TREASURE OF NATURE

There’s a popular saying that there are “20,000 monkeys, 20,000 deer, and 20,000 people” on Yakushima, a small island off the southern coast of Kyushu’s Kagoshima Prefecture known as a treasure trove of nature. With its diverse fauna, green mountain ranges, and ancient cedar trees, the oldest of which is estimated to be over 7,000 years old , it’s no wonder that part of Yakushima was registered as the first UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in Japan.

Yet even all that is but one part of the island’s showcase of nature. When visiting this emerald jewel floating between the Pacific and the East China Sea, one mustn’t miss out on the waters of Yakushima, from the magnificent waterfalls to its crystal-clear rivers and more.

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Falling for Yakushima’s waterfalls

Yakushima’s towering mountainscapes, known as the “Alps on the Ocean,” have blessed the island with many powerful and unique waterfalls.

Toroki Falls is one of only two waterfalls in Japan that drop directly into the sea. The 30-meter-high, nearly vertical cascade of white water cutting through the surrounding virgin verdure looks like a piece of silk infused with the power of thunder. The falls can be taken in from a nearby bridge or observation point.

There is also the enormous 88-meter-high Ohko Waterfall, considered one of Japan’s 100 best waterfalls. Situated in a remote location past the village of Kurio, it takes a little while to reach, but the journey is more than worth the effort. The area near the basin is accessible to all who want to feel the spray of nature’s roaring beauty up close.

Another can’t-miss locale is Senpiro Falls, a 60-meter-high stream of water falling from the massive V-shaped granite gorge that gives it its name “which roughly translates to “as big as the outstretched arms of a thousand adults.” A popular way of enjoying the waterfall is from a scenic suspension bridge. Travelers looking to sit back, relax and admire something a little more peaceful should check out the gentle Nunobiki Falls in Isso.

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Enjoying Yakushima’s many rivers

When travelers first arrive at the Anbo River, many can’t believe their eyes. Anbo’s breathtaking clarity allows visitors to see right to the bottom, with the surrounding, thick greenery reflecting on the surface here and there and making the stream look like gently flowing glass.

The best way to enjoy the river is during a kayaking tour, enjoying the tranquil beauty and nature of Yakushima along the way. There is a rocky shore just past Matsumine Bridge where kayakers can stop and rest in the heart of nature. For those looking for more luxurious experiences, there’s the two-hour Anbo River Boat Tour, which takes place at night and offers a feast of local cuisine and shōchu (distilled spirits) under the stars.Kayaking, together with standup paddleboarding, is also available on the Kurio River.

A typical tour starts near the mouth of the Kurio, home to Yakushima’s only mangrove thicket, and takes travelers through lesser-explored parts of the island where peace and quiet reign supreme. Guests staying in the Miyanoura area should consider booking a tour of the Miyanoura River, the second-longest river on Yakushima after the Anbo.

The gentle flow down the brackish waters of the Miyanoura in a kayak or on a paddleboard goes past some truly spectacular mountain landscapes but is shorter than the Anbo tour, making it ideal for those who only want to dip their toes, so to speak, in river tourism.

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Miracle of nature by the sea

The period between June and mid-July is when sea turtles visit Yakushima to lay their eggs, which start hatching around late July, continuing until early September. Many visitors are drawn to the island’s beaches because of the turtles, but once they’re there, they also discover picturesque spots to relax.

A popular beach destination on Yakushima is the 1-kilometer-long Nagata Inaka Beach, which is known for its white sands that contrast beautifully with the surrounding greenery and the azure sea.

The sea around Yakushima isn’t just for admiring, though, as it offers travelers unforgettable snorkeling opportunities among schools of tropical fish and colorful corals. The lucky ones may even spot a sea turtle while swimming.

Isso Beach offers similar experiences with additional access to the Yahazudake Shrine on Cape Yahazu, where a massive torii stands at the entrance to a cave believed to house the deities of fishing and marriage.

Haruta Beach, on the other hand, is recommended for children because of its tide pools that form at low tide, creating natural aquariums of colorful fish and crabs. All this plus the rest of Yakushima can be easily reached by plane from Kagoshima Airport.

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For more information, visit: http://www.town.yakushima.kagoshima.jp/en/