Yakushima Island is an island. Approximately 20 percent of its forest was registered as a UNESCO world heritage site in December 1993. Since the island has Mount Miyanoura, which is selected as one of Japan’s best 100 mountains and the highest in Kyushu, and several other mountains in excess of 1,000m at its centre, it is known as the” Alps in the ocean”. The Jomon Cedar Tree and the Wilson’s Stump, as well as other large Yaku cedar are growing here. It also hosts the most northern banyan tree forest in Japan. Climbing up to the 7,200 year old Jomon Cedar Tree and back takes 10 hours. However, there are other places to enjoy according to your time and energy level, such as the National Recreation Forest for a leisurely stroll, the river for canoe riding and river climbing, and the ocean for snorkeling and other marine sports. Nagata-hama beach, which is located at the northern shore of the island, is a world famous spawning area for sea turtles.