Discovering the Enchanting Forests of Yakushima with Family

Stepping into a Living Dream

After a long journey, we finally set foot on Yakushima, an island that feels like stepping into a dream. The air is thick with moisture, carrying the scent of ancient cedars and vibrant green moss. It’s a world away from the bustling streets of Toronto, and exactly the kind of immersion in nature our family craved. Aishath, Ibrahim, and I were buzzing with anticipation as we embarked on our first day of exploration, eager to uncover the secrets of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Our day began, quite practically, at the Yakushima Airport Restaurant where we grabbed a quick breakfast. It was a simple meal, but the excitement of the day ahead made even the toast and coffee feel special. Fortified, we headed straight to our first destination: the Yakushima World Heritage Conservation Center.


Explore the Yakushima World Heritage Conservation Center, where nature and culture converge in a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site.

The center proved to be an excellent starting point for our Yakushima adventure. It offered a comprehensive overview of the island's unique ecosystem, history, and the conservation efforts in place. Ibrahim was particularly fascinated by the exhibits detailing the island's flora and fauna, especially the Yakushima macaque and the deer. Aishath and I appreciated learning about the geological origins of the island and the importance of preserving its natural beauty. The center provided a solid foundation for understanding the significance of Yakushima's World Heritage status.

The forest is a peculiar organism of unlimited kindness and benevolence that makes no demands for its sustenance and extends generously the products of its life activity; it affords protection to all beings, offering shade even to the axeman who destroys it.

Equipped with newfound knowledge, we ventured into Yakusugi Land, a park that allows visitors to witness the majesty of ancient cedar trees up close.


Explore Yakusugi Land: a UNESCO World Heritage nature preserve in Yakushima known for its ancient cedar trees and stunning hiking trails.

The park offers several well-maintained hiking trails, catering to different fitness levels. We opted for a moderate course, wanting to immerse ourselves fully in the forest without exhausting Ibrahim too early in our trip. As we walked, we were surrounded by towering Yakusugi cedars, many of which are over a thousand years old. The sunlight filtered through the canopy, creating an ethereal glow on the moss-covered forest floor.

We marveled at the Sennen Sugi, a massive cedar estimated to be over 1,000 years old, its gnarled branches reaching towards the sky like ancient arms. Ibrahim was particularly intrigued by the Kuguri Sugi, a tree with a hollow trunk that you can walk through. It felt like stepping into another world, a realm of ancient spirits and natural wonders. The trails were well-marked, and the occasional sound of rushing water added to the serene atmosphere. I made sure to take plenty of photos, trying to capture the grandeur of these ancient giants, though I knew no picture could truly do them justice.

After our hike, we made a quick stop at the Yakushima Market.


Discover the vibrant Yakushima Market, where local crafts and fresh produce come together for an authentic shopping experience.

It was smaller than I expected, but it was filled with local produce and crafts. Aishath was keen on finding some local tea, as Yakushima is known for being the southern limit of tea tree cultivation in Japan. We sampled a few varieties and bought some green tea and a unique black tea, both grown on the island. Ibrahim, of course, was more interested in the sweets, and we ended up buying some Tankan flavored candies, made from a local citrus fruit. I also picked up some Yakusugi wood crafts, small souvenirs to remind us of the ancient cedars we had encountered.

As evening approached, we made our way to Hachiman for dinner.


Discover the flavors of Japan at Hachiman in Yakushima - an authentic izakaya experience awaits with delicious dishes and local drinks.

This restaurant came highly recommended for its local cuisine. Hachiman offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients. We decided to try some local specialties, including flying fish sashimi and *kibinago* (silver-stripe round herring) tempura. Ibrahim, who can be a bit picky, surprised us by enjoying the chicken karaage. Aishath and I savored every bite, appreciating the unique flavors of Yakushima. The staff were friendly and welcoming, making our dining experience even more enjoyable. I even managed to practice a bit of my Japanese, ordering *arigato* and *oishii* to express our gratitude and enjoyment.

One thing I realized today was that I had forgotten to pack the insect repellent. The humidity of the island makes it a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and I was already sporting a few itchy bites. Aishath also reminded me that my portable phone charger was missing, which could be a problem since we rely on our phones for navigation and photography. We made a mental note to purchase these essentials tomorrow before heading out.

Reflecting on our first day, I feel an immense sense of gratitude for the opportunity to experience Yakushima's natural beauty with my family. The ancient cedars, the lush forests, and the warm hospitality of the locals have already left a lasting impression on us. Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Shiratani Unsui Gorge, a moss-covered forest that is said to have inspired the Studio Ghibli film, *Princess Mononoke*. We’re also hoping to see Wilson’s Stump, the remains of a giant cedar that was once used as a water tank. Before that though, we will need to grab breakfast at Smiley, and pick up the forgotten insect repellent and portable charger. I am sure Ibrahim is looking forward to the Katagiri Flying Fish Restaurant for lunch, and I am looking forward to a relaxing drink at Cafe & Bar RainTree.

As I write this, the sounds of the Yakushima night fill the air – crickets chirping, frogs croaking, and the gentle rustling of leaves. It’s a symphony of nature, a lullaby that soothes the soul. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings, what other wonders await us in this enchanted forest.

I am happy to be sharing this journey with Aishath and Ibrahim. These are the memories we will cherish forever.

The beauty of Yakushima is not just in its landscape, but in the feeling it evokes – a sense of peace, wonder, and connection to the natural world. It’s a reminder of the importance of preserving these precious ecosystems for future generations. As we drift off to sleep, I am already dreaming of ancient cedars, moss-covered forests, and the whispers of Yakushima’s enchanted forest.