There are 16 species of mammal and 4 sub-species including the Yakushima macaque and the Yaku deer that are endemic to the island. The Japanese fieldmouse is endemic to Yakushima and the neighbouring island of Tanegashima. Around 150 bird species are found on the island.

Before getting carried away about the cute and fluffy creatures however – the most important points to remember about the Yaku macaques are that: 1. They are wild. 2. They have very large pointy teeth. There are around 7000 of them roaming the mountains and can often be seen along the side of the mountain roads and on the trails.

These two attractive features of Yakushima are recognized as having significant and universal value as World Natural Heritage sites. The top of the highest peak on Kyushu (1,936 m) provides an expansive 360° view, including the peaks of Yakushima Island.

Autumn foliage along the Yodogawa River Near an elevation of 1,300 meters, the Yodogawa River is lined with trees such as maple, tall stewartia, and Japanese rowan. From late October to mid-November, the leaves turn fiery shades of red and orange.

Look out for many rare animals and plants due to the abundance of water and the changes in temperature at different altitudes. You can find coral reefs and alpine plants, and animals unique to Yakushima including the Yaku monkey and Yaku deer.

Yaku-sugi (Jōmon-sugi) Yakushima contains one of the largest tracts of existing Nansei Islands subtropical evergreen forests, an endangered habitat ecoregion. [16] The only large animals indigenous to the island are red-bottomed macaques (Yakushima macaque) and a variety of sika deer (yakushika).

5 days ago · Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine offers opportunities to stroll among yaku sugi forests while bathing in a spa close to the water at Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen. Visit Senpiro-no-taki, where water falls from a height of around 60 metres onto a massive granite monolith, and Ooko-no-taki, Yakushima's highest waterfall with the most significant volume of water.

Jan 22, 2025 · Nagano’s winter is harsh and very extreme. Founded in 1964, and located in the Yokoyu River valley that flows down from Shiga Kogen, Jigokudani Monkey Park is one of the great places in Central Japan to discover for wildlife explorers.

Yakushima is mostly famous for hiking through pristine mossy rainforests, however it also boasts beautiful beaches (and has one of the world’s most important nesting grounds for the endangered loggerhead turtle) and great seafood. It’s easily accessible from mainland Kagoshima.

The World Heritage Site area is 10,747 ha. This contains the Yakushima Wildlife Area. The site is contained within the Kirishima-Yaku National Park and Yakushima Forest Ecosystem Reserve. ALTITUDE. Sea-level to 1,935m (Miyanoura-dake). PHYSICAL FEATURES. Yakushima Island is 500 sq.km in area.