Yakushima, Japan's First World Natural Heritage Site! Thorough explanation of the reasons for registration and highlights such as the Jomon Cedars
Table of Contents
- 1 Japan's first World Natural Heritage site! When will Yakushima be registered as a World Heritage Site?
- 2 The Attraction of Yakushima and Reason for World Heritage Site
- 3 The extent of Yakushima's World Natural Heritage
- 4 Tour the World Heritage Sites of Yakushima Recommended Tours
- 5 World Heritage Site Yakushima Typical Yakusugi cedars that can be seen
- 6 Rare animals that can only be seen on Yakushima
- 7 Activities to experience in the river and sea of Yakushima Activities you can experience in the rivers and sea of Yakushima
- 8 Let's visit Yakushima World Heritage Center
- 9 About World Heritage Sites in Yakushima Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 10 summary
Japan's first World Natural Heritage site!
When was Yakushima registered as a World Heritage site?
Yakushima Island is located south-southwest of the Oosumi Peninsula in Kagoshima Prefecture,A tourist destination known for its abundance of nature and beautiful sceneryIt is.
Registered as World Natural Heritage in 1993It was also the first World Natural Heritage site in Japan.
In this article, we will discuss the reasons andIntroduction to tours to experience naturesinceYakushima Travel ReferencePlease try to
◆Considering a trip to Yakushima
◆To enjoy the nature of Yakushima, a World Heritage Site
◆Those who want to know why it became a World Natural Heritage site.
◆Those who want to find activities to enjoy nature in Yakushima
Click here for popular Yakushima tours
The charm of Yakushima and
Why it became a World Heritage Site
Yakushima is one of the first places in Japan to be registered as a World Natural Heritage site.Only 5 precious natural heritage sitesIt is.
That is how much the world has recognized the special nature of Yakushima.
What is the charm of Yakushima?
Yakushima is a subtropical island located at the southern tip of Kyushu,Attracted by rich nature and mysterious atmosphereIt is.
The entire island is like a museum of nature, with its thousand-year-old Jomon cedars, trails surrounded by virgin forests, clear streams, and beautiful coastline!
Landscapes that change throughout the four seasonsThe "Souvenirs" are also attractive, and each time you visit, you will experience a new sensation.
Reason for World Heritage registration
In general, the requirements to be registered as a World Heritage Site are strict,Universal value worthy of registrationand the history of the earth, such as an accurate description of the history of the earth.Geographic Characteristics, valuable.ecosystemand others must be present.
Furthermore, these environments have adequate area,Maintains nature in its original state, unaffected by development and other factorsAnother important condition is that the product must have been
From subtropical vegetation in the lowlands to alpine flora, each elevation offers a different natural environment.
◆Yakusugi virgin forest
This is a precious area where ancient forests remain, with giant trees over 1,000 years old.
◆Abundant precipitation
Mountainous areas with an annual precipitation of over 8,000 mm produce beautiful forests and clear streams.
◆Treasure trove of endemic and rare species
Many plants and animals that can only be found here, such as Yakushika deer and Yakusaru monkeys, inhabit the area.
◆Nature untouched by man
The pristine forests are spread out and remain in their natural state.
Yakushima was registered as a World Heritage site because it met all of these strict conditions.
Enjoy nature to the fullest! Click here for recommended trekking tours
Click here for popular mountaineering and trekking tours
The extent of Yakushima's World Natural Heritage
Yakushima's native forests and near forest roads in the western part of the island.About 21% of the island is registered as natural heritageThe company has been
Also, in 1993, the town councils of the then towns of Yaku and Kamiyaku aimed to conserve the nature of Yakushima.Yakushima Charter established.I did.
By this,The importance of preserving Yakushima's natural environment is once again recognizedThe first time the site was registered as a World Heritage site, it became a guideline for the registration of the site as a World Heritage site.
Click here for tailor-made eco-tours of Yakushima.
Click here to see the ranking of the most popular eco-tours.
Tour the World Heritage Sites of Yakushima
Recommended Tours
For tours of the World Heritage area of Yakushima,Deeply experience the charm of nature.Popular Activities!
Walking with a guide through Jomon cedars, Shiratani Unsui Gorge, etc.trekkingand in rivers and oceans.Kayaking and snorkelingThere are also ◎
A variety of plans are available for beginners and experts alike, allowing anyone to enjoy the great nature of Yakushima.
All tours are full of attractions unique to Yakushima.So, please check it out!
Tour the World Heritage Sites of Yakushima! Click here for recommended tours
The Mystery of Princess Mononoke!
Hakutani Unsui Gorge Trekking Tour
Yakushima is an island of mysterious nature, said to be the setting of the Ghibli film Princess Mononoke.
The World Heritage Area includesDotted with mossy forests and giant trees, it is as if you have wandered into a movie world.You can experience
A wide variety of courses are available for beginners and advanced players.“The World of Princess Mononoke”Why not take a look at the
Tour the stage of Princess Mononoke! Click here for recommended tours
Click here to see the popularity ranking of Shiratani Unsui Narrow
1000 years old! Jomon Cedar Trekking Tour
Yakusugi is the symbol of Yakushima,General term for cedar trees over 1,000 years oldIt is.
Trekking tours to the famous Jomon Cedars and Wilson Stump are especially popular.
Trolley paths and trailsTrekking 11 kilometers one way for 8 to 10 hoursThere are tours that do
On this route, there are about a hundred year old treesthree generations of Japanese cedar trees (Cryptomeria japonica Diplomorpha sachalinensis)and a huge stump of a tree estimated to be 2,000 years old.Wilson stock, ,royal cedarand ...,married couple's cedarYou can see things such as.
While walking on mountain paths as trekking,Reaching our destination, Jomon Cedars.You will experience an irreplaceable sense of accomplishment by doing so.
Also, because there are trekking tours for beginners,The appeal of the Jomon Cedar Tour is that it can be tailored to suit your own physical fitness level.It is.
Click here for Jomon Cedar trekking tours for beginners
Click here for popular Jomon Cedar trekking tours
Yakusugiland - Kigen Sugi Trekking Tour
On Yakushima Island,Kigen Cedar, said to be 3,000 years oldThere is a huge cedar tree called
The Yakusugiland to Kigen-sugi Trekking & Island Sightseeing Tour will take you to Kigen-sugi via Yakusugiland, an area where you can encounter Yakusugi cedar trees.
Jomon cedars can only be reached by climbing the mountainFor being in theKigen cedars grow wild along the roadway.The main feature of this area is that it is easy to see without having to climb a mountain.
For those who are not confident in their physical strength, children over 6 years old, and people over 70 years old can also participate,This tour is recommended for a wide range of people.
Click here for Kigen Sugi trekking tours for beginners.
Learn more about Kigen Sugi
Click here for popular Kigen Sugi trekking tours.
World Heritage Site, Yakushima
Typical Yakusugi cedar seen
Yakusugi cedar grows wild in the mountains of Yakushima at an altitude of over 500 meters.It is called.
Average age of a typical cedar tree is about 500 years
Some of the Yakusugi cedars areThe tree is 2,000 years old.Some of them exceed
Dense and resistant to corrosion due to slow growth
Yakushima cedar primeval forest is designated as a national special natural monument.
Here are some of the most famous cedars in Yakushima.
Jomon cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)
Jomon cedar is the most widely known of the Yakusugi cedarsIt is.
The Jomon cedars were introduced as 7,200 years old by the then Environment Agency in 1983, at a time of heightened interest in environmental issues, and the cedars became famous throughout Japan.
The exact age of the tree is still unknown, and it is truly a sacred tree that continues to watch over the history of Yakushima.
◆One of the largest Yakusugi cedars in Japan
Its imposing appearance, with a trunk circumference of 16.4 meters and a height of 25.3 meters, is a sight to behold.
◆National Special Natural Monument
Its life force is overwhelming! A miraculous tree that continues to live strongly even though part of its trunk is hollow.
◆Jomon cedar, the most famous of the Yakusugi cedars
It takes about 10 hours of round-trip trekking to reach the site! Along the way, there are many scenic spots and other Yakusugi cedars to enjoy the feeling of adventure.
Access: 5-6 hours on foot from Arakawa trailhead
Learn more about Jomon Cedars
Click here for a ranking of the most popular Jomon Cedar tours.
royal cedar
Like the king of Yakusugi cedars, the Daio cedar has a dignity befitting its name.
One of the power spots in Yakushima It is also said to be a place where one can feel the energy of nature with one's whole body.
Even in the forests of Yakushima, which are crowded with giant trees, this large tree boasts an overwhelming presence.
◆Giant cedars following the Jomon cedars
The trunk is 11.1 meters in circumference and 24.7 meters high!
◆Trekking beginners can also go to see
It is more accessible than the Jomon Cedar route and allows visitors to experience the giant trees easily.
Access: 20 minutes from Yakushima Airport to "Yakusugi Nature Center".
Learn more about Daio cedar
married couple's cedar
The name was derived from the two cedars that look like a married couple,matchwood tree (esp. Lombardy poplar, Populus nigra var. italica)The couple cedars are popular as
They have lived together for many years and are the very image of an ideal couple.
◆Power spots
A popular spot for couples and married couples. It is said that if you take a picture holding hands, your love will be fulfilled.
◆Trolley path to walk and meet
The path is relatively easy to walk and is a perfect first highlight of the Yakushima trekking trip.
Access:Approximately 5-6 hours on foot from the Arakawa trailhead
Learn more about the Japanese cedar couple
Rare animals that can only be seen on Yakushima
Only found on Yakushima Island.endemic speciesThe fact that the ecosystem is protected has made it possible for the area to be registered as a natural heritage site.
We will actually introduce some of the endemic species of Yakushima,Check it out in advance and deepen your knowledge of Yakushima's animals.See!
Yakushima sika (Cervus nippon yakushimae)
First, I would like to introduce you toYakushima sika (Cervus nippon yakushimae)is a subspecies of the Japanese deer, widely distributed in Japan, ranging from 1 to 1.5 meters in length.
Yakushima sika deer are compared to Japanese sika deer.smallishThe length of the corners also tends to be shorter.
Also, whereas the horns of the Japanese deer are unraveled into four horns,The yak deer's antlers are divided into threeI am here.
Yakushima macaque (Macaca fuscata yakui)
The next one is a subspecies of the Japanese macaqueYakushima macaque (Macaca fuscata yakui)It is.
The Yakushima macaque is a subspecies of the Japanese macaque, and its appearance, habits, and diet are almost identical.
Like the yakushika deer, it has a larger body than the species that inhabit the mainland.rather smalland the color and texture of their body hair is also considered to be different.
Yakushima shrew (Crocidura yakushimai)
Source:Ministry of the Environment
Also,Yakushima has an unusual rat named Yakushima shrew.also inhabit the area.
This rat is 10 centimeters long and weighs about 10 grams.Very small creaturesIt is.
And although the Yakushima shrew is named after a rat,A creature similar to a mole with degenerating eyes.It is considered to be a
Yakushima striped field mouse (Apodemus yakushimaensis)
Furthermore, Yakushima has more than just Yakushima shrews.Yakushima striped field mouse (Apodemus yakushimaensis)It is also inhabited by a small rodent named
They look like rats as commonly imagined and are usually found in the mountains, but occasionally they come down to theIt seems that they sometimes live in people's housesIt is.
In addition to the animals introduced here, Yakushima is home to many other rare creatures.
Look for these creatures when you visit Yakushima!Please.
Click here for trekking tours for ages 4 and up.
In the river and sea of Yakushima
Activities to experience
On Yakushima Island, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities that take advantage of the crystal clear waters and clean rivers.
snorkeling
In the crystal clear waters of Yakushima, you can enjoy colorful tropical fish, coral reefs, and encounters with sea turtles.
as ifExplore an underwater paradiseYou can enjoy an emotional experience as if you were in the same room with your friends.
To encounter many creatures even in shallow water,Recommended for small children.It is.
You may see sea turtles!
Click here for recommended snorkeling tours
Set plans are also popular!
Click here for snorkeling & trekking tours
Click here to see the popular ranking of snorkeling.
Experience Diving
The diving spots in Yakushima are,High encounter rate with sea turtles and mysterious terrainis attractive.
There is a full range of tours for all levels, from experience diving for beginners to boat diving for advanced divers.
It is popular for its close-up observation of rich subtropical marine life and special experiences☆.
Beginners can also feel at ease!
Click here for recommended diving tours
Set plans are also popular!
Click here for recommended diving and trekking tours
Click here to see the ranking of diving popularity.
Kayak (Canoe)
On kayak (canoe) tours,Calm Awa River and Kurio RiverWhile leisurely paddling along the river, you can encounter lush green forests and riverside creatures.
The time spent on the quiet water is a healing moment that makes you forget the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Even beginners can participate with a guide.You can do it.
Feel close to the World Heritage sites!
Click here for recommended river kayak tours
Set plans are also popular!
Click here for recommended kayaking and trekking tours
Click here for a ranking of the most popular kayaks.
Let's visit Yakushima World Heritage Center
Visit the Yakushima World Heritage Center when you visit Yakushima.
The charm of Yakushima explainedThe project is being conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea,Manners and rules for climbingThe book covers a wide range of topics, from
If you want to gather information on how to enjoy the nature of Yakushima, please visit the Yakushima World Heritage Center.
Access: 18 minutes by car from Yakushima Airport
Hours of operation: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Closed: Every Saturday (during December to February), Year-end and New Year holidays (12/29 to 1/3)
Learn more about Yakushima World Heritage Center
Yakushima World Heritage Site
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Yakushima was registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 1993. It is highly valued for its precious natural environment, including thousands of year-old Yakusugi cedars and virgin forests.
Yakushima was registered as a World Natural Heritage site in recognition of its unique ecosystem and natural environment where virgin forests remain. The island is also characterized by its diverse flora, ranging from subtropical to cool-temperate zones, depending on the difference in elevation.
The World Heritage Area is rich in nature, including Jomon Cedars, Shiratani Unsui Gorge, and Miyanoura-dake. In these areas, visitors can enjoy the unique natural scenery of Yakushima, including virgin forests and Yakusugi cedar forests.
Basically, you can use trekking trails for sightseeing, but you need to walk along the designated route to protect nature. It is important to follow the rules and protect the natural environment.
Many World Heritage areas are located in the mountains and are visited by trekking. However, some trails, such as Shiratani-unsui Gorge and Yakusugiland, are easy to walk even for beginners.
Spring (March to May) and fall (October to November) are particularly popular times to visit the World Heritage area of Yakushima, when the weather is mild. Trekking and nature walks can be enjoyed in comfort.
summary
This time, the island is a natural heritage site,Introduction to Yakushima IslandI would like to thank you for your cooperation.
Spend some special time on this island, where mysterious Jomon cedars and endemic animals await.
Thank you very much for taking the time to read this report to the end.
Click here to read the article in conjunction with this one.
