Family Adventure in the Ancient Forests of Yakushima

Guardians of the Forest and Waterfalls of Legend

Today was a day of deep connection with Yakushima's ancient soul. Leaving behind the charming Yakushima Airport Restaurant after a simple breakfast, we embarked on a journey to witness the island's majestic trees and cascading waters. It was a day where the whispers of the past seemed to echo through the forests and resonate in the roaring falls.

Our first destination was the Kigensugi Cedar. As we drove along the winding mountain road, the air grew cooler, and the landscape transformed into a realm of towering trees and verdant undergrowth. The Kigensugi, accessible by car, stood proudly beside the road. Estimated to be around 3,000 years old, this ancient tree is a sight to behold. Its weathered trunk, adorned with various epiphytes, told tales of centuries gone by.

Maximilian, ever the engineer, was fascinated by the sheer size and resilience of the tree. Hanna, on the other hand, was more interested in the little plants growing on its branches. I found myself simply standing in awe, feeling a sense of humility in the presence of such ancient life. It's humbling to think that this tree was already old when my ancestors were building their kingdoms in Korea. We spent some time just breathing in the crisp mountain air, feeling the energy of the forest surrounding us.

Sometimes, the greatest journeys are not about reaching a destination, but about finding moments of profound connection with the world around us.

Leaving the Kigensugi, we set our course for Ryujin Falls. The drive took us through more of Yakushima's stunning landscapes, with glimpses of the ocean far below. As we approached the falls, the sound of rushing water grew louder, hinting at the natural spectacle that awaited us.

Ryujin Falls, nestled in the heart of Yakushima, is a sight to behold. The name 'Ryujin' translates to 'Dragon God', adding a mythical aura to the site. The 30-meter waterfall cascaded down rugged cliffs, surrounded by the lush greenery of the forest. We parked the car and took a short walk to the viewing point. The falls were particularly mesmerizing, a dynamic and powerful display of nature's force.

Hanna was thrilled, pointing at the water and shouting with glee. Maximilian, meanwhile, was busy capturing the scene with his camera, trying to capture the raw power and beauty of the falls. I simply stood there, feeling the mist on my face and listening to the roar of the water, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. It was a moment of pure serenity, a reminder of the simple beauty that exists in the natural world.

For lunch, we had reservations at Kamogawa Restaurant. After our morning of exploration, we were all quite hungry. The restaurant was bustling with both locals and tourists, a testament to its popularity. We were lucky to get a table right away. The aroma of Japanese cuisine filled the air, making our stomachs rumble in anticipation.

We decided to try some of Yakushima's local specialties. I opted for the Sashimi Set Special, eager to taste the fresh seafood. Maximilian, always adventurous, chose the deep-fried flying fish, a local delicacy. Hanna, of course, wanted the Japanese curry, a familiar favorite.

My sashimi was incredibly fresh, a testament to the island's coastal location. The flying fish was crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Hanna devoured her curry with gusto. It was a delightful meal, a perfect blend of local flavors and familiar comforts. The service was impeccable, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting.

As the day began to wind down, we decided to treat ourselves to dinner at hiyoriya. This small vegan restaurant offered macrobiotic options, a welcome change after days of indulging in local delicacies. The restaurant is known for its organic and mostly vegetarian cuisine. Finding it required a bit of navigation, as it's set back from the main road and the signboard is easy to miss.

The atmosphere was cozy and intimate, with only a handful of tables. The menu was simple, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. I opted for the daily special, a macrobiotic set meal. Maximilian, though a meat-eater, was curious to try something different and followed suit. Hanna, surprisingly, was also enthusiastic about trying the vegan options.

The meal was a revelation. Each dish was carefully prepared, with a focus on balancing flavors and textures. The vegetables were incredibly fresh, and the sauces were light and flavorful. It was a nourishing and satisfying meal, a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients. I was particularly impressed by how much Hanna enjoyed the meal, a testament to the chef's skill in making vegan food appealing to children.

To cap off the evening, Maximilian and I decided to sneak away for a quick drink at Fisherman's Bar NINA. Hanna was already fast asleep, and we felt like we deserved a little time to ourselves. The bar was cozy and welcoming, with a distinct maritime theme. The bartender was friendly and knowledgeable, eager to share stories about the island and its fishing traditions.

We ordered a couple of local craft beers and settled in for a relaxing conversation. It was a perfect way to end a day of exploration and discovery. The atmosphere was lively, filled with the chatter of locals and tourists alike. It was a great opportunity to soak in the local culture and learn more about the island from the people who call it home.

As we sipped our beers, we reflected on the day's adventures. We had witnessed the majesty of ancient cedars, felt the power of cascading waterfalls, and savored the flavors of local cuisine. It was a day of deep connection with Yakushima's natural beauty and cultural heritage. As we walked back to our guesthouse under the starlit sky, I felt a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to experience this magical island with my family.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Yakushima-todai Lighthouse and the Senpiro Falls. I am excited to see what new wonders await us on this enchanting island. I am also hoping to find some time to visit YAWARACA “The Scent of Yakushima LAB” to find some unique scents of Yakushima to bring back home.

Good night from Yakushima!