Why was Yakushima Island registered as a World Natural Heritage site? Introducing the famous Jomon Cedars and other attractions of Yakushima
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 Why It Became a World Heritage Site
- 3 Yakushima World Natural Heritage Area
- 4 What is a tour to the World Heritage Sites in Yakushima?
- 5 What is the precious Yakusugi cedar of Yakushima?
- 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 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.
Yakushima Island was registered as a World Natural Heritage site in 1993, and was also Japan's first World Natural Heritage site. 32 years later, many people still visit Yakushima Island for its charms.
◆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
In this article, we will discuss the reasons andIntroduction to tours to experience naturesinceYakushima Travel ReferencePlease try to
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The Attraction 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 special the nature of Yakushima has been recognized by the world.
This registration is a major accomplishment in communicating Japan's rich natural attractions to the world.
What is the charm of Yakushima?
Yakushima is a subtropical island located at the southern tip of Kyushu with a rich natural and mysterious atmosphere.
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
Here,Why Yakushima was chosen to be registered as a World Heritage SiteThe following is an explanation of the following. In general, the conditions for registration as a World Heritage Site are very strict, and there must be universal values, geographical features that accurately describe the history of the earth, and valuable ecosystems that are worthy of registration.
Furthermore, these environments have adequate area,Maintains nature in its original state, unaffected by development and other factorsAnother important condition is that the client's property must be
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
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Yakushima World Natural Heritage Area
Yakushima IslandAbout 21 percent of the island, including near native forests and western forest roadsis registered as a natural heritage site.
Prior to this registration, in 1993, the town councils of the then towns of Yakushima and Kamiyakushima enacted the Yakushima Charter with the aim of preserving the nature of Yakushima.
This led to a renewed awareness of the importance of preserving Yakushima's natural environment, and served as a guiding principle for the island's registration 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.
What is a tour to the World Heritage Sites in Yakushima?
Tours of the World Heritage area of Yakushima are popular activities that allow visitors to deeply experience the charm of nature.
Trekking with a guide through Jomon cedars and Shiratani-unsui Gorge is a safe and enjoyable way to learn about the origins of plants and landforms.
Kayaking and snorkeling in the river and ocean are also available! A variety of plans are available for everyone from beginners to experts, 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 movie "Princess Mononoke. In the World Heritage Areais dotted with mossy forests and giant trees, making it seem as if you have wandered into a movie world.You can experience
The tours are led by experienced guides and provide a safe way to explore the sights and deepen your understanding of nature and culture. A variety of courses are available for both beginners and experts, so why not take a look into the "World of Princess Mononoke"?
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 oldThe most popular of these are trekking tours to the famous Jomon Cedars and Wilson Stump. Trekking tours to the famous Jomon cedars and Wilson's stumps are especially popular.
One example of a Jomon cedar trekking tour is the 11-kilometer one-way trek along the trolley and mountain trail, which takes 8 to 10 hours.
This route will take you past not only the Jomon cedars, but also the 100 year-old Sandai cedars that have undergone renewal from fallen trees and stumps, and the giant stump, estimated to be 2000 years old and 13.8 meters in circumference.Wilson stock, ,royal cedarand ...,married couple's cedarYou can see things such as.
We visited these points while walking along the mountain paths as a trekking trip,Reaching our destination, Jomon Cedars.You will experience an irreplaceable sense of accomplishment by doing so.
In addition, for trekking beginners and those who are not so confident in their physical strength, there are Jomon cedar trekking tours that allow you to choose a route that suits your fitness level,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 advanced Jomon Cedar trekking tours.
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Yakusugiland - Kigen Sugi Trekking Tour
Yakushima Island hasNot only the Jomon cedar, but also a giant cedar tree named Kigen cedar that is said to be 3,000 years oldThere are
The Yakushima Activities Yakusugiland to Kigen Sugi Trekking & Island Sightseeing Tour takes you to Kigen Sugi via Yakusugiland, a hiking and trekking area where you can encounter Yakusugi cedar trees over 1000 years old.
Jomon cedars can only be reached by climbing the mountainThe main feature of Kigen-sugi is that it can be easily seen without climbing a mountain, since it grows naturally along the roadway.
This tour is designed for those who are not physically fit, children over 6 years old, and those over 70 years old,Tour recommended for a wide range of peopleThe company is now in the process of
Click here for Kigen Sugi trekking tours for beginners.
Learn more about Kigen Sugi
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What is the precious Yakusugi cedar of Yakushima?
Yakusugi cedar grows wild in the mountains of Yakushima at an altitude of over 500 meters.It is called.
Yakusugi has a very slow-growing nature, which makes the material dense and resistant to corrosion.
It is also known for its extremely longevity. The average age of a typical Japanese cedar tree is about 500 years, whereas some Yakusugi trees areThe trees are over 2,000 years old.There are also those that would be
The Yakushima cedar primeval forest is lined with such Yakusugi cedars,National Special Natural MonumentIt is also designated as a 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.
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.
It is said to be one of the power spots of Yakushima, where you can feel the energy of nature with your 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.
Learn more about Daio cedar
married couple's cedar
Named for the two cedars that look like a married couple, the cedars are popular as a tree for marriage.
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.
Learn more about the Japanese cedar couple
Rare animals that can only be seen on Yakushima
Yakushima Island is home to many endemic species that live only here, and it can be said that the preservation of these ecosystems made it possible for the island to be registered as a World 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 to those of the Japanese macaque, but like the yakushima macaque, it is more physically fit than the species that inhabit Honshu.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.
These rats are very small creatures, measuring only 10 centimeters in length and weighing about 10 grams. 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 This rodent differs from the Yakushima shrew in that it has the appearance commonly associated with it and is usually found in the mountains, but occasionally descends to the lowlands toIt seems that they sometimes live in people's housesIt is.
Yakushima Island is home to many rare creatures in addition to the animals introduced here,When you visit Yakushima, look for these creatures!Please.
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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♪ You will experience the excitement of exploring an underwater paradise.
It is also recommended for small children, as they can encounter many creatures even in shallow water.
You may see sea turtles!
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Set plans are also popular!
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Experience Diving
The diving spots of Yakushima are attractive for their high encounter rate with sea turtles and mysterious terrain. 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 the rich subtropical marine life and for the special experience it offers.
Beginners can also feel at ease!
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Set plans are also popular!
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Click here to see the ranking of diving popularity.
Kayak (Canoe)
On a kayak (canoe) tour of Yakushima, you can encounter lush forests and riverside creatures while leisurely paddling along the calm Awa River and Kurio River.
The time spent on the quiet water is a healing moment that makes you forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Even beginners can participate safely with a guide.
Feel close to the World Heritage sites!
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Set plans are also popular!
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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 the World Heritage island of Yakushima.
At this Yakushima World Heritage Center, the charms of Yakushima are explained, and a wide range of information is introduced, including the origins of nature, efforts to preserve the environment, and the manners and rules for climbing the mountain.
If you want to gather information on Yakushima's nature and how to enjoy it, 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
summary
This time, the island is a natural heritage site,Introduction to Yakushima IslandI would like to thank you for your cooperation.
Yakushima, Japan's first World Natural Heritage site, still retains its pristine beauty 32 years after its registration. Spend some special time on this island, where mystical Jomon cedars and endemic animals await.
Thank you very much for taking the time to read this report to the end.
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