Exploring the Enchantment of Yakushima with Friends

Echoes in the Ancient Forest

Today was a day of deep connection with nature, a day where the ancient forests of Yakushima whispered secrets to my soul. It's hard to describe the feeling of being surrounded by trees that have stood for millennia, their gnarled branches reaching towards the sky like supplicating arms. The air was thick with the scent of cedar and damp earth, a fragrance that seemed to cleanse and invigorate all at once. I felt a world away from Dublin, from sustainable packaging, from the efficient life I lead. Here, time seemed to slow, and the only thing that mattered was the present moment.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at the Yakushima Airport Restaurant. It's funny how even the most mundane places can offer a sense of comfort when you're traveling. Fuelled up with a mix of Japanese and Western breakfast options , we were ready to immerse ourselves in the Yakushima National Park. The park itself is vast, a sprawling testament to nature's grandeur, and it became a designated National Park in 2012.

Explore the ancient forests and breathtaking landscapes of Yakushima National Park, a jewel of Japan's natural heritage and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Our main destination within the park was the Kigensugi Cedar, one of the island's most accessible ancient trees. As we drove, the landscape transformed into a lush, green paradise. The roads wound through dense forests, sunlight dappling through the canopy, creating an ethereal glow. I couldn't help but think of Liam back in Dublin, probably buried in code. I made a mental note to find a way to bring a piece of this tranquility back to our busy lives. Perhaps a small bonsai or a framed photograph of the forest.
Finally, we arrived at the Kigensugi Cedar. Standing before it was an awe-inspiring experience. This giant cedar, estimated to be around 3,000 years old , stood tall and proud. Its massive trunk, with a circumference of 8.1 meters , was a testament to the centuries it had weathered. The top of the Kigensugi is dead, however it looks to be full of energy when seen from below. It was humbling to think about all the history this tree had witnessed, all the seasons it had endured. I reached out and touched its rough bark, feeling a connection to the past, to the very essence of Yakushima. Kigensugi is accessible by car, which makes it unique.

Explore the iconic Kigensugi Cedar in Yakushima, a 1,000-year-old natural marvel surrounded by stunning hiking trails and rich biodiversity.

In the presence of ancient trees, one feels a profound connection to the earth and a humbling sense of time's passage.

After spending a good hour simply absorbing the Kigensugi Cedar's presence, we decided to explore a different facet of Yakushima – its aromatic heritage. We headed to YAWARACA “The Scent of Yakushima LAB”, a local shop and lab dedicated to capturing the essence of the island's fragrances.

Explore YAWARACA in Yakushima for exquisite home goods that celebrate local craftsmanship and the island's natural beauty.
YAWARACA is involved in thinning trees from neglected reforestation areas and operates fragrance-themed craft, laboratory, school, and spa. As we stepped inside, we were greeted by a symphony of scents – the crisp, clean aroma of Yakushima cedar, the earthy notes of moss, and the subtle sweetness of local flowers. The owner explained how they extract essential oils from the island's vegetation, using sustainable practices to preserve the environment. I was particularly intrigued by the jisugi young cryptomeria trees planted after World War II. I ended up buying a small bottle of essential oil, a blend of cedar and citrus, to remind me of this magical place. I think it will be perfect for the diffuser in our Dublin flat, a little piece of Yakushima to infuse our home with tranquility.
For lunch, we stopped at Yakushima Gallery Restaurant. The food was delicious, featuring local ingredients and traditional Japanese flavors. I tried the flying fish, a Yakushima specialty , and it was surprisingly delicate and flavorful. As we ate, we chatted about our experiences so far, marveling at the diversity of the island's landscapes. It's incredible how much this small island has to offer.

Discover authentic Japanese cuisine at Yakushima Gallery Restaurant, where local flavors meet traditional techniques in an unforgettable dining experience.
In the evening, we treated ourselves to dinner at Il Mare, an Italian restaurant near the airport. After days of Japanese cuisine, it was a welcome change. The pizza was delicious, the crust perfectly crisp, and the toppings fresh and flavorful. It was a relaxed and convivial atmosphere, the perfect way to end a day of exploration. I enjoyed their Neapolitan-style pizzas.

Discover Il Mare in Yakushima for an unforgettable Italian dining experience amidst stunning natural beauty.
As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the experiences of the day. Yakushima has a way of getting under your skin, of capturing your heart with its natural beauty and spiritual energy. It's a place where you can reconnect with yourself, with nature, and with the simple joys of life.
Tomorrow, we plan to visit the East China Sea Observatory and the Botanic Gardens. I'm excited to see what new wonders await us. I'm also looking forward to trying some new restaurants tomorrow, such as Each Meal, a Once-in-a-Lifetime Encounter for breakfast, Kamogawa Restaurant for lunch, and Subarashi Indian Restaurant for dinner. Maybe later we can check out the scale スケール(サップ＆バー).
“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta

Good night from Yakushima!