Displays

The model of Yakushima Island and Kuchinoerabu-jima Island not only shows the Yakushima World Natural Heritage Site and Yakushima National Park but also clearly indicates where the best things to see are located.

The model shows Yakushima Island’s plant life that has adapted to the various elevations, from the evergreen broad-leaved forest zone on the coast to the grassland zone in the mountain area.

This is an explanation of Yakushima Island’s ecosystem, which is deemed to have outstanding universal value as world heritage. Here, visitors will find not only an audio explanation of the vertical distribution of plant life but also an explanation of the various Yakushima Island’s plant life found at each elevation.

This offers information on Yakushima Island’s biodiversity, including the Yakushima Island’s cedar forest, a treasure for the entire world, other plant life, and creatures visitors can see on Yakushima Island.

This explains Yakushima Island’s natural beauty, which is deemed to have outstanding universal value as world heritage. Here, visitors can view videos of the beautiful nature of Yakushima Island. Visitors can also view various DVDs that explain Yakushima Island so do not hesitate to ask.

This model depicts the major mountains within the Yakushima National Park in order of height.

This looks at the makeup of Yakushima Island’s nature and take-mairi (visit to the mountains for religious purposes), a traditional event of Yakushima Island.

Here visitors will find information on the diverse ocean surrounding and nature of Yakushima Island along with Kuchinoerabu-jima Island, which falls completely within the national park.

This offers an easy-to-understand explanation of the protected areas of Yakushima Island and activities to protect the natural environment.

This explains the rules and etiquette when hiking on Yakushima Island and the use of portable toilets. A video on the etiquette of Yakushima Island is displayed on monitors, and visitors should be sure to view it before hiking.

Using the touchscreen, visitors can search and view various photos, mainly ones of nature, by season and topic. In addition, visitors may leisurely read books on Yakushima Island.

Visitors can show DVDs on the nature of Yakushima Island (capacity of around 30 people). It also can be used for meetings. However, the Yakushima World Heritage Center should be contacted at least one week in advance because reservations are required. There are also special exhibitions. The latest event information can be found on the Event & Special Exhibition webpage.

The Photo Exhibition Section on the 2nd floor holds the This Month’s Photo Exhibition, an exhibition of photos taken by Center staff that changes every month. Visitors can also watch specimens of plant and animal life on Yakushima Island.