National Parks of Japan

Yakushima Island boasts some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world, from its mountains, the highest peaks in the Kyushu region, to its giant trees towering out of moss-covered forests. Kuchinoerabu Island is a lush green forest-covered volcanic island that is home to rare plants and animals. The Yakushima National Park is formed by these two neighbouring islands with completely differing natural environments.

Yakushima Island, Japan’s most impressive mountainous island

A World Heritage site, Yakushima Island is located approximately 60 kilometres south of the Kyushu mainland, with the Kuroshio Current flowing around it. The island’s circumference is about 132 kilometres, with Kyushu’s tallest peak, Mt. Miyanoura (1,936 km), at its centre. In fact, the eight tallest peaks in Kyushu are all located on this most impressive mountainous island, leading its mountains to be called the Alps of the Sea. The warm, wet vapor of the Kuroshio Current collides with these tall mountains, soaking the island in heavy rains. Pure water flowing in the rivers is clean enough to drink, and moss and ferns abound in the island’s high humidity. The stunning forest landscapes, with giant Yakusugi cedar trees, some several thousands of years old, cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. As one climbs the paths up to the mountain tops, changes in vegetation and scenery can be enjoyed as diverse plant species grow at different altitudes.

Kuchinoerabu Island, a volcanic island teeming with life

Located only 12 kilometres from Yakushima Island, Kuchinoerabu Island’s natural environment is entirely different from Yakushima’s. Although its volcanoes are still active, the island is covered by broadleaf evergreen forests. Rare animals that cannot be found on Yakushima, such as the Erabu flying fox, inhabit the island. The island retains a natural coastline with a variety of features, from steep cliffs carved by pounding waves and fantastically-shaped rocks, to quiet coves and tide pools.

English website for the Yakushima National Park
http://www.env.go.jp/en/nature/nps/park/yakushima/index. html