Latest Population Data and Population Projections for Yakushima
Population of Yakushima, a World Natural Heritage Site
Yakushima is a remote island in southern Kagoshima Prefecture,Known for its nature and mountain worship, including Mt. Miyanoura, and registered as a World Natural Heritage siteThe company has been
Although approximately 250,000 people visit the island each year (based on visitor numbers for Reiwa 5), the island is simultaneously experiencing a declining and aging population. Due to limited housing and employment options, young people continue to leave the island.
In this article,Future Population Projections Based on the Latest Population Data for Yakushima (as of 2026)We will take a detailed look at this, based on official statistics from Yakushima Town.
◆If you want to know about the population transition of Yakushima
◆For those who want to know the latest population figures for Yakushima (2026)
◆Those who want to know about the challenges of population decline in Yakushima
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Latest Population Data for Yakushima (Updated in 2026)
Of the island's total area of approximately 540 square kilometers, 90 percent is mountainous, and the population is concentrated in limited coastal areas.
As of 2026 (August 1, Reiwa 8), the estimated population of Yakushima Town is 10,461.It is.
Note that Yakushima Town consists of two islands: Yakushima and Kuchinoerabu Island. Since Kuchinoerabu Island has a population of 83, the population of Yakushima Island alone is approximately 10,378.
By settlement, Miyanoura has the largest population at 2,547 people; approximately one in four residents of the town lives in Miyanoura. This is followed by Harumaki (849 people), Awa (705 people), and Onomae (623 people).
The population of Yakushima Town varies depending on the method of calculation. The three main statistics are as follows:
| Types of Statistics | Record Date | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated Population | August 1, 2026 | 10,461 people |
| Basic Resident Register (Registered Population) | August 1, 2026 | 10,937 people |
| Census | October 1, 2025 | 10,707 people |
Source: Yakushima Town, “Population and Households”
The estimated population is a figure based on the census population that reflects monthly births, deaths, and in- and out-migration; it is considered to be the closest approximation of the number of people actually living on the island.
Trekking Tours in Yakushima
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Gender Ratio of Yakushima's Population (2026 Edition)
There are 5,210 men and 5,251 women, for a total of 5,488 households (as of August 1, 2026; estimated population).The first two are the following.
Compared to the same month last year, the population decreased by 439 people, representing a decline of approximately 4 percent over the past year.
On Yakushima Island, "natural attrition," in which more people die than are born, and "social attrition," in which young people move off the island for higher education or employment, are occurring simultaneously.
In 2025, there were 59 births and 201 deaths (a natural decrease of 142), and 663 people moved into the island while 716 moved out (a net decrease of 53). In March in particular, out-migration reached 348 people, indicating a concentration of people leaving the island during the season for entering school or starting new jobs.
Population of Yakushima
Yakushima's population has been declining for several decades. The rate of decline has accelerated, particularly since the 2010s.
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Population Trends Based on the Census (2000–2025)
Let's take a look at the population trends in Yakushima Town based on the census conducted every five years.
| Survey Year | Population | The difference from 5 years ago |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 13,875 people | ― |
| 2005 | 13,761 people | -114 people |
| 2010 | 13,589 people | -172 people |
| 2015 | 12,913 people | -676 people |
| 2020 | 11,858 people | -1,055 people |
| 2025 | 10,707 people | −1,151 people |
Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, “Census”; Yakushima Town, “Population and Households”
As of 2010, the population of Yakushima Town was 13,589. By 2020, that number had decreased to 11,858, andCalculated to have lost over 1,700 people in 10 years.will be.
Furthermore, the 2025 census showed a population of 10,707, representing a decrease of 1,151 people (about 9.7 percent) in just five years. Compared to 2000, this means the population has declined by more than 20 percent over the past 25 years.
One of the main causes of this population decline is the high rate of people moving off the island. It is not uncommon for people to leave the island to attend college or start a job and then never return.
Furthermore, the number of births in 2025 will be 59, which is only about 30 percent of the number of deaths (201). As a result,The double punch of natural plus social decline continues.The first is the
The population is also aging; according to the 2020 census, there were 4,315 people aged 65 and older, and the aging rate stood at 36.4 percent, meaning that more than one in three people is now an older adult.
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Population Projections and Challenges for 2026 and Beyond
On Yakushima, where the population is declining, measures are needed that take into account changes in the social structure expected from the 2030s onward.
Future Projections for Yakushima based on Future Population Projections
According to future population projections released by Yakushima Town based on estimates from the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research,The population of Yakushima Town is projected to fall below 10,000 in 2035, reaching 9,792.
| 年 | Projected Future Population |
|---|---|
| 2030 | 10,420 people |
| 2035 | 9,792 people |
| 2040 | 9,220 people |
| 2045 | 8,670 people |
| 2050 | 8,111 people |
| 2070 | 6,040 people |
Source: Yakushima Town, “Third Phase Comprehensive Strategy for Revitalizing Communities, People, and Jobs”
According to the same projection, the population is expected to be nearly half its current size by 2070, and the proportion of the elderly population is projected to rise to 43.1% by 2050.
However, while this projection estimated the population in 2025 to be 11,129, the actual census results showed a population of 10,707. It can be said that the actual population decline is proceeding at a faster pace than projected.
If this decline continues, it may become difficult to maintain local infrastructure such as healthcare, long-term care, and education.
Since population decline is directly linked to a decline in economic activity and regional vitality, we need to begin designing a sustainable society now.
Measures to combat population decline and revitalize local communities
The town of Yakushima has put in place a variety of measures to halt the population decline.
The first focus of attention is on measures to promote migration.It is.
A relocation subsidy is available for people who move from the Tokyo metropolitan area to find employment or start a business (1 million yen per household; 600,000 yen for single individuals; plus an additional 1 million yen for each child under the age of 18).
In addition, there are programs that provide subsidies for home purchases and the renovation of vacant homes, as well as a program that offers rent subsidies of up to 10,000 yen per month (for up to 24 months) to people under 45 and families with children, among others, to support those wishing to return to their hometowns or relocate to a new area.
To address the housing shortage on the island, subsidies are also provided to developers who build rental housing within the town.
Also,Efforts are underway to encourage young people to settle in the area by providing childcare support and improving the educational environment.It is.
The strategy of not only "increasing" the population but also aiming for "an island where people can live in abundance even if the population decreases" supports the future of Yakushima.
↓What is the attraction of Yakushima, a place rich in nature? ↓↓
5 recommended sightseeing spots in Yakushima
Despite the challenges of a declining population, Yakushima is a treasure trove of tourism resources. It attracts many people through its nature, culture, and experiences.
Yakusugiland
A walking course in a forest lined with thousands of year-old Yakusugi cedars, representative of Yakushima.
Even beginners can enjoy the well-maintained boardwalk and be surrounded by a mystical atmosphere.
Access: 1 hour by car from Miyanoura Port
For more information about Yakusugiland, click here↓.
Click here for recommended tours to Yakusugiland.
Shiratani Unsui Gorge (Shiratani Unsui Gorge)
A fantastic forest of mossy primeval forest.
Famous as the model for the setting of the movie "Princess Mononoke" and highly popular among tourists.The company boasts a
Access: 30 minutes by car from Miyanoura Port
For more information about Shiratani-unsui Gorge, click here↓.
Click here for recommended tours of Shiratani-Unsui Gorge.
Wilson stock
A huge stump with a diameter of 13 meters.
A popular photo spot for its heart-shaped appearance when looking up at the sky from inside.It is.
Access: Halfway along the Jomon-sugi trekking route (about a 3-hour walk from the Arakawa trailhead)
Learn more about Wilson shares here↓.
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abundant natural beauty
Senpiro Falls (Senpiro Falls) areMagnificent waterfall with a drop of 60 metersThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.
The water cascading down the granite monolith is beautiful,The view from the observation deck is also breathtaking.It is.
Access: 35 minutes by car from Awa Port
↓Click here for recommended waterfall tours in Yakushima.
Okawa Falls
![Preservation Edition] 18 recommended sightseeing spots in Yakushima that you must visit! A thorough explanation of the highlights of the World Natural Heritage Site "Yakushima](https://yakushima-tour.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2511258_s.jpg)
The Okawa Falls (Ohko Falls) are,The largest waterfall on Yakushima Island with a drop of 88 meters, and one of the top 100 waterfalls in Japan.It has also been selected as one of the
The most important point of Okawa Falls is,You can walk right up to the waterfall basin.This is to say.
You can experience the power and splash of the water up close and personal at close range.
Access: 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Miyanoura Port
5 Popular Activities on Yakushima Island
Yakushima offers a wide variety of activities that combine sightseeing and nature experiences.
Mountaineering and Trekking Tours
Climbing Mt. Miyanoura, the symbol of Yakushima, is popular among serious climbers.Jomon Cedar trekking for beginners is also recommended.It is!
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Yakushima Mountain Climbing/Trekking Tour Ranking
Island Sightseeing and Eco-tour
Round-the-island tour led by a local guideYou can learn about culture, nature, and history in depth at
Recommended for those who want to fully enjoy Yakushima at a fixed time!
↓Click here for recommended eco-tours and sightseeing tours on the island.
Yakushima Eco & Island Tour Ranking
Snorkeling Tour
Visitors can observe tropical fish and coral reefs in the crystal clear waters of Shirahama and Ichinato. It is popular among beginners and families.
↓Snorkeling tour to see sea turtles
Yakushima Snorkeling Tour Ranking
Diving Tours
Experience to meet sea turtles and tropical fish. The underwater world of Yakushima is a fascinating place where the forest and the sea are one.
↓Click here for recommended diving tours.
Kayak and Canoe Tours
As you continue along calm rivers such as the Awa River, you can feel the harmony of Yakushima's forests and water up close.
↓Click here for recommended kayak and canoe tours.
Yakushima Kayak and Canoe Tour Ranking
Frequently asked questions about the population of Yakushima
The estimated population of Yakushima Town is 10,461 (as of August 1, 2026). Since Yakushima Town also includes Kuchinoerabu Island (83 people), the population of Yakushima Island itself is approximately 10,378.
With a population of approximately 10,500 people in an area of about 540 square kilometers, the population density is low at about 19 people per square kilometer, making it a region rich in unspoiled nature.
The main causes are “natural decline”—where the number of births falls significantly below the number of deaths—and “social decline,” resulting from young people leaving the island to pursue higher education or employment. In 2025, there were 59 births and 201 deaths.
According to Yakushima Town’s population projections, the population is expected to fall below 10,000 to 9,792 by 2035. However, the actual population is declining at a faster rate than projected, so this milestone could be reached sooner.
The challenges we face include enhancing medical and welfare services to address the aging population, improving educational environments, resolving the housing shortage, and continuing efforts to encourage people to move to the area.
summary
The population of Yakushima Town is 10,461 (as of August 1, 2026), and according to the 2025 census, it had decreased by 1,151 from five years earlier.
The declining birthrate and aging population are expected to continue, and according to future projections, the population is forecast to fall below 9,000, reaching 8,670 by 2045.
Through measures to revitalize the region, such as eco-tourism and immigration support, a "sustainable island" that can coexist with a declining population is gradually beginning to emerge.
In considering the future of Yakushima, knowing population data is the first step toward designing future lifestyles.
↓Click here to read the article.
![[Yakushima · Private Tour] Led by a Female Guide! A Relaxing One-Day Forest Tour to Recharge Among Moss and Yakusugi Cedars](https://yakushima-tour.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/a0e0857e7f1ee70e49fee427cac12402-825x510.jpg)
