation required所要時間Approx. 6 hours13,420 yen
Yakushima Island/One-day】Deep Breathing in Yakusugiland☆Forest bathing tour in the forest reserved for the five senses《4-year-participation OK, with pickup and drop-off》 (No.94)開始時間Within 8:00-17:00, negotiable所要時間Approx. 6 hours13,420 yen
Can Yakushima plants be purchased?
Sales Circumstances and Notes

Among those interested in the plants of Yakushima,Buy or take homeSome people consider the
Current status of plant sales in Yakushima

Some plants are sold as seedlings, though,Collecting wild plants is prohibited.The company has been
Related goods are sold at souvenir stores.
Rules and manners regarding take-out and purchase

Nature on Yakushima is strictly protected, and taking plants home is prohibited.
Violation.penal regulationsmay be imposed.
What you need to know about nature conservation

In order to protect the natural environment, the followingbasic ruleIt is important to protect the
◆No Harm
◆No garbage left behind
Let's value the awareness of each and every one of us in order to preserve the precious nature of Yakushima for the future.
Attraction of Yakushima Forest
Characteristics of virgin forests and natural environments

The forests of Yakushima are,A precious place with unspoiled natureIt is.
Unique flora nurtured by the forests of Yakushima

A wide variety of plants coexist in the virgin forest, and the uniqueecosystemis formed.
This is one of the charms of Yakushima.
Value as a World Natural Heritage Site

Yakushima is recognized for its natural values,world natural heritage siteregistered in the
Plant diversity is a key element of this.
Registration of Yakushima Island as a World Natural Heritage Site
↓Click here for more information.
Yakushima, Japan's First World Natural Heritage Site! Thorough explanation of the reasons for registration and highlights such as the Jomon CedarsContents1 Japan's first World Natural Heritage site! When was Yakushima registered as a World Heritage Site? 2 Attractions of Yakushima and the reason why it became a World Heritage Site2.1 What are the attractions of Yakushima2.2 The reason why it was registered as a World Heritage Site3 Range of Yakushima World Natural Heritage Site4 Touring the World Heritage Sites in Yakushima Recommendation [...].
How to enjoy forest bathing and eco-tourism

Forest bathing and eco-tourism are popular on Yakushima, allowing visitors to enjoy and learn about nature.
guided touris also popular.
↓Click here for recommended guided tours.
Tours Limited】【Yakushima/1 day】One private tour by a female guide! Completely customized tour☆Yakushima recommended natural spots and famous sightseeing spots are available upon request!開始時間9:00-16:00所要時間Approx. 7 hours15,000 yen
Yakushima/One-Day] Shiratani-Unsui Gorge, Moss Forest to Taikoiwa Trekking☆Participation from 4 years old, 1-day course 《Pickup and drop-off included》(No.96開始時間Within 8:00-17:00 *Consultation required所要時間Approx. 6 hours13,420 yen
Yakushima Island/One-day guided walking tour of the World Natural Heritage Western Terrestrial Forest, a forest teeming with life《4-year-old participants OK, pickup and drop-off included》(No.98).開始時間Within 8:00-17:00 *Consultation required所要時間Approx. 6 hours13,420 yen
Yakushima's flora and fauna
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
They can be observed along high-altitude mountain climbing routes, Shiratani-unsui Gorge, and Yakusugiland. Especially on trekking trails, you can encounter many endemic species.
Because the nature of Yakushima is protected, it is forbidden to collect or take home wild plants. Please observe the rules and enjoy observation only.
Rhododendrons in spring, greenery in summer, and autumn leaves in fall can be enjoyed all year round, but the best time to visit is from spring to early summer, especially when the leaves are freshly green.
summary

The flora of Yakushima is rich in endemic species and varieties, from small mosses to giant Yakusugi cedars.Broad appealWe have a
The unique environment, with its elevation differences and abundant rainfall, has nurtured a wide variety of plants.
Another major attraction is that visitors can actually observe plants that can only be found on Yakushima and that are well-known.
By visiting while observing the rules of nature conservation, we can preserve its value for future generations.
If you are interested in the plants of Yakushima, please visit the site andRich NatureExperience the
↓Click here to read the article.
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