Yakushima facts for kids
Yakushima is a special island located south of Kyushu in southern Japan. It's famous for its amazing nature and ancient forests. Because of its unique beauty, it's recognized as a World Heritage Site. This means it's a place that is very important to the whole world!
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What Makes Yakushima Special?
Yakushima is a round-shaped island. It's about 500 square kilometers (193 square miles) in size. The island has many tall mountains, with the highest one being Mount Miyanoura, which is 1,935 meters (6,348 feet) high. These mountains are often covered in clouds and mist.
Yakushima's Unique Climate
The island has a very wet climate. It rains a lot on Yakushima, sometimes even more than 10,000 millimeters (390 inches) in the mountains each year! People often say, "It rains 35 days a month" on Yakushima. This heavy rainfall helps the island's forests grow incredibly well.
Amazing Nature and Forests
Yakushima is known for its beautiful, ancient forests. These forests are home to many different kinds of plants and animals. The island's unique climate and old trees make it a perfect place for nature to thrive. It's like a natural wonderland!
The Ancient Yakusugi Trees
The most famous trees on Yakushima are called Yakusugi. These are ancient Japanese cedar trees. Some of them are thousands of years old! The oldest and most famous Yakusugi tree is called Jōmon Sugi.
The Jōmon Sugi Tree
The Jōmon Sugi is a giant Japanese cedar tree. It is estimated to be between 2,000 and 7,200 years old. It's one of the oldest trees in the world! This tree is a symbol of Yakushima's ancient forests. Many people visit the island just to see this amazing tree.
Animals of Yakushima
Yakushima is also home to many interesting animals. You might see:
- Yakushima Macaques: These are a type of monkey found only on Yakushima. They are often seen playing in the forests.
- Yaku Deer: These are small deer that live on the island. They are a subspecies of the Sika deer.
- Sea Turtles: Several types of sea turtles come to Yakushima's beaches to lay their eggs, especially during the summer months.
How to Visit Yakushima
You can reach Yakushima by ferry or by plane from Kyushu. Once you are on the island, there are many trails for hiking. These trails let you explore the ancient forests and see the amazing nature up close. Remember to bring rain gear, as it often rains!
Images for kids
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Relief Map
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Location of Yakushima (red circle) compared to the rest of Japan.
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Yaku-sugi (Jōmon-sugi)
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In Spanish: Yakushima para niños
