Latest population data (2025) and population trend outlook for Yakushima
Table of Contents
- 1 Population of Yakushima, a World Natural Heritage Site
- 2 Current population data for Yakushima (latest available in 2025)
- 3 Population of Yakushima
- 4 Population outlook and challenges after 2025
- 5 5 recommended sightseeing spots in Yakushima
- 6 5 Popular Activities on Yakushima Island
- 7 Frequently asked questions about the population of Yakushima
- 8 summary
Population of Yakushima, a World Natural Heritage Site
In this article,Future population projection from the latest population data (as of 2025) for YakushimaThe following is a detailed look at the
◆If you want to know about the population transition of Yakushima
◆To know the population of Yakushima Island (2025)
◆Those who want to know about the challenges of population decline in Yakushima
Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Yakushima.
↓Learn more about Yakushima
Current population data for Yakushima (latest available in 2025)
Of the island's total area of 540 square kilometers, 90% is mountainous, with residents concentrated in limited areas.
The estimated population of Yakushima-cho as of 2025 (September 1, 2025) is approximately 11,190.It is.
Yakushima Island Population Sex Ratio (2025)
There are approximately 5,557 males and 5,633 females, with an overall household size of 6,424 (as of September 1, 2025)The first two are the following.
Compared to 2024, the population continues to decline, with an estimated loss of approximately 200 to 250 people per 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.
Population of Yakushima
The population of Yakushima has continued to decline over the past several decades. Especially since the 2000s, the speed has been accelerating.
Population change over the past 10 years
As of 2010, the population of Yakushima Town was 13589. From there, it will decrease to 11,858 by 2020,Calculated to have lost over 1,700 people in 10 years.will be.
The main cause of this population decline is the large number of people moving out of the island. More and more people are leaving the island for higher education or employment and not returning.
In addition, the number of births is limited to about 50 per year, about one-third of the number of deaths. As a result,The double punch of natural plus social decline continues.The first is the
↓About the animals that inhabit Yakushima
Population outlook and challenges after 2025
In Yakushima, where the population is declining, measures must be taken with an eye to social structural changes in the 2030s and beyond.
Future Projections for Yakushima based on Future Population Projections
According to future projections by the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research,It is projected that the population of Yakushima will fall below about 10,000 in 2040.
If the decline continues, it may become difficult to maintain local infrastructure such as medical care, long-term care, and education.
Since population decline is directly linked to a decline in economic activity and regional vitality, it is necessary to design a sustainable society from the present stage.
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. For those who move from outside the town, we support those who wish to make a U-turn or I-turn by providing subsidies for renovating vacant houses and a migration support program.
Further,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↓.
Click here for recommended tours including Wilson Stocks
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
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!
↓Click here for recommended trekking tours.
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
With a population of approximately 11,000 for an area of 540 square kilometers, the population density is low at approximately 20 persons/km², and the area is rich in nature.
The outflow of young people from the islands, declining birthrates, and lack of employment opportunities are the main causes.
The challenges are to improve medical and welfare services for the aging population, to improve the educational environment, and to continue to promote immigration.
summary
Yakushima has a declining birthrate and an aging population, and the population may drop to the 9,000 level 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.
