Yakushima National Park

Yakushima National Park is made up of two distinct islands. Yakushima, the bigger of the two, is rugged and covered with dense forests of old cedar. Kuchinoerabujima, on the other hand, is dominated by active volcanic peaks with steaming vents and hot springs. Loggerhead turtles may be found on Yakushima, while the Arab flying fox can be seen on Kuchinoerabujima. Yakushima has a diameter of around 25 kilometers and more than 39 mountains with peaks higher than 1,000 meters.

Mount Miyanoura (1,936 m), Kyushu's tallest peak, is located in the island's middle. Hiking through laurel forests on the lower foothills leads to mixed coniferous and deciduous woodlands on the top slopes. On the craggy granite outcrops and worn ridges towards the peak, woodland gives place to shrubs and dwarf bamboo. In the spring, enjoy the vibrant blossoms of evergreen Japanese Pieris (Pieris japonica) and Yakushima rhododendron along these routes. In August and September, the bluish-purple blossoms of the rare perennial plant Yakushima rindo (Gentiana yakushimensis) may be found amid the rocks.

Location: Yakushima, Kumage District, Kagoshima 891-4408, Japan