The next day, after arriving to Yakushima and passing on the way a couple of active volcanos, we took a brilliant island tour with Steve from Yes Yakushima. He picked us up from our lodge early in the morning and we took off on a day trip around the entire island.
First a short introduction of Yakushima
The island has been inhabited for several thousands of years and the islanders have lived in harmony with nature, but this delicate balance has been disrupted by outsiders several times during the history.
Yakushima's people believe that their Gods exist in the trees, rocks and mountains, which is why you need to be respectful when moving in the nature. There are sacred places and trails, that are used still today.
Almost the entire island is covered with forest and the view is dominated by majestic mountains, with the highest peak (Mt. Miyanoura) reaching up to 1936 meters above the sea level. As there are no high mountains in Finland, I'm mistaking them constantly for thunder clouds, since there is nothing else big and dark in our horizons.
The climate ranges from subtropical zone to a subarctic zone, with several types of micro climates. It rains a lot on Yakushima, twice as much as on the main land. This is why there is plenty of fresh water available on Yakushima and there are more than 200 rivers and many powerful waterfalls. The mountain tops are covered in snow during winter.
Waterfalls, onsens, wild animals and much more
Back to the tour. The morning was rainy, which was perfect for visiting waterfalls. Luckily we had our rain ponchos with us and Steve lent us umbrellas, so we could enjoy the waterfalls to the fullest. Standing right at the root of a raiging waterfall is a very strong experience. The sound is overwhelming and the mist can be seen rising up the mountain slope, looking more like smoke than water.
After the rain stopped, Steve took us to an open air onsen located by the sea. The entrance is guarded by red fresh water crabs, but you need to approach them gently, since they are quite shy. We decided to seize the opportunity and took a bath in the pleasantly warm, slightly sulphurous water and enjoyed an amazing view over the sea where big waves crushed against the shore covered in big, sharp rocks. Two kites, a type of hawk I think, hovered over our heads in the warm sea breeze, making the moment perfect.
God lives in the rocks, that's why there is a rock inside this shrine.
We continued the tour with visiting an organic tea plantation and a man who makes beautiful clay objects with special glazing technicues. After that, we headed to the mountain roads, rising high over the landscape. The views are spectacular and the slopes lush and green. We were also very lucky and saw Yaku-deer and Yaku-monkeys from a close range.
Organic tea growing in neat rows.
The high grade tea consists only of the newest shoots. Green and black tea comes from the same plant and the process will create the different types of tea.
But the best part of the island tour was Steve and all the things and stories he shared us! The tour was intimate and Steve's passion towards and knowledge of the island's nature, history, culture, current affairs, and people gives you an extensive picture of Yakushima. Thank you Steve!
Ps. Yes Yakushima helped us a lot already before our trip to Japan. We got for example info about how to get to Yakushima, and help with transportation and accommodation bookings.
