Family Adventure in Yakushima: Exploring Nature's Paradise

Guardians of the Forest: A Day Among Giants

Today, Yakushima unveiled another layer of its enchanting soul to me. Leaving behind the familiar comforts of Kingston, I sought a deeper connection with nature, and this island has delivered in ways I couldn't have imagined. The air here is thick with moisture and the scent of ancient cedar, a symphony that awakens the senses and calms the spirit. Today was all about immersing ourselves in the heart of Yakushima's ancient forests, a realm where time seems to stand still and the spirits of the forest whisper secrets to those who listen.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at hiyoriya. The restaurant was cozy, and the food was prepared with such care. Though I couldn't find much about it, it was a great way to start the day before our adventure into the woods. Fuelled up, we set off to explore the famed Shiratani Unsui Gorge.


Explore the lush beauty of Shiratani Unsui Gorge, a scenic gem in Yakushima, featuring ancient cedar forests and stunning hiking trails.

Through the Verdant Embrace of Shiratani Unsui Gorge

The Shiratani Unsui Gorge is often called the 'Mononoke Forest' because it's said to have inspired Hayao Miyazaki's film, *Princess Mononoke*. As we stepped onto the trail, it was easy to see why. The entire gorge is a tapestry of vibrant green moss clinging to every surface, ancient cedar trees reaching for the sky, and crystal-clear streams meandering through the landscape. It felt like stepping into another world, a realm of pure, untouched beauty. Even though May is considered the rainy season here, we were fortunate to only experience a gentle drizzle, which only enhanced the forest's mystical atmosphere.

Nadia was absolutely thrilled, her eyes wide with wonder as she skipped ahead on the path. Liam and I exchanged smiles, knowing this was exactly the kind of experience we wanted to share with her. It’s important for us to instill in her a love for nature and an understanding of the importance of preserving these precious environments. I made sure to pack our reusable water bottles, though I had forgotten the bug spray back at our guesthouse [TripDetails]. I made a mental note to buy some at Pukaridō later [DayOtherActivities].


Explore Pukaridō in Yakushima for unique souvenirs and local liquors, capturing the essence of this beautiful island.

We chose a moderate hiking trail, mindful of Nadia's little legs, and spent hours wandering through the gorge. Every corner revealed a new vista, a more enchanting perspective than the last. The interplay of light and shadow through the dense canopy created a magical effect, and the sound of the rushing water was a constant, soothing presence. We crossed small wooden bridges, marveling at the intricate root systems of the ancient trees that clung to the banks. It was truly a feast for the senses.

The forest is a living, breathing entity, a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things.

Discovering Wilson's Stump: A Window to the Past

After a satisfying morning in Shiratani Unsui Gorge, we drove towards our next destination: Wilson's Stump.


Explore the breathtaking Wilson's Stump in Yakushima, a natural wonder showcasing the island's rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes.

Along the way, we stopped for lunch at Matsutake, a local restaurant known for its soba noodles [DayRestaurants, 16, 21, 27]. The restaurant was simple but charming, and the soba was delicious, providing us with the energy we needed for the afternoon's adventure. I enjoyed the traditional Japanese soba restaurant with very good prices (compared to US).

Wilson's Stump is a massive remnant of an ancient Yakusugi cedar, named after the botanist Ernest Henry Wilson, who documented it in 1914. The tree was felled in the 16th century, but its stump remains, a testament to the incredible size and age of these ancient giants. The interior of the stump is hollow, creating a cavernous space with a small Shinto shrine inside.

Stepping inside Wilson's Stump was an awe-inspiring experience. Looking up towards the sky, the opening of the stump appears heart-shaped from a certain angle. It felt like standing in a cathedral of nature, surrounded by the echoes of centuries past. Nadia was fascinated by the small shrine, and we took the opportunity to teach her about the Shinto tradition of honoring the spirits of nature. It was a profound moment, connecting us to both the natural world and the cultural heritage of Japan.

According to what I read, Ernest Henry Wilson was a plant explorer who traveled to Japan and introduced the Wilson stump to Western readers in 1914. The tree was cut down by the Shimazu clan under the order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi to build Hōkō-ji in 1586. The base circumference is 32 m and 4.39 m across at chest height.

Reflections on a Day of Discovery

As the day drew to a close, we drove back towards our guesthouse, our hearts full of the wonders we had witnessed. We stopped briefly at Pukaridō, a local shop near the airport, where I picked up some much-needed bug spray and a few souvenirs for friends back home [DayOtherActivities, 30, 34]. The shop had a variety of Yakushima products and Yakusugi handicrafts.

For dinner, we decided to try SamPotei, a restaurant in Anbo known for its local cuisine and jazzy atmosphere [DayRestaurants, 14, 20, 22, 25].


Experience the flavors of Japan at SamPotei, where traditional izakaya meets modern culinary artistry in the heart of Yakushima.

It was the perfect way to end our day, enjoying delicious food and reflecting on the incredible beauty we had encountered. The staff was kind, and the jazz vibes made the whole experience so enjoyable. Liam enjoyed the local craft beer.

Yakushima is more than just a destination; it's an experience that nourishes the soul. It’s a place where you can disconnect from the stresses of modern life and reconnect with the natural world. As an Ivorian immigrant living in Canada, I find solace in these moments, a reminder of the beauty and resilience of our planet.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Jōmon Sugi, the oldest and largest Yakusugi cedar on the island, and explore Yakusugi Land [DayNumber+1]. I'm already anticipating another day of awe-inspiring discoveries. I think Nadia will also enjoy the Aqua Cafe for breakfast [DayNumber+1]. I'm also looking forward to trying some vegan options at Il Mare for lunch [DayNumber+1, 19]. And perhaps Liam and I will sneak away for a drink at Cafe＆Bar RainTree [DayNumber+1].

Goodnight from Yakushima, where the whispers of the ancients lull me to sleep.