tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74421353435151934792024-03-22T02:56:24.825+09:00Yakushima LifeNature, hiking, and cultureYakushima Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346581300800838371noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442135343515193479.post-6508491025416156032019-10-23T09:48:00.001+09:002019-10-23T09:48:43.669+09:00How to have a bad time in Yakushima<span style="font-size: large;">All the best intentions</span> can go to naught if you've committed any of these mistakes:<br /><br /><b>1. International Flight / Weather Roulette</b><br />Boats and planes to/from Yakushima get canceled pretty frequently. From June through October, expect about 9% of JAC flights (This is the JAL branch that flies to the islands around Kagoshima) to be canceled. Fog can force any flight to turn back before touchdown, and storm systems can create rough seas for several days.<br /><br />I strongly discourage squeezing Yakushima into a packed itinerary without one or two buffer days between travel from Yakushima and any international flights. For domestic travel, JAL and ANA are usually very helpful rearranging flights, but international carriers are usually not so accommodating.<br /><br /><b>2. The Day Trip</b><br />Every time someone tries to make a day trip out of Yakushima, a fairy dies. Yes, if you calculate it perfectly, it may just be possible to take the first boat/plane in and high-tail it to the moss forest and back in time to catch the last boat/plane out. But this isn't an amusement park ride where the whole point is to stand in line for ninety minutes in exchange for 90 seconds of bliss. Don't you want to give the forest time to seep into your pores and infiltrate your spirit?<br /><b><br />3. Accidental Super-Seclusion</b><br />Yakushima has one main road that follows its roughly 100-km circumference. To travel from the Northwest corner to the Southwest corner by public bus requires about 80 km of travel.<br /><br />If you look at a <a href="http://www.yakukan.jp/doc/" target="_blank">map</a>, you'll see that the Yakusiland, the Yodogo/Yodogawa Trail Head, and the Arakawa Trail Head for Jomon Sugi are closest to the town of Anbo, and Shiratani Unsuikyo Park is closest to the town of Miyanoura. Most people/restaurants/shopping/buses are to be found on the EAST side of Yakushima, clustered around the villages of Miyanoura, Koseda, Anbo, and Onoaida. If you stay in-between villages or on the more remote WEST half of Yakushima make sure you understand the <a href="http://www.yakukan.jp/doc/" target="_blank">bus schedule</a> and have a plan for food and transportation.<br /><br /><b>4. The typhoon/monsoon experience</b><br />There are typhoons and there are Typhoons. Some of them aren't too strong and, to some extent, Yakushima can be nicely calm just after a typhoon before most of the tourists come back. However, if it's a strong typhoon, it would be reckless to put yourself in danger by leaving mainland Japan. With very few exceptions, outdoor activities are canceled when a typhoon is imminent, and roads usually need to be checked once the winds have died down. Typhoon season lasts from July through November.<br /><br />Monsoon season lasts from mid-May through the start of July (usually) . As the monsoon season picks up, torrential roads make trails and mountain roads unsafe and hiking is often canceled. However, this is also the sea-turtle egg-laying season, so many people are happy to take the risk for a chance to see the sea turtle miracle. (Reservations and/or transportation arrangements or accommodation near an egg-laying beach recommended.)<br /><br />Before you go thinking that you can avoid all storms by visiting outside of monsoon and typhoon season, note that we can have blizzards in the mountains from November through April.<br /><br /><b>5. City Slicker Nostalgia</b><br />You want your 24-hour ATMs, wifi, western toilets along the trails, a taxi to take you a kilometer, vegan or gluten-free meals, credit-card purchases, and a guarantee that you can do a certain hiking route in a certain time frame. If you want all that, you're going to have to book Sankara. (No disrespect for vegans! Veganism just isn't well-known in this culture with only a tiny strip of arable land.)<br /><br /><b>6. ¥100 Rain Gear</b><br />Why spend all the money and time to come to Yakushima and not put out ¥1500 for two-day rain gear rental?<br /><br /><b>7. No Licence = No Car Rental.</b><br />According to the JAF website at time of writing, regular drivers' licenses from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, Estonia, and Taiwan are valid in japan, BUT YOU MUST CARRY AN OFFICIAL TRANSLATION (available from JAF: <a href="https://english.jaf.or.jp/use-jaf-more/drive-in-japan/switch-to-japanese-license">https://english.jaf.or.jp/use-jaf-more/drive-in-japan/switch-to-japanese-license</a> ). <br /><br />Many other countries are party to the Geneva Convention. If your country is not listed above, but is part of the Geneva Convention, in your home country, you can apply for an international driving permit. (The process is usually fast and painless, but you CANNOT DO THIS IN JAPAN.) You'll need to carry this, your passport, and your driver's license to drive in Japan.<br /><br /><br /><b>Bonus: The no-show</b><br />By canceling without notification, you could be endangering the lives of others.<br />
Therefore, as a matter of courtesy and safety, please, always contact your host when you need to cancel (rooms, tours, car rentals, etc.). Otherwise, not only is your host losing money on your booking, they are often very worried that you are lost in the mountains. Hotels will often call the police to instigate search/rescue procedures when guests do not return. Other times, hotels hesitate to call the police because they've had other guests fail to show up and assume it's nothing. <br /><br />Anything I've forgotten? There's a lot to do on the island, and even without a solid itinerary, you can have an incredible experience. Just try to avoid the above mistakes!Yakushima Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346581300800838371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442135343515193479.post-28394827928132796942019-10-06T22:33:00.000+09:002019-10-06T22:33:09.850+09:00PonPon Sungun Burger<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size: large;">If you're driving around the southwest side of Yakushima,</span> your lunch stops are pretty limited, but fortunately, Kurio boasts both a wonderful soba restaurant and a weekend burger joint that the American in me craves. And Sungun Burger isn't just a burger stop—the owner is also a shoemaker and you can browse the adjacent leather shop in this clever, fun-for-all-ages building as you wait for your burger!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-size: small;">For around ¥1000 you can get a drink and a burger., and you can choose pork, beef, or even wagyu! (Sorry, no vegan yet at time of writing.)<br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Expect to pay upwards of ¥20000 for a stylish pair of custom PonPon shoes, hand-made from quality materials. (Photo coming soon.)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-size: small;">Ponpon❤Sungun Burger</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size: small;">Location: A short walk north from the swimming beach in Kurio. (30.2682, 130.4226)<br />Website: https://www.facebook.com/pon-pon-sungun-burger-1098029863547822/<br />Hours: 11am-ish to 5pm-ish. Weekends only. (During the week, the shoe shop moves to Anbo.)</span></span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d1537.4921098509108!2d130.42147846854388!3d30.268234169644224!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x0%3A0x0!2zMzDCsDE2JzA1LjYiTiAxMzDCsDI1JzIxLjMiRQ!5e1!3m2!1sen!2sjp!4v1570367581895!5m2!1sen!2sjp" style="border: 0;" width="400"></iframe></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /><br />*Hours are subject to change, so please check the website</span>.</div>
Yakushima Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346581300800838371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442135343515193479.post-61108509487842332472019-06-20T09:55:00.001+09:002019-06-20T11:47:32.812+09:00I'm not your mom (or dad) and neither is mother nature!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZksqvq_KthoKa2ADBAFyZlgIKkHdMPahqEN22f7UQKd2uFZDeuWQi_-OFRhWFBpdFnQLMsbtryLxRTF0-DsDVdvijWGf7stNnaeYH4y-7bZ8mHk1ge_E87jH0kqyH8wHBwabm8_Jef73/s1600/IMG_4681.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZksqvq_KthoKa2ADBAFyZlgIKkHdMPahqEN22f7UQKd2uFZDeuWQi_-OFRhWFBpdFnQLMsbtryLxRTF0-DsDVdvijWGf7stNnaeYH4y-7bZ8mHk1ge_E87jH0kqyH8wHBwabm8_Jef73/s320/IMG_4681.PNG" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look what treasures were left!<br />
(Re-posted with permission.)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Several times a year, </span>I sign up for "toilet patrol" duty and I usually come back with a grudge. This is the glorious job of hiking up the trail to lightly clean and inspect the huts and toilets. We do a little light maintenance work on the trail when we can and pick up litter along the trail, too. It would be fun, enjoyable work if we didn't also pick up the crap people leave behind (both in the huts and in the toilets).<br />
<br />
The root of the problem is usually ignorance and poor preparation of
both international and domestic visitors. So, I'm going to start off
with a short list of some of the stuff I've personally had the pleasure
of schlepping down the mountains, and then I'm going to follow up with a
short quiz on mountain manners.<br />
<br />
Things people carry up and leave behind (in no particular order):<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Hats/socks/towels/shirts/glasses/lens caps </b>(The late Douglas Adams would ask, Do you know where your towel is?) </li>
<li><b>Sleeping bags</b> (If you've got the energy to carry a big, bulky bag up a mountain and the money to leave it behind, you could have rented a compact bag! )</li>
<li><b>Air mattress</b> (And with battery-operated inflater-fan, too!)</li>
<li><b>Prayer flags</b> (Disrespectful in so many ways!)</li>
<li><b>Christmas decorations</b> (An emergency shelter is not your home. Santa does not come here.)</li>
<li><b>Fuel for camp stoves</b> (Try leaving it at a rental shop, your accommodation, or an information booth, or even with the airport authorities.)</li>
<li><b>Used disposable toilet bags</b> (The whole point of the bag is for you to carry it back with you!)</li>
<li><b>Chopsticks/toothpicks/rubber-bands/candy wrappers/drink cans/food packaging</b> (Part of being thankful for food is not leaving behind the evidence.)</li>
<li><b>Orange peels, carrot peels, seeds/pits</b> (Yes, these are contaminants that cannot naturally be found in the mountains of Yakushima. If you want to be Earth-friendly, ask your accommodation back in town to take your compostable waste.)</li>
<li><b>Rubber sandals</b> (I swear these multiply like rabbits!)</li>
<li><b>Broken umbrellas</b> (Trust me, I hate carry back broken umbrellas as much as you do!)</li>
<li><b>Cigarette butts</b> (Leaving behind cigarette butts is the environmental equivalent of the American middle finger.)</li>
<li><b>Wallets/keys</b> (Obviously accidental. The paperwork is atrocious, though! Check your room key with the front desk of your accommodation.)</li>
<li><b>Problems</b> (Just kidding! You're welcome to leave your problems behind!) </li>
</ul>
The only things I am happy to pick up are chocolate bars and rubber tips for hiking poles that I can pass on to other hikers. Metal points damage trails.<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Quiz Time </span><br />
Okay, here's the quiz. Let's see what you know:<b><br /><br />Question 1) Mountain Toilets</b> <br />
<i>In every mountain toilet in Yakushima—excluding disposable toilet booths and the toilets in the Shiratani Unsuikyo Hut—what are you allowed to dispose of?</i> <br />
Check all that apply:<br />
❏ a) Human waste <br />
❏ b) Dissolvable toilet paper<br />
❏ c) (Facial) Tissues<br />
❏ d) Wet wipes<br />
❏ d) Food scraps<br />
❏ e) Disposable toilet packs<br />
❏ f) Sanitary napkins<br />
❏ g) Tampons<br />
❏ h) Diapers<br />
<br />
<b>Answer:</b><br />
<i>You should have checked a) and b) ONLY! </i><br />
In Shiratani Unsuikyo Hut, toilet paper and feminine hygiene products are separated. Feminine hygiene products can also be disposed of in buckets at toilets at trail heads and on the train tracks, but not at toilets at other mountain huts. Except in Shiratani Unsuikyo, or unless the toilet is clogged or it is otherwise posted, please dispose of toilet paper in the toilets.<br />
<br />
<b>Question 2) #TooGrossToPost </b><br />
<i>Who gets to fish out c) through h) and carry it out?</i><br />
a) A hazmat team that works for the forestry agency.<br />
b) Locals.<br />
c) Nobody has too; it's automatically sorted.<br />
d) Nobody has too; it all gets buried in the mountains.<br />
<br />
<b>Answer:</b><br />
<i>b) Locals, including me. </i>It's not part of the job description, but, yes, I HATE YOU! (No, I don't. Yes, I do!)<br />
<br />
<b>Question 3) Mountain Manners #LeaveNoTraceInYakushima</b><br />
<i>When you go hiking in the mountains in Yakushima, which of of the following actions are okay?</i><br />
Check all that apply.<br />
❏ a) Rinsing out dishes/cups.<br />
❏ b) Making campfires.<br />
❏ c) Taking a dump near the trail or a water source.<br />
❏ d) Defecating (even urinating) in the bushes near popular trails.<br />
❏ e) Defecating/urinating in a disposable toilet booth without a disposable toilet pack.<br />
❏ f) Damaging tree bark.<br />
❏ g) Stepping off the trail to avoid mud/puddles.<br />
❏ h) Leaving behind "art" like finger-painting in the clay, stacking stones, creating faces in the leaves, etc.<br />
❏ i) Collecting fallen leaves or rocks to bring home.<br />
❏ j) Flying a drone (of any size) so long as it's away from people, buildings, and roads.<br />
❏ k) Feeding the deer, as long as you feed them special food like "deer senbei."<br />
<br />
<b>Answer:</b><br />
<i>None of those acts is okay!</i><br />
a) Soap and food/drink leftovers can kill the moss and attract bugs. Also, do you know
where that stream goes?<br />
b) The wood in the forest is NOT YOURS TO BURN! But you may use portable gas stoves.<br />
c) GROSS AND DANGERUsing dish soap.OUS! Are you trying to spread disease?! I hope I never meet you! <br />
d) In the past, off-trail defecation was the norm, but it got out of hand,
and the town of Yakushima doesn't want to take chances anymore. I
highly encourage hikers to bring a disposable toilet kit—available at
information booths, rental shops, and even in the ¥100 store last time I
checked—so that you are never caught off-guard. They work great for car
sickness, too!<br />
e) I have a special hate for people like you.<br />
f) There are thousand-year-old
trees along the trails. I see people scraping their boots on the roots,
absently picking at the bark, or kicking/trampling parts of the tree to
get close to the trunk. While some trees (like tall stewartias, which I hug all the time) are
fairly resilient, Yakusugi trees are not. Some Yakusugi are just barely
scraping by, and the damage you inflict today could be a death sentence
served a hundred years hence.<br />
g) Stepping off the trail to avoid mud/puddles makes the mud puddles grow even bigger.<br />
h) Okay, maybe I'm not 100%
innocent here, but a lot of people go to the forest to get away from
evidence of people.<br />
i) Much of Yakushima is part of special conservation zones where this is illegal. Also, there's the old adage about if everybody did it. . . <br />
j) Actually, you can fly drones in most areas as long as you abide by basic safety rules AND HAVE PERMISSION OF THE LAND OWNER. In a national park in Japan, that means you need the permission of the forest agency (I'm not going to go into the details because I personally find drones obnoxious. If you're scheduled to hike with me and you want to use a drone, then you can ask me by email.)<br />
k) Deer senbei is only in Nara. Most animals in Yakushima do not know about human food and we want to keep it that way, thank you.<br />
<br />
<b>Question 4) Smoking</b><br />
<i>Where/when are you allowed to smoke on the trail in Yakushima?</i><br />
a) Anywhere in Yakusugiland and Shiratani Unsuikyo, as long as you are not walking and you are not around other people.<br />
b) Along the trail to Jomon Sugi, but only at designated areas at the Arakawa Trail Head, behind the Kosugidani rest area, next to the toilet building at the end of the train tracks, and behind the hut beyond Jomon Sugi.<br />
c) Anywhere along other trails, as long as you are away from other hikers.<br />
d) All of the above, but you must bring a portable ash tray.<br />
<b><br />Answer:</b><br />
<i>d) All of the above, but you must bring a portable ash tray.</i><br />
However, most smokers do not realize how obvious the smell of cigarettes (even e-cigarettes) is to other hikers and how far the smell travels. You know how you can smell the toilets before you can see the toilet building? It's like that.<br />
<br />
<b>Bonus Question: Park Donations</b><br />
<i>How can you donate to park/trail maintenance in Yakushima?</i><br />
Check all that apply.<br />
❏ a) Make park donations at the entrances to Shiratani Unsuikyo Park and Yakusugiland.❏ b) Ask to donate at an information booth.<br />
❏ c) Look for collection boxes along the trail.<br />
❏ d) Leave change at mountain shrines.<br />
❏ e) Pay-pal or credit card form on the Yakushima Town home page.<br />
❏ f) Donations are already included with your bus ticket in 2019.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Answer:</i></b><br />
<i>a) and b) only. </i><br />
Please note that money collected in Shiratani and Yakusugiland stays in those parks and is not pooled with money collected for other trails. If you donate at an information booth, you are welcome to ask for a receipt.<br />
Wrong answers: <br />
c) Collection boxes along the trail have gone out of style (although you may still find a couple). <br />
d) Metal coins (particularly zinc-containing one-yen coins) are bad for the environment and hardly worth the effort of carrying down from shrines. If you want to donate to a shrine, please do so in town. On the other hand, please do not remove offerings that have been left at shrines.<br />
e) If you'd like to donate online, please comment or message me so I can suggest this feature to the town council. <br />
f) Because of a long-term robbery incident reported in 2019, we are not currently actively asking for donations, even when you buy a bus ticket to the trail head. This activity is scheduled to resume in July, 2019.<br />
<br />
<br />
Well, that's my rant after returning from toilet duty. I hate to pass on
my bad mood, so to lighten things up, here's a picture of a monkey
sitting on a fungus:<br />
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I'm sure I'll be adding to this post when my next round comes up. Thank you everybody for doing your part to make Yakushima evermore pristine and beautiful!Yakushima Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346581300800838371noreply@blogger.com0Yakushima Island, Yakushima, Kumage District, Kagoshima, Japan30.3445936 130.512714230.1253481 130.1899907 30.5638391 130.8354377tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442135343515193479.post-51927515515833804092019-01-19T11:06:00.000+09:002019-01-19T11:06:14.658+09:00Renting a Car<span style="font-size: large;">Renting a car</span> gives you the freedom to tour the island and access to trail heads that you just can't get with a bus, and light "K"-class cars are a wonderful option for navigating narrow mountain roads.<br /><br /><b>Documents</b>:<br />
<ol><ol>
<li>Driver's Licence</li>
<li>Official Translation of Your Driver's Licence: You need this if your license is from <b>Taiwan, France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Estonia, Monaco, or Slovenia</b>. Your license is perfectly fine in Japan, so long as you also carry an official translation. Check with your country's embassy. Otherwise you can get one through the <a href="http://www.jaf.or.jp/e/translation/with.htm" target="_blank">Japanese Automobile Federation</a> for ¥3000. Do this before you come to Yakushima.</li>
<li>International Drivers' License: Everybody else who has been in Japan for less than a year does not need a translation, but does need an international drivers' license. This is issued (usually for a modest fee) in the country that issued your drivers' license, NOT JAPAN. You will need to get it before you leave home.</li>
<li>Passport</li>
</ol>
</ol>
<br /><b>Where to Rent:</b><br /><br />
You have a lot of choices here, from national companies like Times and Toyota (which, I am told, may be able to provide a navi/GPS system in foreign languages) and discount companies like Niko-Niko, regional companies like Nansei (which, I believe, has an English-speaker working in Yakushima), local companies like Matsubanda, and tiny companies like Kuriyama and Shinjiyama (which doesn't employ English speakers, but offers most of the documents in English). Many of these companies offer pickup and drop-off from the ports, and let you leave the car at designated locations on the east side of Yakushima. However, at the time of writing, none of these companies are open at night. You will have to return the car during business hours or pay to keep it until the morning. <br /><br /><b>Extra costs:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Get the extra insurance. This usually costs around ¥1000/day and while it may not cover some things like tire punctures, when I think about the number of scrapes my guests have incurred, I can definitely say it's worth it.</li>
<li>Plan your last gasoline stop. Remember that gasoline stands also close at night (9 at the latest, but earlier for most places). If you want to return your car before the gasoline stand opens, (for example, if you are leaving Yakushima on the first boat out, or if you're going hiking early in the morning) you're going to have to pay extra in advance. In fact, most rental shops may not allow this if the gasoline calculation is too complicated.</li>
<li>Maybe you don't need a GPS. If you have someone sitting in the passenger seat with a smartphone, you should be fine. Anyways, there's only one major road that goes around Yakushima, and it may be better to rely on directions than on GPS for the smaller roads.</li>
</ul>
<br /><b>Driving:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Rules: Left side of the road, obviously. If you've never driven in Japan, I advise reviewing basic signs like Stop and No Parking. If you have trouble finding a parking space for a store, or if you're not sure if a parking lot is public or not, just ask.</li>
<li>Seat Belts and Child Seats: Everyone is required to wear seat belts. Children under 6 must use child seats (or junior seats), which car rental shops can provide upon request.</li>
<li>Hazards: In addition to wildlife and pedestrians, (Pedestrians always have the right-of-way!) there is often a lot of construction, often with temporary traffic lights that you'll need to stop for. In the winter, roads in the mountains can get icy when the temperatures drop. It's best to just avoid icy/snowy roads here.</li>
<li>The West Forest Road and interior roads often go down to one lane, so you'll need to be ready to stop at all times and confident in reversing around turns.</li>
</ul>
<b>Road Closures: </b><br />
<ul>
<li>Arakawa Trail Head: From March through November, you may not drive to the Arakawa Trail Head (to hike to Jomon Sugi). There's just too much traffic, so you'll have to park at the Museum (near Anbo) and take a shuttle bus instead.</li>
<li>West Forest Road (西部林道/Seibu Rindoh): Due to shifting ground, this road is closed at night from 5pm to 7am.</li>
<li>Rock-slides, weather-warnings, ice, and snow can also cause unscheduled road closures. </li>
</ul>
Yakushima Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346581300800838371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442135343515193479.post-59543851548205247562019-01-18T17:38:00.000+09:002019-01-18T17:38:08.464+09:00Riding the Bus<span style="font-size: large;">For most people,</span> this is the default option for getting around Yakushima, but buses can cost time and money if you don't plan ahead.<br />
<br />
1) Find the Tourism Association files' page.<br />
Probably here: <a href="http://yakukan.jp/doc/index.html" target="_blank">http://yakukan.jp/doc/index.html</a><br />
It's not the easiest page to navigate, but you'll find the basic maps, schedules, and example prices here.<br />
<ul>
<li>Get a map of the island.<br />Unless the link has changed, that should be the one labeled <a href="http://yakukan.jp/doc/pdf/yakushimamap.pdf" target="_blank">Yakushima Map(Eng)</a>.<br /><br />You'll also want <a href="http://yakukan.jp/doc/pdf/e_busroute.pdf" target="_blank">Bus Routes(Eng)</a> to find your stop name and number.<br /><br />Locate
the towns of Miyanoura and Anbo (where the ports are), the airport, the
Yakusugi Museum (near Anbo), Shiratani Unsuikyo, and Yakusugiland. Note
that public buses do no run on the West Forest Road (aka, Seibu Rindoh
or Forest Path), so you can't just hop a bus and go around the island
(although you can arrange to take a tour bus around the island).<br /> </li>
<li>There are several bus companies. Try not to confuse them. </li>
<ul>
<li>Tane-Yaku (aka Yakushima Kotsu) is the main operator around the
island. If you get day passes, they'll be for the Tane-Yaku buses. These
are the pale blueish buses.</li>
<li>Matsubanda also operates limited scheduled bus service from
Shiratani Unsuikyo through Miyanoura and Anbo to the Museum, and may be
more convenient if you're going to the Museum or if you have big
suitcases, but (as of posting) they don't have an English schedule.
These buses are usually bright turquoise or yellow.</li>
<li>The third bus company, Michi-no-Eki specializes in charter buses.
(If you need a charter bus, you'll need to call the Tourism Association
or have a Japanese-speaker call one of these companies for you.)</li>
</ul>
<li>Get a bus schedule or two.<br />You should be able to find the Tane Yaku Kotsu Bus Timetable(Eng) on the <a href="http://yakukan.jp/doc/index.html" target="_blank">yakukan.jp/doc page</a>. The Matsubanda bus schedule is also there if you can read Japanese.<br /><br />Note that there are no buses at night, so you'll have to plan accordingly. <br /><br />Fares are listed on the <a href="http://yakukan.jp/doc/pdf/bus_fare.pdf" target="_blank">Bus Fare Jpn/Eng document</a>.</li>
</ul>
<br />
2) Bus fares and riding the bus:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Cash:<br />To ride the bus, make sure you have change. The bus does not except bills larger than ¥1000.<br /><br />Take
a ticket from the dispenser near the door when you board the bus. Check
the number on the ticket. Match this number to the display above the
bus driver to find your current bus fare. If no ticket is dispensed
(when you get on at the first stop), your fare is simply the highest
price displayed.<br /><br />These days, bus stop name and numbers are
announced on almost all buses. The bus stop number has nothing to do
with the number on your ticket nor on the fare display.<br /><br />When you get off, drop your ticket and your fare into the receptacle next to the driver.<br /> </li>
<li>Bus passes: <br />You've probably figured out that the bus can be
pretty expensive unless you have a pass. Tane-Yaku offers 1-day (¥2000)
and 3-day (¥3000) passes, perfect for folks who are hiring a guide on
their second day (and maybe 4-day passes, too. It's hard to stay up to
date...). You usually can't buy these on the bus, so you'll need to stop
at an Tourism Association information booth (or the bus office near
Anbo) ahead of time. When you buy your passes you'll need to mark what
(consecutive) days you plan to use them.<br /> </li>
<li>Arakawa Shuttle Buses:<br />To hike to Jomon Sugi from the Arakawa
Trail Head, you will need a separate ticket for the shuttle from the
Museum near Anbo to the trail head. (Look for the document labeled <a href="http://yakukan.jp/doc/pdf/arakawasen_kisei_en.pdf" target="_blank">Jomon Sugi / Arakawa</a>.)
The schedule changes slightly throughout the year, and when there are
too many hikers, they run extra buses in the morning to make sure
everybody can get on by around 6am. Each way is a curvy, winding 35
minutes, so try to go to sleep if you're prone to motion sickness. To
make everything run smoother, you are encouraged to buy your shuttle
tickets at an information booth a day or two before your hike. The price
in 2018 was ¥2340, including two one-way tickets and an optional ¥1000
donation for trail/toilet upkeep. Children are half-price.<br /><br />Check
the schedule for your return. If you need to catch the bus back from the
Museum to your accommodation, check the connection times, and remember
that weather or crowding could delay your shuttle bus return.<br /><br />*Sometimes the driver has to turn on the air conditioner on this bus to
prevent window fog in the afternoon, so I recommend bringing an extra
dry shirt on rainy days.</li>
<li>Tane-Yaku and Matsubanda also both offer sight-seeing buses that do a
loop of the island. The tours are in Japanese and reservations often
fill up, but if you can't go hiking, it's a good way to see the island.
You can make reservations through the Tourism Association or an
information booth.</li>
</ul>
<br />
3) Manners:<br />
<ul>
<li>If possible, it's nice to leave the seats at the very front open for elderly passengers.</li>
<li>Don't make change or stand up while the bus is moving.</li>
<li>Please be reasonably quiet on the shuttle bus for the Arakawa Trail Head: People are trying to sleep.</li>
<li>If there's a bus-stop sign on one side of the street, but not the
other, just stand across the street from the sign to wait for the bus in
the other direction.</li>
<li>There are not very many sheltered stops, so an umbrella is handy on
rainy days. The seats are usually protected, but if you're soaking wet
when you board the bus, try to at least empty your hood and backpack
cover of water.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Cheers! Yakushima Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346581300800838371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442135343515193479.post-69516629199032433172017-08-15T10:41:00.001+09:002019-10-06T21:56:42.914+09:00Shima Cafe "La Monstera" : Breakfast before your flight<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size: large;">¥450 is pretty standard</span> <span style="font-size: small;">for a cup of jo and a bit of down time in a cafe, but there are some cafes (quite a few in the mountains of central Japan) that continue the tradition of "morning service."</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="281" id="y_id_e0b8_5071_d63c_5876" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/porIazPsG5A" width="500"></iframe><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-size: small;">Shima Cafe La❤️Monstera (Yes, there's a heart in the name, and yes, this is the former La Monstara with new ownership.) offers toast and a small salad with your coffee for just ¥100 yen more, or make that brown rice porridge and pickles instead of toast for ¥200. Also, the ice coffee (¥600) is very good if you like your coffee black and smooth.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVBB74Js1DQiYlWYW73SQ2PqSYj1DgPBnG3p0ppvvlBs8JOvZpDB7NLguILK09dQLyRvQiqh3YfIynIQe3X-XsWBMBg5niSsMikSYKrPTYAeNbi8hwOA51a0YR-mgoomSYhH7x3j2SliC/s1600/IMG_2161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVBB74Js1DQiYlWYW73SQ2PqSYj1DgPBnG3p0ppvvlBs8JOvZpDB7NLguILK09dQLyRvQiqh3YfIynIQe3X-XsWBMBg5niSsMikSYKrPTYAeNbi8hwOA51a0YR-mgoomSYhH7x3j2SliC/s400/IMG_2161.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-size: small;">This little spot is one of the few cafes serving breakfast in Yakushima, and it may be the only cafe here that serves only breakfast. Since it's just south of the airport, why not get up a little early and stop in for a final piece of quiet before a morning flight.</span></div>
<div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiniYMxorBclqOab9GBMlrVE6EpdIXflTMro6DYv0Av8h8Hx00vTGFupIiweKEsO7_XZ1AnWShyphenhyphenY6teqZECKU1l2b1K9AyL8PMTvEki9Jnk5juOSkTg_KdNFMDCjXEpnA93ccLCrngHdmx5/s1600/monstella.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="200" id="id_6dc1_a9d7_aa2_d40f" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiniYMxorBclqOab9GBMlrVE6EpdIXflTMro6DYv0Av8h8Hx00vTGFupIiweKEsO7_XZ1AnWShyphenhyphenY6teqZECKU1l2b1K9AyL8PMTvEki9Jnk5juOSkTg_KdNFMDCjXEpnA93ccLCrngHdmx5/s1600/monstella.JPG" style="height: auto; width: 200px;" width="200" /></span></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-size: small;">This is a monstera plant, but </span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-size: small;">note that the sign is written:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-size: small;">La❤️モンステラ.</span></div>
</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-size: small;">Shima Cafe La❤️Monstera</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size: small;">Location: A few minutes south of the airport, near the Hayasaki (早崎) bus stop in the back of a small cluster of shops on the ocean-side of the road. (30.3746,130.6648)<br />Hours: 7am to 11am. Closed Wednesdays and Sundays.*</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" id="id_9270_d208_18_9925" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d6884.335086710182!2d130.66479999999996!3d30.37459999999999!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x0%3A0x0!2zMzDCsDIyJzI4LjYiTiAxMzDCsDM5JzUzLjMiRQ!5e0!3m2!1sen!2s!4v1423776151098" style="border: 0px;" width="400"></iframe></span></div>
</div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /><br />*Hours are subject to change, so please call the restaurant or check ahead</span>.</div>
Yakushima Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346581300800838371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442135343515193479.post-68891098062759745562017-05-31T14:43:00.003+09:002017-05-31T15:01:13.828+09:00Canopy Walk and Tree-House Cafe<span style="font-size: large;">If anything can bring out your inner-child </span>like a walk in the Moss Forest full of babbling brooks and curious deer, it's got to be this DIY super-project: The Canopy Walk and Tree-House Cafe near Senpiro Waterfall.<br />
<br />
Alright, before we go any further, if you can't handle a few six-legged friends, or if you're looking for Disney-style luxury and high-tech safety features, or if you expect to be repelling/belaying/bouldering, you're probably not ready for "Wild Level 1," let alone "<b>Wild Level 5</b>," which is Canopy-talk for, "Please proceed with caution." <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Seriously.</span></td></tr>
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While first-graders and up are welcome (If you have kids, bring them here!) everyone gets a belt with a clip that you are
instructed to keep hooked on to the ropes at all times. Now if your ego
is too much too wear a safety belt in the kids' house, you need to check
that adult attitude in the parking lot. So, yes, , , ,<br />
<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">you will make wishes when you play ring toss. . .</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">you will proclaim the love of your life (Hope you brought your significant other as well as the kids!) to the mountains, , ,</span></td></tr>
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<br />
, and for every step you take up into the tree tops, you'll peel back another year towards childhood!<br />
<br />
The owner, in addition to speaking Japanese, Chinese, and English, is always coming up with new ideas and adding subtle surprises to the tree-walk, the parking lot, even the rest rooms!<br />
<br />
The best addition is the Tree-House Cafe. This is a tree-house you rent out for the cost of a cup of coffee or juice (nothing fancy, but it's not really about the coffee). Call ahead to make a reservation, because there is only enough space for one party of conspirators in this tree-top hide-out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6A5p973GUNcRuY-4pFAVyYlT98f0m8RtSvurkwPZFEn4KBWpUgCIOTab9AVvgbmN1gCZ3IK7X0eAyM0Knchvu_3gv_RDtmUq1fUEg8q6eXVDrgklzzMjiG3SgUwzdRE0whBkeAaf0QOOS/s1600/DSC04213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6A5p973GUNcRuY-4pFAVyYlT98f0m8RtSvurkwPZFEn4KBWpUgCIOTab9AVvgbmN1gCZ3IK7X0eAyM0Knchvu_3gv_RDtmUq1fUEg8q6eXVDrgklzzMjiG3SgUwzdRE0whBkeAaf0QOOS/s320/DSC04213.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ckaKMW8M_rD_T5PPYogrhIyZwqj_tH7Ob7CYJGKzKrjG5gbR0j6cvtKs9w16nHrNhOs610nro5i2UudU5X1M6KLM_Wl5e0Ehp_QeiYNnE7BOHx8tXz4d1vaor9S2iFeVLyo-cFooKHEg/s1600/DSC04221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ckaKMW8M_rD_T5PPYogrhIyZwqj_tH7Ob7CYJGKzKrjG5gbR0j6cvtKs9w16nHrNhOs610nro5i2UudU5X1M6KLM_Wl5e0Ehp_QeiYNnE7BOHx8tXz4d1vaor9S2iFeVLyo-cFooKHEg/s320/DSC04221.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>Canopy Walk</b><br />
Location: Haru 677-44 (30.24918, 130.57296) Southwest of Senpiro Waterfall. <br />
Hours: 9am/10am~4pm/5pm depending on the day.*<br />
Price: Around ¥1000 for adults, less for students, more if you do the "Canopy Rope" and ¥500 for the cafe.<br />
Website: <a href="http://canopywalk.web.fc2.com/">http://canopywalk.web.fc2.com/</a><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m8!1m3!1d13786.301668338332!2d130.57117121511996!3d30.249182081808264!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x0%3A0x18e3dfd6a973f20b!2z5qKi5Zue5buK44Kt44Oj44OO44OD44OU!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1496210050638" style="border: 0;" width="600"></iframe>Yakushima Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346581300800838371noreply@blogger.com0Hara, Yakushima, Kumage District, Kagoshima Prefecture 891-4403, Japan30.24907676776548 130.5730462074279830.247362267765482 130.57052470742798 30.250791267765479 130.57556770742798tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442135343515193479.post-45384929125078881122016-10-30T12:12:00.001+09:002017-05-31T13:48:58.097+09:00NAbura! -- Warm up after a hike with noodles in a friendly atmosphere.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfrTOgSWRHZyX7qzA1GwEuDNnA_1hkQ01RURrpkQAhj9omwA-n7InShbZ4HLcVpqcSrNSRfwUPmwcekgbpzE0MczH8k1X8mJKP0z6vNPPFVV7umn2ovSPQX8gpzubOVS6NqdHSPb2OSm-/s1600/DSC01271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfrTOgSWRHZyX7qzA1GwEuDNnA_1hkQ01RURrpkQAhj9omwA-n7InShbZ4HLcVpqcSrNSRfwUPmwcekgbpzE0MczH8k1X8mJKP0z6vNPPFVV7umn2ovSPQX8gpzubOVS6NqdHSPb2OSm-/s400/DSC01271.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">**CLOSED**</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">(There is a new ramen shop in its place.)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">After trudging through the rain</span> for ten hours, I want nothing more than calories when I get back to town. Local specialities like flying fish and sashimi are all good, but sometimes all you want is a bowel of noodles. And I'm not talking about chicken soup; I'm talking about ramen! Or even better. . . <b>abura-men</b>!<br />
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The literal translation of "abura-men" is "oil noodles," but don't let that turn you off. This is ramen without the broth water! Oh, I love the warm, salty greasyness of Kyushu-style ramen, but after a cold hike in the rain, sometimes I don't need my noodles to be soaked too! At NAbura, the signature dish comes in two phases: Phase 1 will fill your craving, and Phase 2 will fill your stomach!<br />
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<b>Phase 1</b>: When you order your noodles, the server will tell you to stir everything up as best you can. (You can add a little vinegar, too, but I like to save that for the next part. . . ) Even then, after you've slurped up the noodles, you're bound to end up with a pile scrumptious morsels at the bottom of the bowel. That's okay. In fact, do leave some extra morsels behind for the next phase!<br />
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<b>Phase 2</b>: Let the server know you've finished the noodles and he'll bring you a bowl of rice to dump atop the left-over morsels. I usually order the "Omori" (extra noodles) and together with the rice it's about the right size to fill me up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsuhaRWFextPtMXdc94u54E2khbAxVUKhvCsmQn02sRznAVCwRhpv40vZKQ9vyps6fj_j2UgXwVeQBMl4IduYfR7hWIwiH6Bkl1pRsJCfuhBC0fCCdzmOY62wQLx8BEEg3Fp484iQGFkp/s1600/DSC00160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsuhaRWFextPtMXdc94u54E2khbAxVUKhvCsmQn02sRznAVCwRhpv40vZKQ9vyps6fj_j2UgXwVeQBMl4IduYfR7hWIwiH6Bkl1pRsJCfuhBC0fCCdzmOY62wQLx8BEEg3Fp484iQGFkp/s200/DSC00160.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
If you're extra-hungry, it's all good though: Fried rice, or garlicky gyoza, or fresh-tasting deep-fried chicken, or even ramen with the broth!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6T-3ewo8wvUCLbx4_F7HpueW-_VoMvISNYkRrmvVzXEVEDvBS4p10Vctvi7XP1SnCL8BAk3S_2t07L38AnRYruVP5wiYCDJfOjOjfWRcwAFzKk_ttHlVKQgdFPwVQp2j4rrA_SN1PbIZ/s1600/DSC00162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6T-3ewo8wvUCLbx4_F7HpueW-_VoMvISNYkRrmvVzXEVEDvBS4p10Vctvi7XP1SnCL8BAk3S_2t07L38AnRYruVP5wiYCDJfOjOjfWRcwAFzKk_ttHlVKQgdFPwVQp2j4rrA_SN1PbIZ/s320/DSC00162.JPG" width="320" /></a>
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I like the atmosphere, too. It feels like it could be a little noodle shop tucked <span id="goog_232266723"></span><span id="goog_232266724"></span>away in a big town. There's counter space in front of the TV, but there's also table-space and you can see into the kitchen.<br />
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By the way, if Nabura leaves you hungry for more ramen, at lunch time you can find ramen down the street at Jijiya, a local staple, or up the hill at Koshiba--but be forwarned: Koshiba is favorited by the locals and once they run out of broth, that's it for the day!<br />
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NAbura<br />
Location: Anbo 140 (In the heart of Anbo.)<br />
Hours: 11:30am-14:00pm, 6:30pm-9:30pm, closed on Sundays.*<br />
Website: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/%E5%B1%8B%E4%B9%85%E5%B3%B6%E3%83%A9%E3%83%BC%E3%83%A1%E3%83%B3-Nabura-1620380304955160/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/屋久島ラーメン-Nabura-1620380304955160/</a>*Of course, hours are subject to change!
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<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m8!1m3!1d3444.2531580964483!2d130.6554426298697!3d30.315316201093854!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x0%3A0xc2030c73ba7196f!2z5bGL5LmF5bO244Op44O844Oh44OzIE5hYnVyYQ!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sjp!4v1477796325224" style="border: 0;" width="400"></iframe>Yakushima Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346581300800838371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442135343515193479.post-21508123240358976282016-10-14T10:08:00.000+09:002016-10-14T10:29:03.029+09:00Ki no Mi -- Order the mushroom pizza!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2eMtxtezt8XHFZk-GZNl6ztCNeHPMZpiGpC8uaszV17uMuCGMy8RwJLfHX4tsGi3Q9RK09bfb_4hIrSzXnNWJ0FEn-5e2C2MDzzVq-lB0hQ8t6HDvJXEd2n2AD29YBfgWXjynm0YgeLqh/s1600/DSC08389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2eMtxtezt8XHFZk-GZNl6ztCNeHPMZpiGpC8uaszV17uMuCGMy8RwJLfHX4tsGi3Q9RK09bfb_4hIrSzXnNWJ0FEn-5e2C2MDzzVq-lB0hQ8t6HDvJXEd2n2AD29YBfgWXjynm0YgeLqh/s320/DSC08389.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">For years, now, </span>I'd been hearing about "the best pizza on the island" located somewhere "on the way to Sankara," but the only eatery I could think of in the area was an unpretentious cafe, and it seemed to be closed rather often. So when a bunch of friends called to say they were going to go check out this pizza place, I jumped aboard.<br />
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The full name of Ki no Mi is "Ki no Mi: Stone-Oven Bread Factory" (Ki no Mi meaning Fruit of the Tree), and, yes, they have good bread. In fact (at the time of writing), a couple times a week the <a href="http://www.pukarido.com/" target="_blank">Pukori Don</a> shop just south of the airport features a selection of Ki no Mi breads.<br />
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However, we didn't go there for the bread. We didn't go there for the relaxed atmosphere with a view of the ocean. We went for the pizza. We ordered several and were quite happy with the thin, crispy crust covered in sauce and cheese. But we were overcome with unanimous taste-bud happiness when we reached the mushroom pizza.<br />
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Get the mushroom pizza, or two of them. That's all you need to know.<br />
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(I should probably mention though, that Ki no Mi is up in the hills, quite a distance from the main road. If you can't get there and you are craving pizza, Il Mare, which is just next to the airport, is an Italian eatery with a variety of wonderful pizzas which I hope to post about soon!)<br />
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Ki no Mi(樹の実)<br />
Location: Mugio 335-75. On the windy road that leads to both Sankara and Senpiro Waterfall.<br />
Hours: 10:00am to 6:00pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays ONLY.*<br />
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*Of course, hours are subject to change!
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<iframe height="300" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=1HPwdhg_YC6QZyIXWJtsfHsrtmms&ll=30.2705762,130.6088916,11z" width="400"></iframe>
Yakushima Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346581300800838371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442135343515193479.post-15703569360874105522016-10-02T19:49:00.000+09:002016-11-13T15:25:42.314+09:00YukiGokeYa: Shaved ice for adults<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-x1Lmi1ujkNKBnbV9vHEj1m-6RM0yQlbZIrNJH_UAr_Nw5XgZ9bCSbje2R5dOWK3O_SD0Ng6Na888QL4diPw0cg9cs2WEpJABMIU-b9GKbheLFDaTG5KtjnEqnBuXunVXczQtzen40pG/s1600/DSC01293a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-x1Lmi1ujkNKBnbV9vHEj1m-6RM0yQlbZIrNJH_UAr_Nw5XgZ9bCSbje2R5dOWK3O_SD0Ng6Na888QL4diPw0cg9cs2WEpJABMIU-b9GKbheLFDaTG5KtjnEqnBuXunVXczQtzen40pG/s400/DSC01293a.JPG" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Coffee float" <i>kakigori</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Say you just arrived</span> in Yakushima. You just debarked from Yakushima II, the "slow ferry" and, on a whim, you walk into the first building you see. (Maybe you even had some outdated information that said the information booth was there.) Well, these days, there's not much inside besides the ferry ticket counter, a restroom, and some coin lockers that can only be used until 5pm. EXCEPT for the cafe that opened last year on the second floor. You would never guess what an amazing treat awaits those who wonder upstairs: <b>Snow cones have grown up. Kakigori has reached a level you've never experienced.</b><br />
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When Yukigokeya first opened, everyone was talking about the "new curry place," but even though they no longer serve curry, you won't leave hungry (unless you're prone to cold headaches). Now they serve toast and muffins, gourmet coffee, and <i>kakigori</i> (shaved ice deserts). When I last went, they had Ethiopian coffee, Mandarin coffee from Indonesia, and Brazilian coffee with a taste "to make you dance." My advice: If you like rich, dark coffee, order the Mandarin coffee if they have it, and pay the extra 80 yen for an order-made single serving. I know 480 yen is expensive for coffee, but it's good.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Z0w5pL4fs28w0hITllCAq3mtIqsA2gluYI_3anWn2pY49Iut953qGgKdHPlw2tg35Pa3R540ADCjWaEY2zX2WIDf2uCZOxo5vpOltZq7Mq9eGCMjczRSrw_SNiazWws6XwRxm3Yt4oQc/s1600/DSC01301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Z0w5pL4fs28w0hITllCAq3mtIqsA2gluYI_3anWn2pY49Iut953qGgKdHPlw2tg35Pa3R540ADCjWaEY2zX2WIDf2uCZOxo5vpOltZq7Mq9eGCMjczRSrw_SNiazWws6XwRxm3Yt4oQc/s400/DSC01301.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Coffee float" on the left and azuki-milk (red beans with cream) on the right.</td></tr>
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Wait! Before you order the coffee, order a shaved ice! At 500 to 600 yen, these aren't exactly cheap either, but these are no carnival-style snow cones! I ordered the "coffee float" kakigori, which features a good serving of ice cream tucked into a mound of fluffy ice. Next to the bowl of ice is a spoon and two small pitchers: One with delicious black coffee and the other with creamy milk with which to flavor the ice. I have never had a coffee float this good.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZj2pXhEXp6hmDR44pLKZmLqYezXmYlVZhMX69oHEt_n26WI-iisxfg-V63q6wamE_TXvrKk88vNbZrGVHrOL1PeQrz_QGyk7BLd0KQk8KkTgU1Ut5hyphenhyphenobk9nxusW6m9XeBCJhmrtcRLG2/s1600/DSC02070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZj2pXhEXp6hmDR44pLKZmLqYezXmYlVZhMX69oHEt_n26WI-iisxfg-V63q6wamE_TXvrKk88vNbZrGVHrOL1PeQrz_QGyk7BLd0KQk8KkTgU1Ut5hyphenhyphenobk9nxusW6m9XeBCJhmrtcRLG2/s320/DSC02070.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2016 Winter Menu: Apple & Banana Hotcake!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhwNVNuR80Jzh_H3fDAu76H45r5L_D1BdkM0dsuafVx8MRUx0SMEO16ThoBNvJ869_HdcOytfwouNgE6ueYdYLLdZswHnlKgcbfqEuiGqESDbrAnLoUdXD1PW6xPNalOj1kAwLq360_Rb/s1600/DSC01305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhwNVNuR80Jzh_H3fDAu76H45r5L_D1BdkM0dsuafVx8MRUx0SMEO16ThoBNvJ869_HdcOytfwouNgE6ueYdYLLdZswHnlKgcbfqEuiGqESDbrAnLoUdXD1PW6xPNalOj1kAwLq360_Rb/s320/DSC01305.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wouldn't have expected such a stylish cafe (with an equally stylish women's fashion shop attached) in the ferry port!</td></tr>
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<iframe height="300" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=1HPwdhg_YC6QZyIXWJtsfHsrtmms&ll=30.4316869,130.5735141,11z" width="400"></iframe>
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Yuki Goke Ya (雪 苔 屋)<br />
Location: Miyanoura Port, 2nd Floor of the big white building (above the Yakushima Ferry 2 ticket office)<br />
Hours: 10:30am to 4:30pm, closed on Wednesdays and sometimes other days too.*<br />
Website: <a href="http://yukigokeya.blogspot.jp/">http://yukigokeya.blogspot.jp/</a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7CDFz31X1z8rz9aneULnq62sRyZYmd0NBx-nyi1WBXqbh3-fiVNJPRS23TA26gz8LXNkPB0hXeFhrXiYuA33jp4ueKGH61Ofa1qoNxx-rggkV2b9eAnWnfBLq0vgcadicyNVNHlxLSQsh/s1600/DSC01303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7CDFz31X1z8rz9aneULnq62sRyZYmd0NBx-nyi1WBXqbh3-fiVNJPRS23TA26gz8LXNkPB0hXeFhrXiYuA33jp4ueKGH61Ofa1qoNxx-rggkV2b9eAnWnfBLq0vgcadicyNVNHlxLSQsh/s320/DSC01303.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out the pottery!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Yakushima Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346581300800838371noreply@blogger.com0Japan30.432393812082822 130.5722093582153330.428971312082822 130.56716685821533 30.435816312082821 130.57725185821533tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442135343515193479.post-64016356215205465032016-09-30T10:47:00.000+09:002016-09-30T10:47:34.184+09:00Common Butterflies in YakushimaI get asked quite a bit about butterflies, and I admit, I have a hard time remembering the English, so here are a few of the butterflies I've passed and that you might pass as well! I know I'm missing some common ones (especially the <span class="st">Hypolimnas bolina リュウキュウムラサキ which just won't stay still for me)</span>, but as I have more time, I hope to be uploading more photos and notes, and perhaps make a page for moths, too.<br />
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<i>Papilio maackii </i><br />
(Papilionid/Swallowtail family)<br />
<span class="st"><i>ミヤマカラスアゲハ</i></span><br />
Alpine Black Swallowtail<br />
<br />
One of my favorites for its irridescent blue/aqua/black coloration.</td></tr>
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<i>Papilio helenus</i> (Papilionid/Swallowtail family)<br />
モンキアゲハ<br />
Red Helen<br />
<br />
In this photo, the white markings on the hindwings are mostly hidden. There are a few other species of back swallowtails, too, that I don't have photos of (yet). These include P. protenor (クロアゲハ, the Spangle) and P. memnon (ナガサキアゲハ, the Great Mormon)</td></tr>
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<i>Graphium sarpedon</i> (Papilionid/Swallowtail family)<i><br /></i><br />
アオスジアゲハ<br />
Common Bluebottle <i>or</i> Blue Triangle<br />
<br />
These often congregate at shallow puddles or streams.</td></tr>
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<i>Parantica sita </i>(Nymphalid family)<b><i><br /></i></b><br />
<cite class="_Rm">アサギマダラ</cite><br />
Chestnut Tiger<br />
<br />
These butterflies follow an annual migration south, and some may be tagged with numbers on a wing. You may also spot similar species from various islands.<br />
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<i>Hebomoia glaucippe</i> (Pierid family)<br />
ツマベニチョウ<br />
Great Orange Tip<br />
<br />
What image could be more tropical than one of these east-asian beauties on a hibiscus flower?</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtptSQ0XtC6JL5uN9o5q5pG06-qiLofzDRGyUWBM5J2Zyia09HO9n2xZiO8mCT08rOEJcW2zRpTYGtnIg8or3e2aeK7YLPas1vjnSzdkYY9aWxDS_LQYZ9945DB7z9yYxX4eDa6c51djXf/s1600/DSC00349a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtptSQ0XtC6JL5uN9o5q5pG06-qiLofzDRGyUWBM5J2Zyia09HO9n2xZiO8mCT08rOEJcW2zRpTYGtnIg8or3e2aeK7YLPas1vjnSzdkYY9aWxDS_LQYZ9945DB7z9yYxX4eDa6c51djXf/s200/DSC00349a.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<i>Dichorragia nesimachus</i> (Nymphalid family)<br />
スミナガシ<br />
<span class="st">Constable</span><br />
<br />If you haven't noticed, I love iridescent blue/green/black insects!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvxyagWFk6SvjOvADy4cb_OfLFJ3Ets9mXtEBZfiQi6uncGg0Fb6XKhZX3thOt09RKlMypIiFIus5p89UgtEqqKljBLsZfKXj1z_9I-qcCN59AuU8EmBZDnw2u-OuguFi8ZFP1kde97PxK/s1600/grassyellow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvxyagWFk6SvjOvADy4cb_OfLFJ3Ets9mXtEBZfiQi6uncGg0Fb6XKhZX3thOt09RKlMypIiFIus5p89UgtEqqKljBLsZfKXj1z_9I-qcCN59AuU8EmBZDnw2u-OuguFi8ZFP1kde97PxK/s200/grassyellow.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Eurema sp. (Pierid family)<br />
キチョウ<br />
Grass Yello Butterflies<br />
<br />
I suppose I should leave photography of flighty little yellow butterflies to the pros! But I'll always have a soft-spot for yellow butterflies because my father used to make up bedtime stories about the adventures of a particularly brave one.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0bQP51XUochqk2WbUtDdblfk0ZcE63kr6LHs1T3NUce-AK_UPZ7MGUjYRk1v9BLzCYNLmBk-B0ZFfIDUk9dawKi4BaGlbt-wOp9QCfwlwNpKh3IDIkNfG8TFGY-1z2Ukp047vByd9W9w/s1600/DSC00720s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0bQP51XUochqk2WbUtDdblfk0ZcE63kr6LHs1T3NUce-AK_UPZ7MGUjYRk1v9BLzCYNLmBk-B0ZFfIDUk9dawKi4BaGlbt-wOp9QCfwlwNpKh3IDIkNfG8TFGY-1z2Ukp047vByd9W9w/s200/DSC00720s.JPG" width="200" /></a><span class="st">Cyrestis thyodamas (Nymphalid family)<br />イシガキチョウ</span><span>Common Map<br /><br />This is the first butterfly I learned in Yakushima. I often see them on early morning jogs in the summer.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglrhrfOaqxtRVzS47XGVJ5C-5xWAGnkjlmSr2SnEyVTwy_8sxYGDM2h6Kp21ndkrqjA8RU3XJJHNdWai8n-f3bNX8ov5N-lwWznM9yigdTB5ntm1cP7tfCLebzMBfu4illuYYJJ6bnUaK/s1600/DSC09589s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglrhrfOaqxtRVzS47XGVJ5C-5xWAGnkjlmSr2SnEyVTwy_8sxYGDM2h6Kp21ndkrqjA8RU3XJJHNdWai8n-f3bNX8ov5N-lwWznM9yigdTB5ntm1cP7tfCLebzMBfu4illuYYJJ6bnUaK/s200/DSC09589s.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span class="st">Udara dilecta (Lycaenid/Blue family)<br />タッパンルリシジミ</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">Of course, there are many species of similar butterflies with gray-white wings that open up to reveal iridescent indigo-shaded hues.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQo9tWvYpboR-8ilodsbmwoaJVGaBsSyuGZo-t0ZOApAVdkX-3ucHS2T1otuqh639LIxkVcyQt2KCpH_wQyOkIA6r3Sm7eMZHI_2ldgw6SF_zrxqGmv217D02XRQ6FynoaUPBVcshyphenhyphenJKz/s1600/DSC09592s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQo9tWvYpboR-8ilodsbmwoaJVGaBsSyuGZo-t0ZOApAVdkX-3ucHS2T1otuqh639LIxkVcyQt2KCpH_wQyOkIA6r3Sm7eMZHI_2ldgw6SF_zrxqGmv217D02XRQ6FynoaUPBVcshyphenhyphenJKz/s200/DSC09592s.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UUgFHV9pDsUYllxerKU3wl3KEECDCgUPgqRcpRveUPdy9WJ_knVYJCD67VXW2I24VKc8IbCvf1ER0HeXKqRYxXilPwfy11uc4POISgFxMbwp3Jd1EJHlw9a0t1gJL8mRf-Lb3NQWXbrW/s1600/13422209_1040581329353051_2627535945905885384_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UUgFHV9pDsUYllxerKU3wl3KEECDCgUPgqRcpRveUPdy9WJ_knVYJCD67VXW2I24VKc8IbCvf1ER0HeXKqRYxXilPwfy11uc4POISgFxMbwp3Jd1EJHlw9a0t1gJL8mRf-Lb3NQWXbrW/s320/13422209_1040581329353051_2627535945905885384_o.jpg" width="320" /></a> Argynnis hyperbius (Nymphalid famiy)<br />ツマグロヒョウモン<br />(Indian?) Fritillary<br /><br />I love to see fritillaries flying around above the bamboo grass and rhododendrons!</div>
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Yakushima Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346581300800838371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442135343515193479.post-75759344833011832192016-06-30T08:42:00.002+09:002016-07-01T08:11:34.375+09:00Deer Trends -- A tribute to a deer I once knew<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6aBtEWzZpcN6gWRMlCm13Gaj5W1ai2FcPIIlKHGWj5PSTUbIa4QmMHSPO-yvQ6QkKSj_AvH0scQS-XzriXwQjEpNJj1_YGfN-V-wWAv_Dq4vpGnAYsxHlr5yAvOlfsbx_B0AsvGjfOAjN/s1600/DSC09122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6aBtEWzZpcN6gWRMlCm13Gaj5W1ai2FcPIIlKHGWj5PSTUbIa4QmMHSPO-yvQ6QkKSj_AvH0scQS-XzriXwQjEpNJj1_YGfN-V-wWAv_Dq4vpGnAYsxHlr5yAvOlfsbx_B0AsvGjfOAjN/s320/DSC09122.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well, you're not shy, are you?</td></tr>
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Life in the forest lasts for thousands of years for the sugi (Cryptomeria) trees, <br />
but, alas, on this scale, the animals are fleeing transients, glimpsing only a few years, a single tick on the astronomical clock before their time is gone. They cannot know the dark past of logging, as even we can only imagine the forest before the axe was set upon the massive trees. Who knows how many deer thrived on the island back then, with man as their only predator!<br />
<br />
Let's briefly go back to the beginning. Yakushima was connected to mainland Japan during the last ice age, say around 10,000 years ago, and both people and deer, but no wolves or bears came to Yakushima. Then, 7,300 years ago the Kikai Caldera, a volcanic group halfway between Yakushima and Kagoshima blew up and coated Japan in ash, killing just about everything in southern Kyushu. In Yakushima, only a small part of the island in the south remained unburied, allowing a handful of deer and monkeys to survive to repopulate the island. Before long, people were also back.<br />
<br />
Fast forward to modern times. Full-fledged logging began in Edo times, and in the 19th century, the deer hunting season was set to coincide with fall and winter, when the bucks have a full set of antlers. Although measures to protect old growth trees were taken during Meiji times, logging flourished, especially during wars, reaching a peak in the mid-20th century days of post-war reconstruction. Loggers often wore a patch of deer fun at their waist, which they could use to wipe their hands or sit on, but the deer population dropped from an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 head pryer to 1950 to 2~3,000 head in the 1960s. For a period of seven years in the 1970s, hunting was banned, and as logging then slowed to an end, new growth started filling in the swaths of clear-cut land. Consequently, the deer population boomed once more, growing at a rate near 20% each year in the 21st century and approaching 20,000 head. <br />
<br />
When I started guiding, you could hardly call a hike complete without spotting several deer, and come spring, the bellies of female deer bulged with pregnancy. Out of over 200 hikes to Jomon Sugi, only once did I go without spotting a deer. Until the summer of last year, 2015, when, inexplicably, deer along the trail started to die. At first, we attributed the carcass stench to the season: Many deer are born in early July, and it's only natural for a few pregnancies to fail. But as summer wore on, I kept a mental list of places where I needed to distract guests with weaker stomachs. Come winter, deer-less hikes to Jomon Sugi and around Shiratani Unsuikyo became quite common. Guests would ask, Where do the deer go in the winter? And I no longer had a good answer. Where were they? Dead?<br />
<br />
I think all the guides who regularly hike to Jomon breathed a sigh of relief when deer started reappearing in the spring, and I spotted some familiar deer faces that I hadn't seen since the previous year, but deer-less hikes are still eerily common, and the annual spectacle of pregnancies and births and newborn deer is nothing like in previous years. Some folks say they've seen newborns along the Jomon trail this year. . . I'm not sure I believe them. <br />
<br />
What I do know is that on June 16 or 17, another old acquaintance passed; I believe he was the one I depicted in a postcard last year. With that full set of antlers, he could not have been young, so perhaps it was just his time.<br />
<br />
I haven't heard anything about disease, and some studies have concluded that populations of Japanese (sika) deer are self-regulated by factors like disease and food pressure, and I think it's quite possible that we've finally reached a peak in the population. Also, the central mountains and the West Forest are still chock-full of deer, so I suppose it's nothing to worry about. Still, it's a bit lonely to hike to Jomon Sugi without always seeing several familiar deer along the trail. And I do wonder how the population will change in years to come.<br />
<br />
Anyways, I've learned to be grateful for each deer encounter, and to feel respect for each animal.<br />
<br />
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<br />
Sources include:<br />
<br />
Tsujino, R. Population dynamics of sika deer. 奈良教育大学自然環境教育センター紀要, 15:15-26(2014)<br />
<a href="http://near.nara-edu.ac.jp/bitstream/10105/9884/1/NEE15_15-26.pdf">http://near.nara-edu.ac.jp/bitstream/10105/9884/1/NEE15_15-26.pdf</a><br />
<br />
揚妻直樹生物. シカの異常増加を考える. 生物科学(2013)65(2):108-116 <br />
<a href="http://eprints.lib.hokudai.ac.jp/dspace/bitstream/2115/54808/1/65_2_108_116.pdf">http://eprints.lib.hokudai.ac.jp/dspace/bitstream/2115/54808/1/65_2_108_116.pdf</a> <br />
and<br />
Naoki Agetsuma : Are deer populations increasing UNNATURALLY?<br />
<a href="http://forest.fsc.hokudai.ac.jp/member/Agetsuma/%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%87%E3%82%A3%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B0HP%E7%94%A8E.pdf">http://forest.fsc.hokudai.ac.jp/member/Agetsuma/%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%87%E3%82%A3%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B0HP%E7%94%A8E.pdf</a> <br />
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<br />Yakushima Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346581300800838371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442135343515193479.post-60327775718665257872016-06-12T11:50:00.000+09:002016-06-12T12:09:46.097+09:00Yakushima T-shirts!T-Shirts:<br />
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I've had several inquiries about T-shirts from Yakushima. I'm happy to say that designs seem to have vastly improved and expanded since I first visited Yakushima. (Although they are still mostly heavy-weight cotton.) There are several local designers including Green Design Works (known for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GREEN.DESIGN.WORKS/photos/pcb.1031527906902670/1031527630236031/?type=3&theater" target="_blank">Wilson Stump heart design</a> ) and <a href="http://garamosta.com/" target="_blank">Garamosta</a> (whose train-track stamp design may strike a cord with anyone who's trekked to Jomon Sugi). The biggest selection of shirts is in Miyanoura at Furosato Ichiba, a store specializing in souvenirs and goods produced locally, and at the Kankou Center next door. Folks in Anbo can find a reasonable selection at Takeda Sangyo or Sugisho (and Garamosta is a short drive up the road). Folks in Onoaida can try the gift shop in the JR Hotel.<br />
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Here are some of the designs you might spot:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdn9RMTyZVUEMVmogcUSgHmHsBT5TOYM3bb2_TwynvOHBptBYWLtflaWFCRzliUzVfO_m-rArewNX7n0FNLoRE8IEnyqmFgCBk6ozb2bz-j884gpXexDa1bVSSwlgXvUAmg8OHzrKNajPp/s1600/DSC09190.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdn9RMTyZVUEMVmogcUSgHmHsBT5TOYM3bb2_TwynvOHBptBYWLtflaWFCRzliUzVfO_m-rArewNX7n0FNLoRE8IEnyqmFgCBk6ozb2bz-j884gpXexDa1bVSSwlgXvUAmg8OHzrKNajPp/s320/DSC09190.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Produced by Green Design Works<br />
(I don't have a photo of the Wilson Stump heart design. You can see it <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GREEN.DESIGN.WORKS/photos/pcb.1031527906902670/1031527630236031/?type=3&theater" target="_blank">here</a>. )</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfRKEtHgxMarcJvRzASnxbg6HrtXVPkIJjUQnWHJ2PUoIwAWaMWL6_cng7fLKj2o66WcMt4ogOt0yyU_E79T7Q8J5ReZM0Ta_mjydC6y1cFyb4SbaEGWoD0UsKmhuZ9CGCOLyC6VifTAPM/s1600/DSC09169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfRKEtHgxMarcJvRzASnxbg6HrtXVPkIJjUQnWHJ2PUoIwAWaMWL6_cng7fLKj2o66WcMt4ogOt0yyU_E79T7Q8J5ReZM0Ta_mjydC6y1cFyb4SbaEGWoD0UsKmhuZ9CGCOLyC6VifTAPM/s320/DSC09169.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Produced by Sugimoto-san and sold exclusively at Rental 10 (Anbo)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOG6-Q-g40WNDS1FOtZkCrMEUhVF_4RJMcr152q-zWhTBX-YG8FRbhwKDv8rlFFsl7pFxj0vjFR83PQ5P348LDVeYkQtarS9bEokDiYZec-liCFfjPBihf7qKbKWtfXddR79O_l1gL0jJd/s1600/DSC09188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOG6-Q-g40WNDS1FOtZkCrMEUhVF_4RJMcr152q-zWhTBX-YG8FRbhwKDv8rlFFsl7pFxj0vjFR83PQ5P348LDVeYkQtarS9bEokDiYZec-liCFfjPBihf7qKbKWtfXddR79O_l1gL0jJd/s320/DSC09188.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Produced by Garamosta and sold at Furosata Ichiba (Miyanoura)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5s5ZEhbnwyThSCoiB5bvP2-BWnGWJ5fup94KAC-h6nXNwwX46E71Y9DejkG_ecmonnq0o0GBLUR7Ls_Uy5T4Q1iPsjyLMjSed2tBFqZ_3EHDyAbCRhk7uPd9YEVN2o0kKeGN1DybP9Y5F/s1600/DSC09189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5s5ZEhbnwyThSCoiB5bvP2-BWnGWJ5fup94KAC-h6nXNwwX46E71Y9DejkG_ecmonnq0o0GBLUR7Ls_Uy5T4Q1iPsjyLMjSed2tBFqZ_3EHDyAbCRhk7uPd9YEVN2o0kKeGN1DybP9Y5F/s320/DSC09189.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Produced by Garamosta and sold at Furosata Ichiba (Miyanoura)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxL0_Z3T9sAxmhXkm9BVTEL8PKNZ9g9avGkUqF9O31313wXZfh8-_48Dyiu8F-PyvY2yubKrsjfjSuP9L1HHU0IjDI8nicfed7FmJeKWZu09CaJ-LOm4dJXs_PfG1QUefwPzxek1JOw4u-/s1600/DSC09204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxL0_Z3T9sAxmhXkm9BVTEL8PKNZ9g9avGkUqF9O31313wXZfh8-_48Dyiu8F-PyvY2yubKrsjfjSuP9L1HHU0IjDI8nicfed7FmJeKWZu09CaJ-LOm4dJXs_PfG1QUefwPzxek1JOw4u-/s320/DSC09204.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dyed with local plants (pricier but unique). Sold exclusively at Le Gajumaru (south of the airport) and Yakusugiland.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRzM0kP7y_-ph40eQjZvgqYoT8EB4w0UbEDYYsWuccm8iuzx7Xx0_8h9E4BDBV_muDum2KDq6OMs0fUk3CeTC0gt6Txhjw0IQPFLpsQD_Z6yn8tHWvn-65cSonu8EdW65cdxndgwRJwMF/s1600/DSC09194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRzM0kP7y_-ph40eQjZvgqYoT8EB4w0UbEDYYsWuccm8iuzx7Xx0_8h9E4BDBV_muDum2KDq6OMs0fUk3CeTC0gt6Txhjw0IQPFLpsQD_Z6yn8tHWvn-65cSonu8EdW65cdxndgwRJwMF/s320/DSC09194.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fast-drying synthetic shirts at Furosato Ichiba (Miyanoura)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQBuPFbOuc8VTRQeg7EWmXtdRcvWqDGyrn0pcjPJZja2YeS72veyw2NTcraQgjrbTYR753gzKSVfBPnV8wH8m8s2BpASvE7gUSnCznBs2J3Jig4xfR_7AdUccrRDKPr3SpzYzr6bxh__E/s1600/DSC09202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQBuPFbOuc8VTRQeg7EWmXtdRcvWqDGyrn0pcjPJZja2YeS72veyw2NTcraQgjrbTYR753gzKSVfBPnV8wH8m8s2BpASvE7gUSnCznBs2J3Jig4xfR_7AdUccrRDKPr3SpzYzr6bxh__E/s400/DSC09202.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left: Produced by Le Gajumaru. Right: Fast-drying synthetic.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgveSDuhsBDEu3PdNxK4AuJ55r8uGrVaGDQa2gnpimPlLO0RwMLbQh6qsi420dVZTc_Zn6hhP37Fa6X3DDs5ussdzB6wIfYTJfms5qExZIpLtJmoscaA92pyK98JpClT0DPhw-yRu5ktNTZ/s1600/DSC09187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgveSDuhsBDEu3PdNxK4AuJ55r8uGrVaGDQa2gnpimPlLO0RwMLbQh6qsi420dVZTc_Zn6hhP37Fa6X3DDs5ussdzB6wIfYTJfms5qExZIpLtJmoscaA92pyK98JpClT0DPhw-yRu5ktNTZ/s320/DSC09187.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A selection of shirts at the Furosata Ichiba (Miyanoura)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WKP1ryTLRy5zouIYKHKEltXE7GHf14u4j8Os5Od-Pjp-ypTpe2c0lorPYRg0Tcc2lQTVQUFue7VDNxyZ8F4vfqRiW_DrrpfX1SpceTlI-88Cf7PBSIlSHc4Ffv4cv9Fqfkz2ZysSl-s5/s320/DSC09185.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A selection of shirts at the Furosata Ichiba (Miyanoura)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxVBSjSkGioMRX4Io4-IhXHeBaNMj24fISG8xN6Xh10WpProBAucT3Ul7VDTihdvA0-UDNrX1FutvjNo1fveTYQ-1uTVp_u5WvDmYyt9xVtFSizdpCyRoEB6mKthICOfPeV-QKCT8WkM5/s1600/DSC09196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxVBSjSkGioMRX4Io4-IhXHeBaNMj24fISG8xN6Xh10WpProBAucT3Ul7VDTihdvA0-UDNrX1FutvjNo1fveTYQ-1uTVp_u5WvDmYyt9xVtFSizdpCyRoEB6mKthICOfPeV-QKCT8WkM5/s320/DSC09196.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A selection of shirts at the Furosata Ichiba (Miyanoura)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3gGyMmgJ_rZUTRLPC3FG5ZtPu5InVAym3Ku5k5wAnL_nhgjvH21aQdCO3rclCsv1Pr38yQZTag59jDmq2heTQ1uI-2R971NmvrgMgazyibh0YJMkqilPS0FAjlkGkh7vp6lJheJbG6Pq/s1600/DSC09199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3gGyMmgJ_rZUTRLPC3FG5ZtPu5InVAym3Ku5k5wAnL_nhgjvH21aQdCO3rclCsv1Pr38yQZTag59jDmq2heTQ1uI-2R971NmvrgMgazyibh0YJMkqilPS0FAjlkGkh7vp6lJheJbG6Pq/s320/DSC09199.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A selection of shirts at the Furosata Ichiba (Miyanoura)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCf0HbkK4FVRYsVGjfY3wbNgfOPKE173bJ7omjZbpRwfvLwa9vcPMtcy49tp6OLuPR0lCBWtu4V7lOdNFIl8P9-E33zB8jRlr4266wBbQ6DwIQoC2ndQgqkGSBOc8qTqoKFV_3zlHoeYa/s1600/DSC09200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCf0HbkK4FVRYsVGjfY3wbNgfOPKE173bJ7omjZbpRwfvLwa9vcPMtcy49tp6OLuPR0lCBWtu4V7lOdNFIl8P9-E33zB8jRlr4266wBbQ6DwIQoC2ndQgqkGSBOc8qTqoKFV_3zlHoeYa/s320/DSC09200.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A selection of shirts at the Furosata Ichiba (Miyanoura)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjEP58fP4lp8YJdol9Zx5P_WJcMlKsLIxxQkhfKv3h2rT675LX-JaNmdQaF7y4EGTbdi9TwWLm_-ZUqo1s62dYryF4tqg1y4i_8GxWYpuhWxOF8NfQjRB874PO9oUdCvNrbPnU5oUJQ5T/s1600/DSC09195.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjEP58fP4lp8YJdol9Zx5P_WJcMlKsLIxxQkhfKv3h2rT675LX-JaNmdQaF7y4EGTbdi9TwWLm_-ZUqo1s62dYryF4tqg1y4i_8GxWYpuhWxOF8NfQjRB874PO9oUdCvNrbPnU5oUJQ5T/s200/DSC09195.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another shirt at the Furosata Ichiba (Miyanoura)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGc2PA2AhthzZZhq4uonnC-I3W7HEe8x4jshVt7NYLPYEPJGMEgKcQ5sDuUpPwIrq_G3F2VmJViM7VLaFcM_6plc7gZQBpZzufizw-cBEegwXfXfSRLBhsRARLNt6cqVLMbgrw758T-F-/s1600/DSC09173.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGc2PA2AhthzZZhq4uonnC-I3W7HEe8x4jshVt7NYLPYEPJGMEgKcQ5sDuUpPwIrq_G3F2VmJViM7VLaFcM_6plc7gZQBpZzufizw-cBEegwXfXfSRLBhsRARLNt6cqVLMbgrw758T-F-/s320/DSC09173.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A selection of shirts at the Kankou Center (Miyanoura)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIS1oG5AqbdMaoq04EDEE2iGQcrPuAW2nHSyRUnthWUhQ1GeTb0cF3fWiARGZfQcqjfZbCvhwUcMm9PdoX9QtsB_qaXAvqPuXKILYduqXhaLMN1u6rLT69abro-KvlpyJmORwT8ZyYvI-o/s1600/DSC09182.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIS1oG5AqbdMaoq04EDEE2iGQcrPuAW2nHSyRUnthWUhQ1GeTb0cF3fWiARGZfQcqjfZbCvhwUcMm9PdoX9QtsB_qaXAvqPuXKILYduqXhaLMN1u6rLT69abro-KvlpyJmORwT8ZyYvI-o/s320/DSC09182.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A selection of shirts at the Kankou Center (Miyanoura)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVt2tqb8EKzBYxPtftMU8dKuUYxRvNk_SorvKmp6_MFZvtB5OHpENzbngMXkTMZI1PU5l_yLabzhV9xklHihNWpio0bhCJ7giIDWQkYOPoULGI_GNXyA0FKZsPbDL4ox8lk1KJhpRAgqb/s1600/DSC09171.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVt2tqb8EKzBYxPtftMU8dKuUYxRvNk_SorvKmp6_MFZvtB5OHpENzbngMXkTMZI1PU5l_yLabzhV9xklHihNWpio0bhCJ7giIDWQkYOPoULGI_GNXyA0FKZsPbDL4ox8lk1KJhpRAgqb/s320/DSC09171.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A selection of shirts at the Kankou Center (Miyanoura)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_n_LtPKUqp4-e0Y2fg4t3yVfYX3nI2w70w5FRAs8pxZYGiXX3loBkuvyvVFP6LS0xcI9d-o4ak_cGrs7R9q_6AMrjBVSyDFmz_V1F3dF4nIabFo8-RmcanRDk5Tx_dRE0yDbHtFwwYyU/s1600/DSC09289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_n_LtPKUqp4-e0Y2fg4t3yVfYX3nI2w70w5FRAs8pxZYGiXX3loBkuvyvVFP6LS0xcI9d-o4ak_cGrs7R9q_6AMrjBVSyDFmz_V1F3dF4nIabFo8-RmcanRDk5Tx_dRE0yDbHtFwwYyU/s320/DSC09289.JPG" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sold at Sirios (Anbo)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZT-97p09YtLppqnXtx9VNr8BMG93MFuvKWVN1G_Dgs6KMPOBhfyMy5CUC6lkn-eQDG6dbRPhyYbXEsSXXgWxqPLwN75R0YU6DLGsF1CIN1a19lgg5spvo5hoB7FaI6G6DXQPCFNhk9ck/s1600/DSC09201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZT-97p09YtLppqnXtx9VNr8BMG93MFuvKWVN1G_Dgs6KMPOBhfyMy5CUC6lkn-eQDG6dbRPhyYbXEsSXXgWxqPLwN75R0YU6DLGsF1CIN1a19lgg5spvo5hoB7FaI6G6DXQPCFNhk9ck/s320/DSC09201.JPG" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know it's not a shirt, but I also love this man-apron sold at Pukari-Do near the airport.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Designs and colors are changing all the time. What designs have you found? (Please feel free to add your favorites in the comments.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Yakushima Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346581300800838371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442135343515193479.post-34611880128800189482016-04-24T15:55:00.003+09:002016-04-27T09:28:24.834+09:00Yakusugiland - Overlooked Beauty<span style="font-size: large;">Straddling the powerful Arakawa River</span>, at the foot of sacred Mt. Tacchu and Mt. Ishidzuka, flirting in and out of the layer of clouds at an altitude of 1,000 m, is Yakusugiland, a natural park where visitors can hike the moss-lined trails among thousand-year-old trees.<br />
<br />
This park is home to both the "easiest" trails of sidewalks and wooden steps as well as access to full-scale mountain hiking and multi-day hikes down trails marked by bangles of pink tape. It is one of the rainiest places in this rainy island, easily receiving around 10 meters of annual rainfall. I highly recommend Yakusugiland to those hiking on their own because you can venture deeper and deeper into the forest into less maintained territory yet turn back at any time, and the bridges are constructed to make the park hike-able in all but the worst weather. <br />
<br />
However, people often read, <b>YakusugiLAND</b>, and are immediately reminded of an amusement park and turned off. That means that although bus tours often visit the 30-minute course, most of the park is undeservedly empty, and a tranquil paradise for those who seek serenity.<br />
<br />
*All trails can be quite slippery, and even icey in the winter. After a dry spell, the walking may be relatively easy, but especially after a good rain, when new moss starts to grow on the wood planks, the trails become more slippery.<br />
<b></b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lpJUakgzobLmGrqDoPHXjKgbunzA_ifN1G2VqmqQl4HtGtqIbMVsG59jgNnxcymIxFIcI2YRC6qpywugvTJYkAa0g30OD3WtC6dCCl6gJht5QNz4lYDMZHMaxFtiAlK_gtWV2O6Ru7TW/s1600/Screenshot+-+2015%25E5%25B9%25B407%25E6%259C%258812%25E6%2597%25A5+-+19%25E6%2599%258251%25E5%2588%258657%25E7%25A7%2592.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lpJUakgzobLmGrqDoPHXjKgbunzA_ifN1G2VqmqQl4HtGtqIbMVsG59jgNnxcymIxFIcI2YRC6qpywugvTJYkAa0g30OD3WtC6dCCl6gJht5QNz4lYDMZHMaxFtiAlK_gtWV2O6Ru7TW/s320/Screenshot+-+2015%25E5%25B9%25B407%25E6%259C%258812%25E6%2597%25A5+-+19%25E6%2599%258251%25E5%2588%258657%25E7%25A7%2592.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
*Check the map often, because trails within the park curve back to the entrance, but trails leaving the park do not.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxN9OCaaV5mvbFTxHcshN5QXz8XqqKmdxpTG2P9UGKC5dUkm7Oc4ye6JLWREzo7EohMOiZoldANuTXHMPc4A9OP8fG54XMmXesFcDOk9y33L3xUJNLiOywl7Z0Ikz9DLsZawtld_ptYTe/s1600/DSC01701.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxN9OCaaV5mvbFTxHcshN5QXz8XqqKmdxpTG2P9UGKC5dUkm7Oc4ye6JLWREzo7EohMOiZoldANuTXHMPc4A9OP8fG54XMmXesFcDOk9y33L3xUJNLiOywl7Z0Ikz9DLsZawtld_ptYTe/s320/DSC01701.JPG" width="320" /></a>
Yakusugiland is operated by the <a href="http://y-rekumori.com/yakusugi_map/" target="_blank">Yakushima Recreational Forests Department</a>, (a branch of the Forestry Agency's Conservation Center. I don't know if all of these have official English translations.) which also operates Shiratani Unsuikyo. During park hours from 8:30am to 4:30pm, the entrance donation for 300 yen (set to rise in 2017) includes a postcard and map of the park. You can also visit the gift store by the parking lot and use the indoor break room on the second floor. The toilets are open 24 hours and users are asked to make a 100 yen donation. Cell-phone service through Docomo (AU may follow soon) is available at the main building.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br clear="all" />
<b>30-minute trail: </b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22PtB9GzZ-MC6sYBtCEiLbARZ6QjNQekbwjaR03vu2keVwiRyxaGweiOc6h86phZKeONDy1LrkP3ddTz3fd-h6NyQSr1k3FP6P6i5ta8jwghXPCPzss11YWqbaFIthpOx6777WVcn8Os5/s1600/DSC03001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22PtB9GzZ-MC6sYBtCEiLbARZ6QjNQekbwjaR03vu2keVwiRyxaGweiOc6h86phZKeONDy1LrkP3ddTz3fd-h6NyQSr1k3FP6P6i5ta8jwghXPCPzss11YWqbaFIthpOx6777WVcn8Os5/s320/DSC03001.JPG" width="177" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sennen Sugi is a Yakusugi<br />
embraced by <i>Trochodendrons</i>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In addition to the sidewalks and wooden steps lined by moss, ferns, and trees hundreds of years old, enjoy walking "through" both a spruce tree (<i>Tsuga sieboldii</i>) and a Japanese cedar (<i>Cryptomeria japonica</i>), and crossing two large foot bridges over tributaries to the Arakawa River. You'll see trees growing atop boulders and other trees and atop stumps and trunks cut down inEdo times, including the pair known as "Futago-Sugi" which are two trees that have melded (inosculated) together. Cryptomeria growing on the remains of other Cryptomeria are called "second generation" trees.<br />
<br />
For just a little more exercise you can descend the staircase to the tree called "Sennen Sugi." This is a tree that was, for whatever reason, spared by Edo-period loggers and is said to be about 1,000 years old. Japanese cedars that reach this old age in Yakushima are collectively called Yakusugi trees. The wood has very dense tree rings and can be composed of 20~30% (or more!) resin and extractives.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCPR4VP1ddvvQqCaSBp5q63JDf6GmsDPiw8Vex2E_RVggb21TIuPMrGgHYWcBNYxM2wFa2hSfOFZSfuv3cQ1qb0grnQhf-pRMBj-EN1cp_jXVfo2BlWptqHD0T6zl9R5mmInyyuiv419c/s1600/DSC00517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCPR4VP1ddvvQqCaSBp5q63JDf6GmsDPiw8Vex2E_RVggb21TIuPMrGgHYWcBNYxM2wFa2hSfOFZSfuv3cQ1qb0grnQhf-pRMBj-EN1cp_jXVfo2BlWptqHD0T6zl9R5mmInyyuiv419c/s640/DSC00517.JPG" width="640" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6E4X1hekVX13JFeLhFR3YCPFdc0FuxPG_1V2Od_HkHDoh9KoSQcTZgbnC4xNYaRFGmLuUG0oMxpjnnnU1gfgEJifzNPYP9Pqhg4tZMfqqUOdR2oGPJcghvXBbtfwMeIs-POM9MPbcNAvN/s1600/DSC00535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6E4X1hekVX13JFeLhFR3YCPFdc0FuxPG_1V2Od_HkHDoh9KoSQcTZgbnC4xNYaRFGmLuUG0oMxpjnnnU1gfgEJifzNPYP9Pqhg4tZMfqqUOdR2oGPJcghvXBbtfwMeIs-POM9MPbcNAvN/s640/DSC00535.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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On the far side of the suspension bridge, just before the exit, there is a staircase down to the river, but be forewarned that is is usually EXTREMELY slippery and should not be descended by casual strollers.<br />
<br />
<b>50-minute trail:</b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rmVXT9B8P19bIi5v9nITDpzv7EbC7FXo_cwlFkuCc8_SSn5oxLXpM_q8iq0t6Yq1PAR8ywCX4-IRTaok0VcPILkLSfrt8VKoOMc_6E1NObP5CI9XL0a2btHK564fIkKciYm-37K6N_5a/s1600/DSC06991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rmVXT9B8P19bIi5v9nITDpzv7EbC7FXo_cwlFkuCc8_SSn5oxLXpM_q8iq0t6Yq1PAR8ywCX4-IRTaok0VcPILkLSfrt8VKoOMc_6E1NObP5CI9XL0a2btHK564fIkKciYm-37K6N_5a/s320/DSC06991.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A trip to Yakusugiland is hardly<br />
complete without seeing the Buddha Sugi.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJyNBnWWX3-hQRQVh8zAj1X6CcJMF2J1uRHMsWQyimiCx4xZtIskSQcYrL7JxOL-ptAPPwLkm6f78wvxUP6w02_hiyHhIaNm_ogQpoqgca8JoAUmpF3MYSD80YX29cpPcb4TENJ2N6DYyu/s1600/DSC00459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJyNBnWWX3-hQRQVh8zAj1X6CcJMF2J1uRHMsWQyimiCx4xZtIskSQcYrL7JxOL-ptAPPwLkm6f78wvxUP6w02_hiyHhIaNm_ogQpoqgca8JoAUmpF3MYSD80YX29cpPcb4TENJ2N6DYyu/s200/DSC00459.JPG" width="200" /></a>Yakusugiland's 50-minute trail is a wonderful option for those who want to venture further into the forest, but are not comfortable walking on rugged terrain, or don't want wade through the mud in downpour conditions. In addition to all the features of the 30-minute walk, you can walk down to the Arakawahashi Bridge, a suspension bridge over the powerful Arakawa River. Although the 50-minute trail does not cross this bridge, it is worth stopping here to admire the river. You will also want to make another small detour to the Buddha Sugi, a Yakusugi tree that is estimated to be around 1,800 years old. Notice that this tree is hollow and much of it has lost its bark and leaves, but it is adorned by many other plant species (epiphytes) that make their home in its branches. There is a small shelter by the Buddha Sugi where you can take a short rest to enjoy the forest. <br />
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<b>80-minute trail:</b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTslin-rc8hQw85EiX74XXl23qljLN0U_kx0L04rXW5573_y9yGZoZvhFrc0FJiqv5iZMzPey3Hbuvbg6lPx6hT65StlzNyAR9-A73p6jvGzXXAary4F2S_ig1amZosD8Bm4FhNNFRJZcq/s1600/DSC09641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTslin-rc8hQw85EiX74XXl23qljLN0U_kx0L04rXW5573_y9yGZoZvhFrc0FJiqv5iZMzPey3Hbuvbg6lPx6hT65StlzNyAR9-A73p6jvGzXXAary4F2S_ig1amZosD8Bm4FhNNFRJZcq/s200/DSC09641.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, this is the trail.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwSsSq-JzynWXLim_x9cWtB8PqlJU5f6yTOR0ncwbZ1Y5cdxBwp9D-938feIPHdVvf07sKn2qY9n1nQNppOMPvhfb6Wfah1WJlFuDdEOxP5EKWqVRnE-5QnF-k2p1fPOdduuqG4cmBmPi/s1600/DSC09585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwSsSq-JzynWXLim_x9cWtB8PqlJU5f6yTOR0ncwbZ1Y5cdxBwp9D-938feIPHdVvf07sKn2qY9n1nQNppOMPvhfb6Wfah1WJlFuDdEOxP5EKWqVRnE-5QnF-k2p1fPOdduuqG4cmBmPi/s320/DSC09585.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwSsSq-JzynWXLim_x9cWtB8PqlJU5f6yTOR0ncwbZ1Y5cdxBwp9D-938feIPHdVvf07sKn2qY9n1nQNppOMPvhfb6Wfah1WJlFuDdEOxP5EKWqVRnE-5QnF-k2p1fPOdduuqG4cmBmPi/s1600/DSC09585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
In addition to all the features of the 30-minute and 50-minute walks, you will finally leave the sidewalk and boardwalks. Expect a lot of mud if it's raining, and note that the wooden planks, roots, and logs you will be walking on can get quite slippery. I encourage guests to grab on to the flora if it helps keep them upright. Shortly after turning away from the 50-minute trail, you will even find access to the river. Of course, it's usually quite slippery where fewer folks walk, and it's not safe to approach the river during/after heavy rains, so please use good judgement. You will also cross two more bridges, another small shelter with benches, and an area noted for satsuki azaleas that burst into bright pink flowers along the river banks in the summer. This is a good trail if you want to venture beyond the boardwalks and get away from the crowds, but don't want to commit yourself to a longer hike.<br />
<br clear="all" />
<b>150-minute trail:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC625jNHBb7gaS3RhcUeK30cbbAaLjV3ki6QWnibJcsKOCMxLHqqJ3sjymeRvR3lm6L2svjA7KXTWciA7BRzRebaJuObcYrv2yOUSsQXj6dduRIV56kqYqgMxbCFJwPYNtJWZ4SBBUSQYF/s1600/DSC02247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC625jNHBb7gaS3RhcUeK30cbbAaLjV3ki6QWnibJcsKOCMxLHqqJ3sjymeRvR3lm6L2svjA7KXTWciA7BRzRebaJuObcYrv2yOUSsQXj6dduRIV56kqYqgMxbCFJwPYNtJWZ4SBBUSQYF/s200/DSC02247.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMxeW9JwVg5V0BH5cALJDkkQA-UJf0A4xzbIwe53InDklZsukILZzoao-_U9kOxnqAeiyK7DO-RlbcvswA5lVhGkg8D6IqYZ6tvYahAPEg8x24H8k4ESuQHslLVSWD3eHk8Ey8wqrlVYF/s1600/KIMG8534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMxeW9JwVg5V0BH5cALJDkkQA-UJf0A4xzbIwe53InDklZsukILZzoao-_U9kOxnqAeiyK7DO-RlbcvswA5lVhGkg8D6IqYZ6tvYahAPEg8x24H8k4ESuQHslLVSWD3eHk8Ey8wqrlVYF/s200/KIMG8534.JPG" width="150" /></a>In addition to most of the features of the above trails, you'll see more Yakusugi trees and many more large spruce and fir trees, and you'll begin to feel that you're really in the middle of an ancient Yakusugi forest as you leave the sidewalks and boardwalks far behind. The trail makes a prolonged ascent as it winds towards the trail head for folks climbing to Mt. Tacchu. This trail head is located at another small shelter just after a disposable-toilet-pack booth. (These are booths erected so that you can use the toilet and carry the waste back with you for proper disposal. You can purchase toilet packs at the park entrance or in many other locations around Yakushima.) You'll wind around the dark and lush lonely forest and begin to wonder if this is really the same park you entered before rejoining the other trails.<br />
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<b>Longer Options: </b><br />
<br />
If you are going to Yakugusiland by bus and you are a fast hiker, or if you want to spend a longer time in Yakusugiland, then then you may want to bring a lunch with you (No food is sold at Yakusugiland.) and venture beyond the border of the park. Just keep an eye on the time so you don't miss the bus back or get caught by darkness. For example, if you're looking to spend four to five hours, follow the trail to Mt. Tacchu until you get to Tenmon no Mori and the tree known as "Shaka Sugi" just downhill beyond. There are no signs marking Shaka Sugi, but it is at a small stream only a few minutes beyond Tenmon no Mori. In the days of Edo-period logging, spirits were believed to inhabit the large trees, and there was a custom of planting a seedling for the spirit to move to whenever a large tree was cut down in this area.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGu6zlt2d_ACC-csL_7O6eYiMwZj0V8veHsbxuoY0DuS8QxE0VIGvXhN1BuvG4r895zGuBdc1FcnA-dQj07kLIy38WTZeyPUw_JXd0H9dK7uehTGGtFPx0iqAJY7n6m5iV3BIHwojFL0V7/s1600/DSC02245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGu6zlt2d_ACC-csL_7O6eYiMwZj0V8veHsbxuoY0DuS8QxE0VIGvXhN1BuvG4r895zGuBdc1FcnA-dQj07kLIy38WTZeyPUw_JXd0H9dK7uehTGGtFPx0iqAJY7n6m5iV3BIHwojFL0V7/s320/DSC02245.JPG" width="240" /></a></td>
<td></td><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46tV0blx7_ptZlGw1MtAKqDIdvmzKGGTocPp3qtxYlYKPJQBx_f4rb4bLl7oGmSfwfl_8UE_Yi-mBSfSLgQIXK3BcCE_resas4G-QwGNbwJX0lsWWXi1nYTt6UO8xJLzuWGlp6WhF_KlG/s1600/DSC02242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46tV0blx7_ptZlGw1MtAKqDIdvmzKGGTocPp3qtxYlYKPJQBx_f4rb4bLl7oGmSfwfl_8UE_Yi-mBSfSLgQIXK3BcCE_resas4G-QwGNbwJX0lsWWXi1nYTt6UO8xJLzuWGlp6WhF_KlG/s320/DSC02242.JPG" width="240" /></a></td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite Japanese wheel tree<br />
at Tenmon no Mori</td>
<td></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shaka Sugi</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkkdn1yNAciQ0ZrUUDkmoeY2tTeE077eLKJJ-yaHk478G_Un3FnIYR4dr-5jH2MEXOIHwW0e8AVEzSLUs8C3kVdgsSGmzZvZHe9Ie-vgtLIKaLKaHLxZ5qldu_4Bw2_-nwzcXrsz13X0T/s1600/tenchuu.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkkdn1yNAciQ0ZrUUDkmoeY2tTeE077eLKJJ-yaHk478G_Un3FnIYR4dr-5jH2MEXOIHwW0e8AVEzSLUs8C3kVdgsSGmzZvZHe9Ie-vgtLIKaLKaHLxZ5qldu_4Bw2_-nwzcXrsz13X0T/s320/tenchuu.jpg" width="240" /></a>Fit hikers with six to eight hours can hike all the way up to <a href="http://yakushimalife.blogspot.jp/2013/07/exterior-peak-3-tachuu-dake.html" target="_blank">Mt. Tacchu</a> (el. 1497 m), which is crowned by a 40-m tall natural monolyth. Or, in slightly less time, you can hire a guide to hike the 8-km round trip to Yamato Sugi, which is said to be three to four thousand years old and is located along the Hana no Ego Trail. (You don't have to hire a guide, but there aren't many signs along the way, and there certainly is the potential for getting lost. If you do go on your own, look for the signs for Yamato Sugi just after the sign marking the World Natural Heritage Site.)<br />
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<b>About the Park</b><br />
<b>The Name: </b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhib2Otopzo-2XmbEEXhLfjUrG3enajx87p9rycZYjKviDW8htte3omBeS3oYkisHVWlWuVzGdUDfM4QE0alyagJkSW0bnjbVDFDT9fIaVf32zGeVM3xVqG2MpwugruDH6hD6Dra4Zm299S/s1600/DSC06945.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhib2Otopzo-2XmbEEXhLfjUrG3enajx87p9rycZYjKviDW8htte3omBeS3oYkisHVWlWuVzGdUDfM4QE0alyagJkSW0bnjbVDFDT9fIaVf32zGeVM3xVqG2MpwugruDH6hD6Dra4Zm299S/s200/DSC06945.JPG" width="150" /></a>Yakusugiland is often overlooked simply because of its name. But don't let the name fool you. The park was established in 1974 and was <a href="http://tabira.biz/jyouhou876.htm" target="_blank">named by Hisao Takada</a>, one of the great mountain men of Yakushima, who worked from a young age in the logging village of Kosugidani, and has done a lot to keep the memory of this era alive. When asked what he thought about Jomon Sugi's age being estimated at 7,200 years, he said <a href="http://www.okazaki-seizai.co.jp/yakushima/2010-11.html" target="_blank">that's crazy</a>. It must be a marketing stunt. He thought Jomon should be popular because of its inherent aesthetic beauty, and I think he'd be annoyed if anyone thought of Yakusugiland as a Disney-type theme park. One of my own guests recently commented that if it was a theme park, they'd be sued for liability because of the rugged terrain.<br />
<b><br />The Location:</b><br />
At an elevation of 1,000 meters (about a 30-minute drive into the mountains from the closest town of Anbo), the park bares the hallmark signs of Edo period logging: Leftover stumps and axe-marks everywhere. It was spared in the 20th century, and although it is not part of the World Natural Heritage Site, it is definitely beautiful enough to be included, and it is part of the important buffer zone surrounding the World Natural Heritage Site.<br />
<br />
<b>In the Area:</b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqF7VVac4oNLQQ-pKloxxuZ2hgMA3sQUgH2bsEe4nbmFl0a8z-KFAudhRthRsN3n0erKEZ81dJ0PUN2WrFt-88wPNVEMbmOqj6xM3ShZOxJ_574DnZwr_ia8mJApMGSnFmeeMxljbnCq1/s1600/%25E7%25B4%2580%25E5%2585%2583%25E6%259D%2589_20120702_063009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqF7VVac4oNLQQ-pKloxxuZ2hgMA3sQUgH2bsEe4nbmFl0a8z-KFAudhRthRsN3n0erKEZ81dJ0PUN2WrFt-88wPNVEMbmOqj6xM3ShZOxJ_574DnZwr_ia8mJApMGSnFmeeMxljbnCq1/s320/%25E7%25B4%2580%25E5%2585%2583%25E6%259D%2589_20120702_063009.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kigen Sugi: At the end of the bus line.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you go to Yakusugiland by bus, you'll want to continue past the park entrance to the Kigen Sugi bus stop at the end of the line. Spend a few minutes reveling in the shadow of Kigen Sugi, a Cryptomeria estimated to be around 3,000 years old, and then catch the bus when it goes back down, and, this time, get off at Yakusugiland.Yakushima Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346581300800838371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442135343515193479.post-33859190424739024092016-04-24T10:19:00.002+09:002016-04-24T17:07:00.344+09:00Ryujin Sugi: Jomon Sugi's Alter Ego<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58hYNDaHjx1-ZQL5y6HqbCiRec9QGQN-OlDXhTaOxlu1NMd4o3IyynauNySvjBKBmFmGIhYhDaZli17zQp8B4QCAdhjF1SzFq0-qRICNkFeS-24sUkGEMjF5Dx6dhyphenhyphenoLj4payhSwZANvE/s1600/ryuujinfulla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58hYNDaHjx1-ZQL5y6HqbCiRec9QGQN-OlDXhTaOxlu1NMd4o3IyynauNySvjBKBmFmGIhYhDaZli17zQp8B4QCAdhjF1SzFq0-qRICNkFeS-24sUkGEMjF5Dx6dhyphenhyphenoLj4payhSwZANvE/s640/ryuujinfulla.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Ryūjin Sugi,</span> a one day hike to the tranquil realm of the Dragon God Tree.<br />
<br />
This is the hike I often recommend to highly experienced hikers who are intrigued by the idea of "Jomon Sugi," but don't like the idea of sharing the trail with dozens or even hundreds of other hikers. In fact, I often think of Ryujin Sugi as Jomon Sugi's darker sibling, the one the parents lock in the bedroom when the college recruitment team comes to visit Jomon.<br />
<br />
The destination of this hike, Ryujin Sugi (龍神, the Dragon God), is 11 meters around and estimated to be on the order of two thousand years old. Along with its two companions<span class="_Tgc">—</span> Fujin Sugi (風神, the Wind God), and Raijin Sugi (雷神, the Thunder God)<span class="_Tgc">—it and a cluster of enormous stumps it rises like a phoenix from the ashes above an area</span> wrecked by logging and strewn with plots of young replanted forest. While a circumference of 11 meters is far short of Jomon's 16.4 meter girth, the impression of power is very different from the placidity of Jomon Sugi.<br />
<br />
Much of the hike leads up the old stone path through evergreen deciduous forest. A thick canopy shades a dark, lush forest with a very open forest floor. However, the mature forest is broken up by plantation forests of young cryptomeria, and the contrast couldn't be more pronounced.<br />
<br />
<b>The details:</b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24o4VhnVIOrN-qWDduQNBq96rk6jyF08Q_cONTHa6sd9HywglbvUdZiDUPyQKhF5toXPvRwNEwPMPYiChyCtZD3U3L0i1vzG7gQlEv-jz8msDoxljQxZ3eX0ouUMAZTtaP1-TpmBgJnLm/s1600/KIMG2308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24o4VhnVIOrN-qWDduQNBq96rk6jyF08Q_cONTHa6sd9HywglbvUdZiDUPyQKhF5toXPvRwNEwPMPYiChyCtZD3U3L0i1vzG7gQlEv-jz8msDoxljQxZ3eX0ouUMAZTtaP1-TpmBgJnLm/s320/KIMG2308.JPG" width="258" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sign at the gate. It's a beautiful<br />
trail, and there are a few mileage<br />
markers along the way, but don't<br />
expect any English :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The trail is on the northern side of Mt. Takatsuka, the mountain on which <br />
Jomon Sugi is located. To get to the trail head, first head to the Comprehensive Nature Park, (総合自然公園, <i>sougou shizen kouen</i>. Park is a bit of a misnomer. It's mor like a nursery and gardens.) which is bike-riding distance from Miyanoura. There's a spacious field for parking by the river, or, if you're brave enough, you can drive 3.3km up the gravel road near the back of the parking lot. Then you'll arrive at a gate and you'll have to park the car next to the road. Continue another 1km by foot up the logging road to reach the official trail head. Altogether, from the gate to Ryujin Sugi and back is a 13 kilometer round trip with a map time of 8 to 9 hours.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYzJwKz9ejL29O2ndigdEUlSfVornFa3g5Sm79BxLnPGyVhdh1C5qp0caop3Z7Af6n2wqSJeVtvkFL298YsqNT5tJnyAtHNYPrAiWplzATxbKmtV8U6VRrcw6SFW_Z9CAQqa-GC1mrVhxC/s1600/KIMG2320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYzJwKz9ejL29O2ndigdEUlSfVornFa3g5Sm79BxLnPGyVhdh1C5qp0caop3Z7Af6n2wqSJeVtvkFL298YsqNT5tJnyAtHNYPrAiWplzATxbKmtV8U6VRrcw6SFW_Z9CAQqa-GC1mrVhxC/s320/KIMG2320.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking north from the logging road, <br />
you can see the mountains
visited<br />
annually by pilgrims from the<br />
towns of Shitoko, Isso, and
Yoshida.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The route follows an old, moss-covered stone path for most of the way with a brief jaunt along abandoned train tracks. It's an easy trail to follow, but not recommended for folks with bad knees. You'll be hiking from an elevation of 200 meters to around 1260 meters. That's quite a bit more climb than the trail to Jomon Sugi.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMgCwUNtFhM5aYGrFAgFcMuLcCkQElSup23lhYElCFSGnJZz4EGOlrUDYgcwEOhrGgHQspGywHo05CXbalYfJoNW75JJ8OowcJkfFdP2i7y7MqJSDyH3AqXvswiSCOb1ibbOfm65U281sC/s1600/DSC05303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMgCwUNtFhM5aYGrFAgFcMuLcCkQElSup23lhYElCFSGnJZz4EGOlrUDYgcwEOhrGgHQspGywHo05CXbalYfJoNW75JJ8OowcJkfFdP2i7y7MqJSDyH3AqXvswiSCOb1ibbOfm65U281sC/s320/DSC05303.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stream crossing!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As you can see on the map, there is also one big stream that you will cross twice on the way and again on the way back, so I can't recommend this trail in heavy rains.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
There's no sign of giant trees until you near the end of the hike, but
instead the trail weaves between beautifully matured broadleaf evergreen
forest and young plantation forest. I've heard there may be plans to
make the area more accessible, as it really is a beautiful forest even
if you don't want to hike all the way to Ryujin, and evidence of logging
communities brings the history to life.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="10" cellspacing="2" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWgr1RwF8tVW6Qh9PjnhV4kmH-G2P3zfFEUtXsrZVVolNG3ey5ICR-3xa20BDDHxGnNsuSjS80UtGGhNnhq53BwkHk89IcyYt_9syM73FPnaTqrt6JBam_OADxZ6PhU8Q1gsXDbqy__iQ/s1600/KIMG2379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWgr1RwF8tVW6Qh9PjnhV4kmH-G2P3zfFEUtXsrZVVolNG3ey5ICR-3xa20BDDHxGnNsuSjS80UtGGhNnhq53BwkHk89IcyYt_9syM73FPnaTqrt6JBam_OADxZ6PhU8Q1gsXDbqy__iQ/s200/KIMG2379.JPG" width="150" /></a>
</td><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJn9KiADydKk54GV0zdbB3hNQ_74YAzULwWRSiewEYsQCUB0TeQINgh7_NpG_cCKmuQr4yzvUpM8aUNduZ_Rs7v5iaC3qdhX5irW2qTUgJtC44OyrO3MTsGQZgVCeFeOM8j0EAFAKC4Y0/s1600/KIMG2331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJn9KiADydKk54GV0zdbB3hNQ_74YAzULwWRSiewEYsQCUB0TeQINgh7_NpG_cCKmuQr4yzvUpM8aUNduZ_Rs7v5iaC3qdhX5irW2qTUgJtC44OyrO3MTsGQZgVCeFeOM8j0EAFAKC4Y0/s200/KIMG2331.JPG" width="150" /></a>
</td><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86FBEenEI9xhiGvct4UTi557C1lSI3Qr4270DCYVTNz9WRtk1v74JAOUYNvTIClhPT5hdN9M1y1cUWDZTqI31eCbgCzA-sWxCoxiPbZ3zM8utMXpDCkGDyeQJNbeCDeNWKGB_mFzTitHL/s1600/DSC05280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86FBEenEI9xhiGvct4UTi557C1lSI3Qr4270DCYVTNz9WRtk1v74JAOUYNvTIClhPT5hdN9M1y1cUWDZTqI31eCbgCzA-sWxCoxiPbZ3zM8utMXpDCkGDyeQJNbeCDeNWKGB_mFzTitHL/s200/DSC05280.JPG" width="150" /></a>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" colspan="3" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uicKqa6YFD1-G_aNsAJ5Vt7RaTQgzGem_bhpq550s4tcFAWBao-eyAhg-4m8E6rXmcTyaoOtak0WUtfYRBlF0cdbGjbcmLypEJ76J6kLlfPXbquAYphAFrRVNeUE7VgC87TfEh7LoF8Y/s1600/DSC05273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uicKqa6YFD1-G_aNsAJ5Vt7RaTQgzGem_bhpq550s4tcFAWBao-eyAhg-4m8E6rXmcTyaoOtak0WUtfYRBlF0cdbGjbcmLypEJ76J6kLlfPXbquAYphAFrRVNeUE7VgC87TfEh7LoF8Y/s200/DSC05273.JPG" width="200" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIxIqodn5Zd4z2umvhClhrfItm1Um0Tbdy8aWVJ5sakhx7DKNm4LPZfKon7qK4883zMFT4Z1WC1UC6FwivYgg77S6PAfB3rywTnZGug7VBBdS3apr4g4jqCLKwhz6D0Rhi0mGKtJ7CUPa/s1600/DSC05304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1m; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIxIqodn5Zd4z2umvhClhrfItm1Um0Tbdy8aWVJ5sakhx7DKNm4LPZfKon7qK4883zMFT4Z1WC1UC6FwivYgg77S6PAfB3rywTnZGug7VBBdS3apr4g4jqCLKwhz6D0Rhi0mGKtJ7CUPa/s200/DSC05304.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" colspan="3" style="text-align: center;">The stone trail weaves between broadleaf evergreen forest and plantation forest.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Then, near the end, you suddenly find yourself in a very tranquil, old-growth forest. The peace and sanctity feel a world removed from the hubbub surrounding Jomon Sugi on the other side of Mt. Takatsuka. There are no fences, no counters, no observation cameras. Indeed, there's only a small wooden deck and a placard that says, simply, Ryujin Sugi.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="10" cellspacing="2" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMfA0D4yyKhh-E5ALR6NNWAOMP9FexQDEKwqN4au5YfGlxphHS_8r6gM5i-1jVdEIRuDNyyeFmLzLYq0u4JzoyIDfI0FtG5cCKPxNycmup-yX79tEdYxffdNlOvy_TFAtarNtesbfTJPK/s1600/lightening.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMfA0D4yyKhh-E5ALR6NNWAOMP9FexQDEKwqN4au5YfGlxphHS_8r6gM5i-1jVdEIRuDNyyeFmLzLYq0u4JzoyIDfI0FtG5cCKPxNycmup-yX79tEdYxffdNlOvy_TFAtarNtesbfTJPK/s200/lightening.jpg" width="150" /></a>
</td><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIg_bJj3uGsnawqM7se7aqVjT_aRUXl6kpXf9zWBmHIGTGiL0-84N2bNzjjVi4WUhwhYP1HnefARbJDNlHJOQ4Jtn-Eo0umg4TDWSzwIa8dyx9liX9Rna-nxDxHYLOpXi1Cl2KHy_STVDJ/s1600/square+stump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIg_bJj3uGsnawqM7se7aqVjT_aRUXl6kpXf9zWBmHIGTGiL0-84N2bNzjjVi4WUhwhYP1HnefARbJDNlHJOQ4Jtn-Eo0umg4TDWSzwIa8dyx9liX9Rna-nxDxHYLOpXi1Cl2KHy_STVDJ/s200/square+stump.jpg" width="150" /></a>
</td><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCufvp_3i0L4EfUruUCqK8LHnPeS2iy_s7BmHyJkSQ14arSD4gB2ULr0kWmluf1yl162QOFsS-VE2W9JabefzcZajLDK4dWJwV2RB7HENzd9_LKizNs9GC6JX57ZFNLLjjnKZTfaXpWAQG/s1600/w%25E2%2580%258Cind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCufvp_3i0L4EfUruUCqK8LHnPeS2iy_s7BmHyJkSQ14arSD4gB2ULr0kWmluf1yl162QOFsS-VE2W9JabefzcZajLDK4dWJwV2RB7HENzd9_LKizNs9GC6JX57ZFNLLjjnKZTfaXpWAQG/s200/w%25E2%2580%258Cind.jpg" width="150" /></a>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" colspan="3" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw9vbmzAMOaHvXs2K-dvfRBku8vxXwaf_k_-NNCbQL2wESY8szeg_-ZKiiYzpaLYemyVbD10aCO732M8LEjKtH_m7UPbWWcZ1vfFNgHGOR-RANNMH1RQU7YQ2tCD_1zKciBPQjLhBV6rFL/s1600/DSC05286words.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw9vbmzAMOaHvXs2K-dvfRBku8vxXwaf_k_-NNCbQL2wESY8szeg_-ZKiiYzpaLYemyVbD10aCO732M8LEjKtH_m7UPbWWcZ1vfFNgHGOR-RANNMH1RQU7YQ2tCD_1zKciBPQjLhBV6rFL/s640/DSC05286words.JPG" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" colspan="3" style="text-align: center;">From top left: Fujin Sugi, a stump, Raijin Sugi, another stump.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Once you get back to the parking lot at the Nature Park, there's a tiny public bath (heated spring water) called Yu no konoYu across the way. Because only several people can bathe at a time, it's a good idea to call in advance and make a reservation, but even if you don't have a reservation it's worth a try.<br />
<br />
<b>Destination Elevation: ~1260m<br />
Trail Head Elevation: ~200m </b><br />
<b>Length: 13 km rouondtrip</b> (including 2.2 km walking up the logging road beyond the gate)<br />
<b>Map time: 6~9 hours</b> round trip for experienced hikers. Because there are so few people on the trail, I do not recommend it for inexperienced hikers.<br />
Getting to the Trail Head: If you don't have a car, take a taxi from the town of Miyanoura. If you're really fit and you give yourself a couple extra hours to walk up the gravel road, you go as far as the Comprehensive Nature Park by bicycle.<br />
<b>Toilets: There are no toilets.</b> There are usually not many hikers on this trail, but I still suggest you bring a disposable toilet pack (available at many shops and information booths in Yakushima).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe height="240" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=12q5uIDGYiyX1kjYlzssTvVASiUw" width="320"></iframe>Yakushima Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346581300800838371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442135343515193479.post-73653402486086076122015-12-05T11:32:00.005+09:002015-12-05T20:57:58.467+09:00929 Jetfoil: Airplane in the Sea<span style="font-size: large;">You can get to Yakushima</span> by airplane. Or you can go by ferry. Or you can go by something in between: The Boeing/Kawasaki 929-115 JETFOIL, also known as the "Airplane in the Sea."<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGKEEoth3_HxIMrMg23UjW0qKPJbb4qAwy9UVfhyphenhyphenDJK4MOBsIW6nAHGoU7jtgNiw6RqlCSSVj0Bo_D48MnYx8KOMVvU6sjwNN_-gRGl784X6-Prw-93HcS_r3yl-cA9dSlsv9mLmdJ5oT/s1600/DSC02680a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGKEEoth3_HxIMrMg23UjW0qKPJbb4qAwy9UVfhyphenhyphenDJK4MOBsIW6nAHGoU7jtgNiw6RqlCSSVj0Bo_D48MnYx8KOMVvU6sjwNN_-gRGl784X6-Prw-93HcS_r3yl-cA9dSlsv9mLmdJ5oT/s400/DSC02680a.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also known as the High-speed ferry (高速船), Toppy (a local word meaning "flying-fish"), Cosmoline, and Rocket, you can <a href="https://www.tykousoku.jp/" target="_blank">buy your tickets on the Japanese website</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Let's not get this confused with a hovercraft. While both hydrofoils and hovercraft work on the concept that a boat can go faster if it can get it's haul out of the water, that's pretty much where the similarities end.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.boeing.com/history/products/jetfoil-hydrofoil.page" target="_blank">Boeing</a> touts their passenger hydrofoil craft as "smooth," "fast," and "as quiet as a conventional auto ferry." Because it rides mostly above the water, it creates much less wake than conventional boats, and the way it "platforms" across the water gives a very stable ride without all the sea-sick rocking. I think it feels like riding in an airplane that never takes off.<br />
<br />
When Boeing launched the <a href="https://books.google.co.jp/books?id=5OIDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA186&lpg=PA186&dq=JETFOIL+Propulsion+System&source=bl&ots=Xzw7w5X-iY&sig=MwuF9eXxJS7hfOLFmq4R-hspUr4&hl=en&sa=X&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=JETFOIL%20Propulsion%20System&f=false" target="_blank">$6 million</a> (now a used one costs more like $8mil) 250-seat, 45-knot/50mph 929 craft in 1974, they called it the JETFOIL, the marriage of jet-engine propulsion and lift from wing-shaped foils. It's just like a jet airplane except that it works with jets of water and the foils are underwater.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWBan1da81udOFYBEJvA8zs9zL8x324b_wb5B14cXheV6G4oiVKFY7h84ajU7m3HwQ8XuARe63fzgfX68CjspQ5BTnijJ-kKJnSGjl_TaSp3-nh0IetpYjxfFNySlJ7zpL6WUVogKV1nq/s1600/Screenshot+-+2015%25E5%25B9%25B412%25E6%259C%258805%25E6%2597%25A5+-+12%25E6%2599%258233%25E5%2588%258650%25E7%25A7%2592.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWBan1da81udOFYBEJvA8zs9zL8x324b_wb5B14cXheV6G4oiVKFY7h84ajU7m3HwQ8XuARe63fzgfX68CjspQ5BTnijJ-kKJnSGjl_TaSp3-nh0IetpYjxfFNySlJ7zpL6WUVogKV1nq/s320/Screenshot+-+2015%25E5%25B9%25B412%25E6%259C%258805%25E6%2597%25A5+-+12%25E6%2599%258233%25E5%2588%258650%25E7%25A7%2592.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This copy of a drawing printed in the <a href="https://books.google.co.jp/books?id=bOU8TD_BxwMC" target="_blank">April 1973 issue of Popular Science</a>, after Boeing announced the JETFOIL project, shows the position of the hydrofoils. Although they live up to specs, they never became as popular in the states as the article's author envisioned*</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
When "hullborne," it can <a href="https://books.google.co.jp/books?id=bOU8TD_BxwMC&pg=PA78&lpg=PA78&dq=JETFOIL+Propulsion+System&source=bl&ots=qWyHk61y1A&sig=ZV8I4JGCJJDErMeT81IcDwcBC8E&hl=en&sa=X&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=JETFOIL%20Propulsion%20System&f=false" target="_blank">turn on a dime and even pull into port almost sideways</a>! Once the 929 leaves the dock and starts to pick up speed, aft and forward "wings" are lowered below the craft. Then it "takes off" and becomes "foilborne." (I'm not sure that's a real word, but you'll see it if you ride the JETFOIL.) It uses an automated stabilization system and flaps to steer, and gives a very smooth ride as it platforms across waves up to 12ft/4m. (12ft is quoted from a <a href="https://books.google.co.jp/books?id=bOU8TD_BxwMC&pg=PA78&lpg=PA78&dq=JETFOIL+Propulsion+System&source=bl&ots=qWyHk61y1A&sig=ZV8I4JGCJJDErMeT81IcDwcBC8E&hl=en&sa=X&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=JETFOIL%20Propulsion%20System&f=false" target="_blank">Pop Sci article</a>, but I've experienced it! It's true!) Quoting from Popular Mechanics:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
To give an idea of the Jetfoil's tremendous power, her twin engines consume 450 to 500 gallons of jet fuel an hour. It takes as much fuel to do 20 knots on the hull as 40 knots on the foils--dramatic evidence of the efficiency and economy of hydrofoil travel. *</blockquote>
For more hydrofoil basics, check out <a href="http://www.hydrofoilworld.org/theater/" target="_blank">Hydrofoil World</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzILd3C-wQGETlXsVe9Gm1SpFUfub81YjEHiSV3Lem87Ctk8fO82_EJ1oGkK5foYEaCfCdPEEgNrMy0TCgfqeLWNNqrmIlluuff8pEkL7TxvngYigaeotUJGfOLzHdih8mkE2FpWatSdU/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzILd3C-wQGETlXsVe9Gm1SpFUfub81YjEHiSV3Lem87Ctk8fO82_EJ1oGkK5foYEaCfCdPEEgNrMy0TCgfqeLWNNqrmIlluuff8pEkL7TxvngYigaeotUJGfOLzHdih8mkE2FpWatSdU/s200/Untitled.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My conception of a hydrofoil "platforming" across the waves.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
I'd never heard of a JETFOIL before my first trip to Yakushima, and if you haven't either, that's not surprising: Only 45 have ever been built and most of these are in <a href="http://www.kjps.co.jp/english/ekokunai.html" target="_blank">service in east Asia</a>. Boeing got out of the business in the 1980s, and the most prolific builder is currently Kawasaki of motocycle and jetski fame. They have a <a href="http://www.kjps.co.jp/english/eindex.html" target="_blank">cute webpage</a> with routes and FAQ of 929s running in Japan. (I guess it wasn't worth paying the web-designer to bring the 929 page up to par with the Ninja Z.) You can see the whole line-up of <a href="http://www.barcaferry.com/photo/photo_shipyards/kawasaki/kawasaki_929_117.htm" target="_blank">Kawasaki-made 929s on this Chinese page</a>, and if you look at the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_929#Fleet" target="_blank">list of former operators on Wikipedia</a>, you'll see that some of the current Yaku Tane fleet had a glamorous past: Rocket 2 was a royal Saudi yacht called the Prince AbdulAziz II, Rocket 1 was called the Emerald Wing, and Toppy 5 was commissioned by a Mediterranean operator and called Princess Teguise. Each Yaku Tane boarding pass stub features one of the boats, so you can save your ticket stubs and collect the whole fleet!<br />
<br />
Of course, there are a lot of other hydrofoil craft. A plethora of pictures of <br />
historic and modern hydrofoil crafts have been gathered in a <a href="http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2012/07/history-of-hydrofoils.html" target="_blank">post on Dark Roasted Blend</a>. Apparently, <a href="http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2012/07/streamlined-soviet-passenger-hydrofoils.html" target="_blank">passenger hydrofoils were quite popular in the Soviet Union</a> where <a href="http://en.nntu.ru/content/rostislav-e-alekseev-short-biography" target="_blank">Rostislav E. Alexeyev</a> developed the first commercially viable passenger craft (called the Raketa, or Rocket, just like some of the Yaku Tane boats). Then he took things a step farther and developed the notorious <a href="http://www.airlinereporter.com/tag/rostislav-alexeyev/" target="_blank">Ekranoplans</a><span class="_Tgc">—</span>super-sized planes that utilized the "ground-effect" to cruise just above the water.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoM2nHKAUedGXK2kDhXv8TqB195khCbqkbnSZiluFEoxY1WJ3Zkgx3cixxM6TdSa9rMEc25WEw2Hv_KISQcSOXsDi-OuB0nW-3uXU-LrjPH8FGkEvq-3xCsgeSyq8vzDmqB6efynGITCgR/s1600/42.8817+47.657.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoM2nHKAUedGXK2kDhXv8TqB195khCbqkbnSZiluFEoxY1WJ3Zkgx3cixxM6TdSa9rMEc25WEw2Hv_KISQcSOXsDi-OuB0nW-3uXU-LrjPH8FGkEvq-3xCsgeSyq8vzDmqB6efynGITCgR/s320/42.8817+47.657.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An <a href="http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/09/22/caspian_sea_monster/?page=2" target="_blank">article from The Register</a> points out that you can see an ekranoplan in <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/42%C2%B052'54.1%22N+47%C2%B039'25.2%22E/@42.8816564,47.6566467,234m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x0" target="_blank">Google Maps at 42.8817 47.657</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
During their history of operation off of Kagoshima the 929s have only been involved in a <a href="http://www.mlit.go.jp/jtsb/ship/p-pdf/MA2013-9-2-p.pdf" target="_blank">couple incidents </a>of hitting "obstacles" . The most recent occurred in 2012 when Toppy 1 was said to have hit a whale (. . . and no one has a picture of said whale? By the way, Toppy 1 got <a href="http://www.tokaikisen.co.jp/english/shipinfo/jetship/" target="_blank">some new paint, was renamed the Seven Islands Tomo, and now runs between Tokyo and the Izu islands.</a>) So enjoy the ride, but wear your seatbelt!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2kkB5jKua0pMkN5LBA_znPlLjNRdVehF0QXGnpEX1BrJK1Ss0v6BV5a3FhzY7TgSKM2et0tyhE8trpWcKjTNWCmRsxUyWQ2u0xOjKF_fxm0TKyJFFwexwE8JN1ZomscCq-HnFrIPosguH/s1600/pho_spl3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2kkB5jKua0pMkN5LBA_znPlLjNRdVehF0QXGnpEX1BrJK1Ss0v6BV5a3FhzY7TgSKM2et0tyhE8trpWcKjTNWCmRsxUyWQ2u0xOjKF_fxm0TKyJFFwexwE8JN1ZomscCq-HnFrIPosguH/s320/pho_spl3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After all this online reading about hydrofoils, I'm left with one question: When can I get my <a href="http://www.rinspeed.eu/info_Rinspeed-Splash_10.html" target="_blank">Rinspeed Splash</a>?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
*Kocivar, Ben. <i>Jumbo Jetfoil will be super-fast, super-smooth.</i> Popular Science, April 1973, p. 76-78, 152.<br />
*Kulkopf, Bjorn. <i>Ocean Flight by Jetfoil</i>. Popular Mechanics, April 1976, p. 75, 186.Yakushima Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346581300800838371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442135343515193479.post-31996154013082669072015-11-29T21:41:00.000+09:002015-12-02T06:55:11.008+09:00Filmy Ferns - Not everything in the Moss Forest is moss!<br />
<table>
<tbody>
<tr><td><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRKWYgmIKIcZFy26FmgDpeOA45K4yp7NWurSrYzskLAwmc2w4sUSOOWCgonY1pKwmzqIZ2I5uQgO3DiBsoF-DqDkid8cjNlVMHESxIGi8svkBedKXCjum5vmHXtLFEmhSVkJvRZkGwrfT/s1600/DSC02565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRKWYgmIKIcZFy26FmgDpeOA45K4yp7NWurSrYzskLAwmc2w4sUSOOWCgonY1pKwmzqIZ2I5uQgO3DiBsoF-DqDkid8cjNlVMHESxIGi8svkBedKXCjum5vmHXtLFEmhSVkJvRZkGwrfT/s320/DSC02565.JPG" width="249" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Japanese cypress in Shiratani<br />
sports a glowing crown of filmy ferns.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPLhkvg0lud7ay3a7rm0lzf_mlfjSbNwSDWH_QELSxaLpjH5LWvHWmTDT7kBO_OojJoCOmaXwbEL5smAHcZ-CGfDyD9dTl1Eq4MKIP-6t5Ns2Cu1iq00HdLVoV-DtrR9DBqIMFf-XPNY4/s1600/DSC01566aa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPLhkvg0lud7ay3a7rm0lzf_mlfjSbNwSDWH_QELSxaLpjH5LWvHWmTDT7kBO_OojJoCOmaXwbEL5smAHcZ-CGfDyD9dTl1Eq4MKIP-6t5Ns2Cu1iq00HdLVoV-DtrR9DBqIMFf-XPNY4/s320/DSC01566aa.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The spot called the "Moss Forest,"<br />
wouldn't look so mossy without<br />
its filmy ferns .</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4GYCS6plAFKUpU8XT1Li3WjxTDeQ7pacF9jf6x8b2CItXkOF8kAn7zc1NLtu0ab0oPOtVuSQrJDdjNuVTLM4nuZudYzV8dAtJTzrxW8LZAkIxRBQp2VGEP9nMbYEIN5t20UGUrI6mv9h/s1600/DSC04319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4GYCS6plAFKUpU8XT1Li3WjxTDeQ7pacF9jf6x8b2CItXkOF8kAn7zc1NLtu0ab0oPOtVuSQrJDdjNuVTLM4nuZudYzV8dAtJTzrxW8LZAkIxRBQp2VGEP9nMbYEIN5t20UGUrI6mv9h/s320/DSC04319.JPG" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaves so thing the light shines<br />
through are supported by<br />
a network of viens.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MnETMUKRy18X2HkvFbJkuHrZW2jMk6etbACpZ7dcgfSsdrEsoCauED_E2JoJeF8QVAftQ1PgjU0Wf2U_UrXv8modX1-wQHnqR3QPXMbGxLF1z9JVAQbid_U5FpDoib2w_6vSrNYyYJU3/s1600/DSC00078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MnETMUKRy18X2HkvFbJkuHrZW2jMk6etbACpZ7dcgfSsdrEsoCauED_E2JoJeF8QVAftQ1PgjU0Wf2U_UrXv8modX1-wQHnqR3QPXMbGxLF1z9JVAQbid_U5FpDoib2w_6vSrNYyYJU3/s320/DSC00078.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Several species can<br />
be found in Yakushima.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td><td valign="top"><span style="font-size: large;">While hiking through</span> Yakushima's old-growth forests, look up at the
spreading branches of ancient trees, caked with layers of spongy green
moss. But look again. Is moss the only thing up there?<br />
<br />
From
towering tree ferns reminiscent of a prehistoric jungle to large forked sprays
fit for New Years decorations, ferns abound in
Yakushima from the coasts to the mountains. However, when hiking through the dark and damp, lush and
mossy forests, one of the most prolific, visible, and very beautiful
families often goes overlooked:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Filmy Ferns</span> </span><br />
(Hymenophyllaceae)<br />
<br />
I suppose it really shouldn't be a surprise that this family is often
clumped together with unrelated mosses by the casual hiker. Many filmy
ferns have leaves that are roughly the same size and shape as a sprig of
moss such as Plagiochila pulcherrima (ウツクシハネゴケ, literally "beautiful
feather moss"). And filmy ferns have similar growing habits: They thrive
in moist places. On humid days, the leaves fan out, and on dryer days,
they shrivel up.<br />
<br />
If you look up at the sky through the leaves
of a filmy fern or moss, you can see sunlight seeping through. Beautiful. Both mosses and filmy ferns seem to glow in the sunlight, especially after a good rain. The body
of these translucent leaves is (with few
exceptions) only one layer of cells thick. They lack a waxy epidermis and pores (stomata) that allow many so many plants to breathe without drying out.<br />
<br />
There are about
fifteen species of filmy ferns recognized in Yakushima. Of these, seven
species belong to the genus Hymenophyllum. They are easily confused with
each other, and I can't yet keep them straight, but let's not confuse them with mosses!<br />
<br />
If you are not sure what is moss and what is a filmy fern, you
are in good company, but if you consider the size of the leaves, it becomes immediately obvious: This simple vascular systems of mosses they can (<i>usually</i>) only
support leaves on the scale of millimeters, or less. One leaf of the
filmy fern Hymenophyllum barbatum (コウヤコケシノブ) is roughly the size of a
whole specimen of P. pulcherrima, consisting of hundreds and hundreds of
leaves.<br />
<br />
Another difference is the stems. Again,
because of lack of a vascular system, mosses don't tend to have long
dangly stems between leaves, but the leaves of filmy ferns are connected
by creeping, threadlike stems, and one plant can cover quite a large area.<br />
<br />
No matter how much area they cover and how dense they grow, both mosses
and ferns readily dry out and shrivel when a dry spell comes through,
but will perk up again with a little rain. Many people feel that the
Moss Forest is most
beautiful when the sun comes out right after a shower and shines through
all those refreshed layers of
green, but after a couple days of sun, the effect is lost.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0itTD6Zv0XVs4Gq9k9eYIC3ywGI8e8kVsB8CUAmed-JbdPVmTrYWs7bSk1237xCJ3bs8VaG_rp5ZRENIr1Z9yws6rQoVc9Rjf3yNTw-R0o189W70S_XUmLesN6VVowL7xn9yfZ0GeITnx/s1600/DSC04617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0itTD6Zv0XVs4Gq9k9eYIC3ywGI8e8kVsB8CUAmed-JbdPVmTrYWs7bSk1237xCJ3bs8VaG_rp5ZRENIr1Z9yws6rQoVc9Rjf3yNTw-R0o189W70S_XUmLesN6VVowL7xn9yfZ0GeITnx/s320/DSC04617.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of part of a leaf. The body of the leaf<br />
is one cell-layer thick.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifEMeYHte-vjvIdpDcVuW4_ztkyJq1Mfs9u_HyBSGmlS6ACNcbKoBIy6iTtYNrxtBfZY9NxdkAo_bm5AuvEZZHd4pkB0s4HQpNl4w6y09Pin4qWa-_5pBfLl0EG_6LYnc9fuvG3pmW4A66/s1600/DSC04361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifEMeYHte-vjvIdpDcVuW4_ztkyJq1Mfs9u_HyBSGmlS6ACNcbKoBIy6iTtYNrxtBfZY9NxdkAo_bm5AuvEZZHd4pkB0s4HQpNl4w6y09Pin4qWa-_5pBfLl0EG_6LYnc9fuvG3pmW4A66/s320/DSC04361.JPG" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The forest comes alive when the<br />
filmy ferns catch the first rays<br />
of morning light.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbcT2Oe6HhOHdzXYuu8vwRzQ9-a_D4DZBFyPHbjywS6Nf-0n_V52-vqPaeWAEGHNigxnN3G7bOVdq10_XGJUFPVcdGwPRKb11QXX8KMmLNhF9HzbTipCAR62unHifduCO5p4fhkiVC_pp/s1600/DSC06891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbcT2Oe6HhOHdzXYuu8vwRzQ9-a_D4DZBFyPHbjywS6Nf-0n_V52-vqPaeWAEGHNigxnN3G7bOVdq10_XGJUFPVcdGwPRKb11QXX8KMmLNhF9HzbTipCAR62unHifduCO5p4fhkiVC_pp/s320/DSC06891.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like moss, filmy ferns rely on moist<br />
conditions.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yakushima Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346581300800838371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442135343515193479.post-46122801783274525302015-08-12T08:25:00.000+09:002015-08-12T08:26:11.120+09:00Nomado Cafe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-QPwScrrpl_os0KJkTHrFM_6YzD7gFrHM-6RJ8Yc4WOOCcGmiCV3Wvp8sspHmIAFIhMmxx6xbuRymnQposyYNXio7tB6pHaySKeAiEvYSEdMYXXdkY-6T6Bz5IuLv_8MUzztReDw0ryV/s1600/DSC01322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-QPwScrrpl_os0KJkTHrFM_6YzD7gFrHM-6RJ8Yc4WOOCcGmiCV3Wvp8sspHmIAFIhMmxx6xbuRymnQposyYNXio7tB6pHaySKeAiEvYSEdMYXXdkY-6T6Bz5IuLv_8MUzztReDw0ryV/s320/DSC01322.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUe8NLvIMrPjLpZP5n3QYfDG-GpHCGX7_3-DL2E45wfUk7_NJejoOdf0YFBcjekA-Y06zxlkr3p6wNRh_I_wNRsUedISfee6sJL17xrKXtsMMs6QLozP54N-t3ayHx3t15uv6uBEmlWPeY/s1600/DSC01320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUe8NLvIMrPjLpZP5n3QYfDG-GpHCGX7_3-DL2E45wfUk7_NJejoOdf0YFBcjekA-Y06zxlkr3p6wNRh_I_wNRsUedISfee6sJL17xrKXtsMMs6QLozP54N-t3ayHx3t15uv6uBEmlWPeY/s320/DSC01320.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The colorful, heavy plastic sandals sold here<br />
are the footwear of choice of many locals. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">Nomado cafe hardly needs an introduction.</span> Despite being located on the main road well outside of town, it is quite well-known around the island, and with good reason.<br />
<br />
Opening the door reveals a friendly atmosphere. Photos from Southeast Asia and books on Yakushima, as well as various ceramics, glassware, hammocks, and plastic sandals to buy add to the light and colorful interior. Seating has the relaxed feeling of an eternal brunch-time.<br />
<br />
The menu is limited, but not for want of variety. This isn't the typical cake&coffee cafe. Two different lunches -- a spicy minced chicken and a curry with a tropical flare -- for hungry guests, and for everyone else there are specialty-flavor gelatos and a drink menu with an extensive line-up of teas.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br clear="all" />
I happened to have already eaten lunch, so I opted for a sweet chai tea
and honey-milk gelato made with local honey. Tasty way to brighten up
any day!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DxdDEXDrnZSQXmqSiBwnlS0wITCQBM2xvb9tIXbE4qRbxHMIO8blAnR1ZjBM1kEMdF0OuH70UuKjYaszZ9gOdXPZAo-EFCk43iPsdOzBDt0wPMUTcQ_MRjSuORalyVGfNJ8Zt_NHyNSp/s1600/DSC01318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DxdDEXDrnZSQXmqSiBwnlS0wITCQBM2xvb9tIXbE4qRbxHMIO8blAnR1ZjBM1kEMdF0OuH70UuKjYaszZ9gOdXPZAo-EFCk43iPsdOzBDt0wPMUTcQ_MRjSuORalyVGfNJ8Zt_NHyNSp/s320/DSC01318.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Nomado Cafe<br />
Location: 565 Hara (30.2434,130.5746) Just west of the Dobuchigawa (泥渕川) bus stop.<br />
Hours: Saturday through Tuesday, 11:30am to 5pm. Lunch served until 2:30pm.*<br />
Website: http://nomado-cafe.seesaa.net/<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m8!1m3!1d13787.274171350444!2d130.5720270316772!3d30.242250690344427!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x0%3A0x0!2zMzDCsDE0JzM2LjIiTiAxMzDCsDM0JzI4LjYiRQ!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1439335321583" width="400" height="300" frameborder="0" style="border:0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br /></div>
*Hours are subject to change, so please call the restaurant or check ahead. Yakushima Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346581300800838371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442135343515193479.post-56773600066630774982015-07-21T21:44:00.001+09:002017-04-30T07:17:13.038+09:00Getting to YakushimaThis topic has been done by many others, so I hope you'll forgive me for leaving out the details.<br />
Basically, there are four ways you can get to Yakushima using public transportation.<br />
<br />
1. <b>Fly with JAL Commuter Service.</b><br />
<a href="http://www.jal.co.jp/en/">http://www.jal.co.jp/en/</a> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidE5X0rLa201QPb7xm0QOKSDKU5FKvAtVWboVHXxocoKy8aQsCR5ENBP9XQy5a-LO7hv1GG2iWDbi2Mcd4n-WBXeanExndV6yZCIdOBp_amjHzot38bpSEQbaOOKG_o2TXbrYU4ZTf7EXP/s1600/DSC04863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidE5X0rLa201QPb7xm0QOKSDKU5FKvAtVWboVHXxocoKy8aQsCR5ENBP9XQy5a-LO7hv1GG2iWDbi2Mcd4n-WBXeanExndV6yZCIdOBp_amjHzot38bpSEQbaOOKG_o2TXbrYU4ZTf7EXP/s200/DSC04863.JPG" width="200" /></a><i>Expensive, but fast and sometimes more reliable than sea travel.</i><br />
Direct flights are offered daily to/from Osaka, Fukuoka, and Kagoshima. Folks flying from Tokyo can transfer in Kagoshima. Book 75 days in advance or look for campaign discounts for savings of over 50%. Transfers in Kagoshima are fairly hassle-free, and the Yakushima Airport is so tiny it feels more like a bus station. Most likely you'll fly on a DC8-Q400, which is a 74-seat prop plane that feels a lot smaller than it is. Although the planes are pretty reliable in rain and moderate wind, they cannot land in Yakushima if there is too much fog. (And you can't leave Yakushima until the plane you want to board lands!)<br />
<br />
2. <b>Skim across the water on a Toppy high-speed ferry (jetfoil).</b><br />
<a href="https://www.tykousoku.jp/fare_time/kagoshima_yakushima.html">https://www.tykousoku.jp/fare_time/kagoshima_yakushima.html<span id="goog_1633533812"></span><span id="goog_1633533813"></span></a><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgwlkt4zezy9WGnZNBlo9Lr6iv9UX_jGcCgEx0WTXCPqgUhnAPoKttYQpgy9DAeEsF8fRzzZTE8BISCHFri8nKZ2xhb0Kf0xAXa5Qv_AOeI05qP2RzF8xVHteVVp7fq9BZXpObd5GdcYp/s1600/DSC02680a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgwlkt4zezy9WGnZNBlo9Lr6iv9UX_jGcCgEx0WTXCPqgUhnAPoKttYQpgy9DAeEsF8fRzzZTE8BISCHFri8nKZ2xhb0Kf0xAXa5Qv_AOeI05qP2RzF8xVHteVVp7fq9BZXpObd5GdcYp/s200/DSC02680a.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See my <a href="http://yakushimalife.blogspot.jp/2015/12/929-jetfoil-airplane-in-sea.html" target="_blank">post about Jetfoils</a>!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>Not as expensive as flying, and slightly more flexible.</i><br />
As of writing, seats cost 16100 yen round-trip. Note that the schedule changes with the season, but the ride usually takes around two hours. Boats go to both the communities of Miyanoura and Anbo. You can also do a day-trip to the neighboring island of Tanegashima. The website is currently in Japanese, but try this link: http://www.yakushimatravel.com/ticket-english.html .Unfortunately, I cannot do it for you at this time unless you are booking a hike with me, but I do hope to offer this service, soon!<br />
<br />
As a bonus, sometimes you can see flying fish if you crane your neck towards the rear of the craft. Because the jetfoil can travel straighter than the contour of the waves, you probably won't feel seasick unless the waves are several meters tall.<br />
<br />
3. <b>Stretch out on the Yakushima2 Ferry.</b><br />
<a href="http://ferryyakusima2.com/">http://ferryyakusima2.com/</a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrT1wL7Er-74w3eLjHoqiXVet9Txj6y_OpAzAGqV4W9mtzYogVpbjxfFe1LH3wvYZjaAeVM8rsUZhDssaypifrz2ZH1YXX5HvrOL8Yj4oiA9qTo5bUgidLKmegJC7XO-ZlCRLt6EOypLe9/s1600/DSC01833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrT1wL7Er-74w3eLjHoqiXVet9Txj6y_OpAzAGqV4W9mtzYogVpbjxfFe1LH3wvYZjaAeVM8rsUZhDssaypifrz2ZH1YXX5HvrOL8Yj4oiA9qTo5bUgidLKmegJC7XO-ZlCRLt6EOypLe9/s200/DSC01833.JPG" width="200" /></a><i>Cheap, easy, relaxing, but slow and not so reliable.</i><br />
It's cheap (8900 yen as of writing), you don't (usually) need a reservation, and you can take lots of luggage, but the schedule doesn't fit everyone's needs, and the boat doesn't always run. The boat departs from Kagoshima at 8:30am and gets in to Miyanoura at 12:30. Then it departs again for Kagoshima at 13:30 and gets in around 17:40. The boat may be delayed or canceled in strong wind or waves. Sometimes it is docked for repairs for several days, so check the website. <br />
<br />
You can relax in the lounge, order noodles, watch for flying fish from the deck, or even take a shower if you need to.<br />
<br />
4. <b>Travel like freight on the Ferry Hibiscus.</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBJInRj0ZI2-hMCmikksjiPE8ZiBTNVbiaBpvzQejQZvXVPrPk1PqHaEiI2PQHnvLqMS0CZpzJ0CXOCdtO2Seo6gc0CDI4PK4UZtEGQi9LWF4rA7IwYwp_y8V1kSOCy_yWf7hTSzKCfCQ/s1600/DSC02582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBJInRj0ZI2-hMCmikksjiPE8ZiBTNVbiaBpvzQejQZvXVPrPk1PqHaEiI2PQHnvLqMS0CZpzJ0CXOCdtO2Seo6gc0CDI4PK4UZtEGQi9LWF4rA7IwYwp_y8V1kSOCy_yWf7hTSzKCfCQ/s200/DSC02582.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.yakushimaferry.com/">http://www.yakushimaferry.com/</a> <br />
<i>Dirt cheap, but it takes a long time, and it feels in no way like a passenger vessel.</i><br />
First, you'll need to take a train to Saka no Ue Station and catch a taxi from the cab company next door to the station. There's a sign for the bus stop, but I don't see any sign of a bus. Also, bring food and bedding if you need it because the boat departs at 18:00 and gets in to Yakushima at 7am the next morning. You'll have some carpeted floor space to sit on in a room with a television, blankets, and mini-pillows, but that's all. From Yakushima it leaves at 8:20 and gets into the port near Kagoshima at 14:40. (You'll want to call a cab from there.) Cost is 3600 yen each way at time of writing. Keep in mind this is mostly a freight ferry, and it feels like it.<br />
<br />
<br />
Perhaps even more importantly than getting <b>to</b> Yakushima, is leaving <b>from</b> Yakushima. Please keep in mind that flights and boats may be delayed or canceled due to weather. I strongly advise that you keep a buffer of several days before travelling internationally after you leave Yakushima. Also, if you go scuba-diving, you'll want to keep that in mind when booking flights, too.Yakushima Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346581300800838371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442135343515193479.post-13808265751948292072015-07-21T10:44:00.002+09:002015-07-21T10:45:36.654+09:00Pack List for Day HikersMuch of this is going to seem
pretty obvious to experienced hikers, but there's a few things you may
have overlooked if this is your first time in Yakushima.<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Pack Essentials</span></b>
<br />
<b><u>Backpack</u>:</b> A rain-cover highly recommended, but don't expect the rain-cover to keep your pack
dry if it rains sufficiently; instead, take plastic or ziploc bags for
your valuables. You can use a garbage bag as a cheap pack-liner.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Breakfast & Lunch</u>:</b> Depending on where you are staying, you
can order a boxed breakfast and boxed lunch (called a bento) the evening
before the hike and pick it up before you board the bus. Ask at your
accommodation. Note that there are no trash-bins at the trail heads nor along the trails.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Disposable Toilet Pack & Toilet Paper</u>:</b>
Can't go five hours without a toilet? Then you probably want to invest
250 to 500 on a toilet pack to use at a booth in the mountains as well
as some toilet paper, but remember that you'll have to carry the
contents back to the trail head with you. Disposable toilet packs are
also highly recommended for crowded days and for folks going on two-day
hikes. The nicest disposable toilet booth on this trail is shortly after
Daio-Sugi (大王杉), before entering the World Heritage Site. There is no
toilet booth at Jomon Sugi.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Map</u>:</b> You can get a
black-and-white printout of the trail from an information booth.
Especially if you are not hiring a guide, please bring a map!<br />
<br />
<b><u>Water Bottle</u>:</b>
500ml~1L is fine for most day hikes, but you may need more if you sweat a
lot or if the weather has been dry. You can fill up just about anywhere
the water looks clean. I don't recommend drinking the water immediately
below a mountain hut, bathroom, in front of Wilson's Stump (because
there used to be a toilet-pit nearby), or at lower elevations around
towns. No filters or tablets necessary.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Watch</u>:</b> Watch your time. For Jomon Sugi hikers,
plan to reach the end of the train tracks by 10am at the latest and note
any bus connections you need to make at the end of the hike.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Headlamp</u>:
</b> In the summer months, it may be fine to leave the trail head at daybreak,
but if for some reason your return is delayed, you don't want to be
walking back in the dark.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Optional/Seasonal:</i></b><br />
<u>Light spikes and eizen</u>:<b> </b>If the
forecasted low is below 8 degrees, there's a good chance of encountering
ice. Light, slip-on spikes work great on the railroad tracks heading
towards Jomon Sugi, while light-eizen are advisable for snowy
conditions. If you hire a guide, usually he/she will have these for you.<br />
<br />
<u>Hiking poles</u>:
Poles can be a hindrance if you're not used to using them. If you are
young and do not have knee problems, I think it's easiest to have both
hands free to grab tree
roots and trunks on most trails. However, poles can be quite useful when
there's snow
on the trail, and they can take a lot of pressure off your knees if used
properly. Please put rubber caps on your poles to preserve the
trail.<br />
<br />
<u>Umbrella</u>: Use of an umbrella is not
advised while hiking. However, some people do use umbrellas while
walking the train tracks from the Arakawa Trail Head towards Jomon Sugi.
Please be aware that the tracks can get slippery, and, please, don't
use it while crossing
bridges! It is nice to have an umbrella for lunch and break times,
and in case you have to stop along the trail.<br />
<br />
<u>Sunscreen & Sunglasses</u>:
Most people are fine without sunscreen for forest hikes such as Jomon
Sugi or Shiratani Unsuikyo trails. However, if you are hiking in the
interior mountains, you may need these.<br />
<br />
<u>Bug Repellant:</u> Especially for hiking above 500m
altitude, I don't think you need it. Sometimes there are bugs around
toilet areas, horseflies in summer months, and there can be quite a few
leeches on minor trails, but I recommend avoiding these areas if you
can't tolerate the bugs.<br />
<br />
<u>Trash Bag:</u> Use it as a pack-liner, or use it as gloves if someone should injure themselves and start bleeding. Finally, use it to carry out your trash.<br />
<br />
<u>Camera</u>: Bring a plastic bag or ziploc just in case. If it's raining, consider taking pictures on your way <i>back</i>
from Jomon Sugi. I've seen cameras stop working after several hours of
mist. (Even waterproof cameras can be affected by humidity.)<br />
<br />
<u>Cell Phone:</u> Just like the camera, safeguard your cell phone from rain. You may get a clear signal around mountain
tops, between the Jomon Sugi observation deck and Takatsuka Hut, and a
couple other places along the trail. But otherwise you may want to turn
it off or set it to "air-plane mode" to protect it and keep the battery
from draining as it searches for a signal.<br />
<br />
<u>Winter Gear:</u> An axe and other preparations are advised for hikers above the
tree-line in the winter, but I do not take hikers when I believe
conditions may be dangerous. I've never heard a a successful snowshoeing
expedition in Yakushima. Be aware that in such conditions the road to
the trail head may freeze.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>C</b><b>lothes</b></span><br />
<b><u>Rain Gear</u>:</b> Think
6-10 meters of rain in a year and 100% humidity. This trail is pretty
hike-able in all but the worst conditions, but weather changes fast here,
and the weather forecast for Yakushima is not intended to cover the
mountain trails. If the a good storm catches you in a garbage-bag
poncho, you may feel like garbage. Beware of "water-resistant" clothing,
which is not intended for ten hours of rain, or one hour with over ten
centimeters! Also, if you are hiking with others, realize that you may
have to wait in the rain for others in your group.<br />
<br />
Breathable
waterproofs like Goretex are highly recommended. If you don't have both
pants and a jacket, stop by a rental shop the afternoon before your
hike, and pick up a set for 1,000 yen.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Hiking Boots/Shoes</u>:
</b> Flip flops seldom last the whole way, and they're no good with nail
heads and mud. Waterproof hiking boots or grippy trail runners are
great. Sneakers are okay but slippery. Expect your shoes to get muddy.
No matter what you wear, if there's enough rain, it's going to end up
inside your shoes.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Pants</u>:</b> I know everyone loves their jeans,
but soggy jeans are not fun. (If you're planning a backpacking tour of
Japan, I suggest a pair of fast-drying synthetic pants that take up half
the volume and weight as a pair of jeans, and if you wash them at
night, they'll be dry (or nearly dry) in the morning.)<br />
<br />
<b><u>Shirt:</u></b> Synthetics dry faster than cotton.<br />
<b><br /> </b><b><u>Extra
Clothes:</u> </b>Essential in cooler months, an extra fleece or a change of
clothes is also nice for the ride back after a rainy hike. <br />
<br />
<b><i>Optional/Seasonal</i></b>:<br />
<u>Gloves:</u> Don't expect them to keep your hands dry, but many folks hike with gloves for comfort and/or warmth.<br />
<br />
<u>Hat:</u> To keep the rain out of your eye, and also to keep warm in cooler months.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Safety</b></span><br />
<b><u>First Aid Kit:</u></b>
Everyone has their own style. Bandaids, gauze, medications, and tape are a good
place to start. If you hire a guide, of course, your guide should be
carrying a kit.<br />
<u><br /><b>Whistle:</b></u> Especially if you are hiking on your own. <br />
<br />
<b><i>Optional:</i></b><br />
<u>Compass:</u>
If you get lost, I recommend staying where you are (or going uphill to
try and make cell phone contact in some cases) and blowing your whistle,
but there are often stories of folks who bump their heads, get turned
around, and head the wrong way, or just make a Marker Tape:wrong turn at the trail
head.<br /><br>
<u>Marker Tape:</u> This is for emergencies only. If you get lost and resort to using marker tape, please tell someone so that it can be removed lest others follow your mistaken footsteps.Yakushima Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346581300800838371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442135343515193479.post-81029171541542464042015-07-12T10:51:00.000+09:002019-10-23T09:26:24.254+09:00Craft your own Yakusugi ChopsticksThese days, it's hard to find a restaurant that does not use disposable chopsticks, but how making a pair that could outlast you? It's the perfect Japanese gift with a personal touch, it doesn't require a lot of time and money, and there are several studios around the island set up for guests to make chopsticks. Crafting a set of chopsticks will also give you a bit of incite into the properties of the Yakusugi wood. Oh, and you can do it even in bad weather.<br />
<br />
Of course, if you don't have time to make your own, you can always buy a set. either way, you'll probably want to keep in mind two things:<br />
<br />
<b>1. Practicality</b><br />
Yakusugi wood (and Japanese cedar wood, in general) is not hard like ebony, but rather flexible, and the chopsticks should be quite strong and durable so long as the grain runs the length of the stick. In fact, Sugi no Ya displays unusual chopsticks that have been purposely crafted to match the curve of the wood, each chopstick fitting perfectly against its partner. Because a craftsman's hands will tend to naturally follow the grain of wood, hand-crafted chopsticks<span class="st">—</span>weather straight or curved<span class="st">—</span>are more valuable than bulk-machined chopsticks. It probably goes without saying that, although burly wood with gnarled, twisted grain is highly prized in artistic pie<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh188WazqqIWHHoEbtnlJInUnGCYv7r16-8JdDU97oaH1UGMUb7UvLTBCmAaFun5x57ygqRMCxpsMgmd2Oceh8AezgGjUYGPhyphenhyphenjjXJjIu9IqmxKpvMb1vJ_z4PV2BmJUwcQ9u6YiHzh1l73/s1600/DSC01831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh188WazqqIWHHoEbtnlJInUnGCYv7r16-8JdDU97oaH1UGMUb7UvLTBCmAaFun5x57ygqRMCxpsMgmd2Oceh8AezgGjUYGPhyphenhyphenjjXJjIu9IqmxKpvMb1vJ_z4PV2BmJUwcQ9u6YiHzh1l73/s200/DSC01831.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chopsticks of varying prices.<br />
The set on the left has the <br />
most expensive price tag.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>2. Aesthetics</b><br />
Yakusugi is known for very fine grain, and basic chopsticks are priced according to how well they show off this grain. For chopsticks with a square cross-section, finely grained wood can be cut at an angle so that the grain is visible on all four sides of the stick. Some people also favor wood that is ripply or dark with oil, or otherwise unique.<br />
<br />
This spring, I watched two chopstick-crafting sessions, one at Takeda Sangyou, and one conducted by Mr. Sennin of Sugi no Ya. The methodology and final products could not have been more different. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Takeda Sangyou</span><br />
<strike>At Takeda Sangyou, participants start with two perfectly-cut blocks of wood with beautifully fine, straight grain. Three grades of sandpaper are used to shape and polish the blocks into chopsticks that look just like the ones sold in the gift shop. This is a task that doesn't require more physical prowess, and there's not a whole lot that can go wrong. The chopsticks are then dipped in fixative, blow dried, and packaged, just like the ones in the store. If you like neatness and precision and you want a gift that is easily appreciated, or you're afraid of a chisel, I recommend Takeda Sangyou.</strike><br />
<br />
**Update: Takeda Sangyou has replaced chopstick-making with hand-polishing of premium pieces of Yakusugi wood, so that you take something home that is more like a gemstone than a stick. You can still see the factory, but the polishing is done in the relaxed setting of an indoor annex.<br /><br />**Update: I plan to upload information on the Higashigawa workshop near Anbo soon. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sennin-San</span><br />
Participants in Mr. Sennin's workshop start with two blocks that have been hand-split. The grain may not be fine nor perfectly straight, but each set possesses a bit of individuality. Participants use a chisel--which takes a bit more finesse than sandpaper--to shape the chopsticks, and then buff the completed set with a brush-like tool made of reeds. If you're a fan of the "wabisabi" aesthetic or you want a bit more of a challenge, I recommend Mr. Sennin.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-srC0PwR71kBujx0gDX5i_Lfky4aKe1ZA8XVRSMDIYiiyAERrtkrGsbV8YrBGas8Y_e7Gzmb3M7_nMQh7dR_0S7TeA2hf01LeLy1dDcqPnAjAulsAxGUVANbMmI1mCs9vNBzVNW5LfOCK/s1600/NCM_0297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-srC0PwR71kBujx0gDX5i_Lfky4aKe1ZA8XVRSMDIYiiyAERrtkrGsbV8YrBGas8Y_e7Gzmb3M7_nMQh7dR_0S7TeA2hf01LeLy1dDcqPnAjAulsAxGUVANbMmI1mCs9vNBzVNW5LfOCK/s200/NCM_0297.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Caring for your chopsticks:</b><br />
Care depends on how the chopsticks are finished. For example, because Yakusugi oil does not solidify, chopsticks that have not been fixed will need to be oiled every so often, so ask when you make or buy chopsticks.<br />
<br />
<br />
There are several places around the island where you can make chopsticks. Most prefer that you call a day or more in advance and make a reservation. <br />
<br />
<b>Takeda Sangyou (武田産業)</b><br />
Website: <a href="https://www.yakusugi-takeda.com/?mode=f4">https://www.yakusugi-takeda.com/?mode=f4</a><br />
Price: 2700+ yen depending on the wood<br />
Time: Unlimited during business hours, reservation not required.<br />Location: Takeda Sangyou, Anbo 650-18 (30.3225,130.6569)<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d6888.001254103494!2d130.65690000000006!3d30.32250000000001!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x0%3A0x0!2zMzDCsDE5JzIxLjAiTiAxMzDCsDM5JzI0LjgiRQ!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1436666584497" style="border: 0;" width="400"></iframe>
</blockquote>
<br /><br />
<b>Sennin-san (仙人さん, workshops at two locations)</b><br />
Website: <a href="http://suginoyas.com/hashi.html">http://suginoyas.com/hashi.html</a><br />
Price: 1100 yen<br />
Time: 40~50min.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Location: Senin Mura, Mianoura 2567-2 (30.4109,130.56752)<br />
Session Times: 9:00am or 2:30pm<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m8!1m3!1d13762.766423534707!2d130.5686947!3d30.4164905!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x0%3A0x0!2zMzDCsDI0JzM5LjIiTiAxMzDCsDM0JzAzLjEiRQ!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1436666396781" style="border: 0;" width="400"></iframe>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Location: Sugi no Ya, next to the airport (30.3822,130.6594)<br />
Session Times: 10:30am, 1:30pm, or 16:00pm<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d13767.599629762484!2d130.6594!3d30.38219999999999!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x0%3A0x0!2zMzDCsDIyJzU1LjkiTiAxMzDCsDM5JzMzLjgiRQ!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1436666433275" style="border: 0;" width="400"></iframe>
</blockquote>
<br />
*Times and prices subject to change. Please inquire at each location to make a reservation.Yakushima Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346581300800838371noreply@blogger.com0Yakushima, Kumage District, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan30.371299 130.66646829.9328565 130.02102100000002 30.8097415 131.311915tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442135343515193479.post-64610770463288649352015-07-10T08:17:00.001+09:002015-07-10T08:19:13.113+09:00Mother-of-Pearl Accesories from WaRaku--and you can make one yourself, too!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCnHEhDQjRQWBOR8KVkena4Dd86MjIujtKgVUOpGV0pgYmRTG2D_BEM1rz5jiAvcQmC7LHh9XmFj9pD5zefTKRLV8uj2yX7xHYjV5hwrlRs9z_teo-HYwRfzilkLpj2pu8UU8WjyltgRc/s1600/DSC08523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCnHEhDQjRQWBOR8KVkena4Dd86MjIujtKgVUOpGV0pgYmRTG2D_BEM1rz5jiAvcQmC7LHh9XmFj9pD5zefTKRLV8uj2yX7xHYjV5hwrlRs9z_teo-HYwRfzilkLpj2pu8UU8WjyltgRc/s200/DSC08523.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Tagami said he spent<br />
about two weeks on this<br />
piece. Incredible!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">The word Yakushima has been written </span>with many different characters over the years; one of these "spellings" is <span class="st">夜光島, </span>with the characters for <i>yakougai</i>, the green turban shell known as a source of exquisite mother-of-pearl. I first ran across these characters shortly after arriving on the island, and I henceforth assumed that Yakushima had a long tradition of shell crafts. My assumption was further bolstered by an exhibit of finely carved mother-of-pearl figurines at last year's cultural festival. So the other day when I passed small flyer for carved mother-of-pearl accessories and a try-it-yourself workshop offered I decided to stop by and find out what this was all about. My assumptions, it turned out, were completely wrong. Mother-of-pearl crafting is just getting started in Yakushima!<br />
<br clear=right>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXL9dTVEnQ20AwecjWC7F6EINCMfSW_A5NX97Uth4ku7msWNlN3ON5LBlkGCRo1aoKq3PwnvAojZ7MYT6du5LXGTNfGpMXAfqfxl6opjzXfT7KhyMe2gMiUT6Y3YOE7bMXTP1FvTQ4CRqG/s1600/DSC08520.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXL9dTVEnQ20AwecjWC7F6EINCMfSW_A5NX97Uth4ku7msWNlN3ON5LBlkGCRo1aoKq3PwnvAojZ7MYT6du5LXGTNfGpMXAfqfxl6opjzXfT7KhyMe2gMiUT6Y3YOE7bMXTP1FvTQ4CRqG/s200/DSC08520.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard to forget seeing <br />
something like this!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The address on the flyer was for Minshuku Waraku, (A minshuku is like a private inn, or a bed&breakfast, or a spare room that the owner rents out to guests.) which is just behind the new roast-beef lunch stand in Anbo. Waraku is a bit unusual because in addition to the owner's family and visiting guests, it also houses the owner's medical practice. Dr. Tagami, it turns out, is a professional bone-setter.<br />
<br />
Anyways, only when I pulled up to Waraku did I realize that the accommodation, the medical practice, and the mother-of-pearl accessories that I'd spotted in select gift shops had anything to do with each other. After Dr. Tagami beckoned me out of the rain and into the foyer, I immediately spotted the figurines and carved shells from last year's cultural festival on the counter.<br />
<br>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2irTFRXnfuuX8eJAy3_02NhUTCSNMxVUc7DeFqot4Zjdw4R6UlhYEsWjAKlfMTBJQIddg4lIWzPKtPx-7svno2gpcwTA_FScIewTkWDLHt_PSRaX2Z77Q2plnhSoLlx5Zn4e1Lo_n6AVk/s1600/DSC03241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2irTFRXnfuuX8eJAy3_02NhUTCSNMxVUc7DeFqot4Zjdw4R6UlhYEsWjAKlfMTBJQIddg4lIWzPKtPx-7svno2gpcwTA_FScIewTkWDLHt_PSRaX2Z77Q2plnhSoLlx5Zn4e1Lo_n6AVk/s200/DSC03241.JPG" width="198" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A hunting knife with a handle<br />
fashioned from Yakusugi wood<br />
and a Yakushika deer antler.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
"Wait, are you the one who made these pieces?" I asked. I did a double-take when he said one of them would have taken about two weeks of spare time. I had assumed it would have taken years. He also explained that there really aren't many folks working with mother-of-pearl on the island. He was pretty much alone when he started dabbling in mother-of-pearl six or seven years ago. After his first piece, Dr. Tagami himself just kept receiving more large green turban shells and requests for various pieces, and so he just developed from there. What about the <span class="st">夜光島 characters? </span>It seems that there was a time when Yakushima was a major source of green turban shells for the Kinki region. <br />
<br />
<br />
What about the tools? Do you need special tools for carving things like this?<br />
<br />
He says the equipment is a lot like a dentist's drills, just less expensive. Would I like to see? He invites me to walk either through the doctor's office or around the veranda to his little workshop. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyoKnhHUan5rXQJOLlg6AKm9dQh__-98Bia8RE7U_Gj6ySakA6n37GIqFqGpYjGJKk7BFuLw3fpCiSRQNzECGpsmWmA3zl7o1wcsd7qwWqtyoZxtrHZb8DHxtSDssG7PLIxTFEVdLwMrXC/s1600/DSC03242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyoKnhHUan5rXQJOLlg6AKm9dQh__-98Bia8RE7U_Gj6ySakA6n37GIqFqGpYjGJKk7BFuLw3fpCiSRQNzECGpsmWmA3zl7o1wcsd7qwWqtyoZxtrHZb8DHxtSDssG7PLIxTFEVdLwMrXC/s200/DSC03242.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clients often bring materials<br />
available to them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The workshop is chock-full of turban shells, abalone shells, coral, deer antlers and skulls, fragments of quartz and pieces of Yakusugi. There's an anvil and a DIY forge blocking the entrance, large fans, and sets of drills and bits and grinders and polishers, but indeed, nothing too high-tech. In fact, a pretty descent setup for mother-of-pearl work can be put together for under 50000 yen, he says. He explains that he's been experimenting with syntheses of different materials available in Yakushima and hopes to produce truly original goods.<br />
<br />
His work is presently available in two shops: <a href="http://blog.goo.ne.jp/honuyakushima" target="_blank">Honu</a> (in Mugyo), and also in Hirauchi. (Oh dear, the name of the place has slipped my mind. I'll post it soon!) But he likes to take special requests, and he's excited when people come in to learn how to do it themselves. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5K3HcCkYRVkwc8tarCeN3JUW1ozX_q7uFFXiPiL1yC3ursYNSuuKjPt1Iar17iCVvb1lBeQ7KFcqnTtpTOZxlCtGUbSm3X8ZBthQYA-7tONB4FWiiUv4vY8mbq7BvtgFzrhLsjCnGg2Ef/s1600/DSC03240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5K3HcCkYRVkwc8tarCeN3JUW1ozX_q7uFFXiPiL1yC3ursYNSuuKjPt1Iar17iCVvb1lBeQ7KFcqnTtpTOZxlCtGUbSm3X8ZBthQYA-7tONB4FWiiUv4vY8mbq7BvtgFzrhLsjCnGg2Ef/s200/DSC03240.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have to admit, I would never<br />
have guessed he's a doctor,<br />
until he started working!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Perfect. Because this is rainy season, and, believe it or not, I don't like hiking in the rain for days on end. Usually, he suggests that folks plan to spend several hours and go home with three pieces: First, he shows them how it's done from start-to-finish by creating a piece as they watch. (It's kind of hard to talk when you're working with the fan on.) Second, he cuts out a piece, and lets the client polish it. Third, the client creates a piece on their own. <br />
<br />
He offers to show me and asks what shape I would like. Uh. . . how about a star? He searches around for an appropriate piece of shell and turns the fan on. Then the magic starts. He works quickly and methodically, exchanging drill bits and drills and polishers, and proving that the chaotic-looking workshop is in fact highly ordered. His hands do not shake or falter as his fingers work right next to the cutting edge. A few minutes later he has produced a highly polished star. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRmmR1gMLwl1bzTqi-7l_3pbp8P32fCPRsD2NS0iXskPw8tLhO4OijAEHjSqy3pSDjQH0cLbcscryqmGarjK5VPvJnWiK_Y5w5lpC31-4eFuEaC0WYuZR668A3kNOrklRzqysMoUYHnpf/s1600/DSC03245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRmmR1gMLwl1bzTqi-7l_3pbp8P32fCPRsD2NS0iXskPw8tLhO4OijAEHjSqy3pSDjQH0cLbcscryqmGarjK5VPvJnWiK_Y5w5lpC31-4eFuEaC0WYuZR668A3kNOrklRzqysMoUYHnpf/s320/DSC03245.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Accessories made by Dr. Tagami. He made the star while I watched.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A simple piece like this, he explains, might sell for 500 yen in a shop, but he can't give a set price or time frame for clients without knowing what sort of pieces they hope to make. It's obvious he's not in this for the money, though. Anyways, the workshop is small, so only one person can work at a time, and he recommends that no more than two folks visit together.<br />
<br />
Reservations are not necessary, but it's a good idea, because, of course, he has his <i>other</i> business, too. ^^<br />
<br />
I was amazed by the precision and speed with which Dr. Tagami worked, and I'm excited to think up my own idea and try my own hand. Two words: <i>DIY</i> and <i>creativity</i>. Mother-of-pearl craft may not have a long history in Yakushima, but perhaps the tradition is just getting started.<br />
<br />
Yakushima Minshuku <b>WaRaku</b> (屋久島民宿和楽) <br />
Location: Anbo 739-146 (30.3262,130.6575)<br />
<br />
Website: <a href="http://yakushimawaraku.web.fc2.com/yakushimazaiku.html">http://yakushimawaraku.web.fc2.com/yakushimazaiku.html</a><br />
<br />
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Yakushima Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346581300800838371noreply@blogger.com0Japan, 〒891-4311 Kagoshima-ken, Kumage-gun, Yakushima-chō, Anbō 739-14630.326339 130.6580395999999430.3254825 130.65677909999994 30.327195500000002 130.65930009999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442135343515193479.post-65540542442644295652015-06-22T14:30:00.000+09:002015-06-22T14:30:47.860+09:00Isaribi - Authentic Yakushima Cooking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdnp8sFC15prNcHrGtMDfStLWCFi6WDkzrBXXeWeRZUAkkbLBglL-hDymNhznRUJRcwkp2hXuN_Sh0ICKoWPmaNPm7uhgr5Q8CbANQ_vZMuDE5pKITXc3AmKmxiquLqVKVzfUc6OsqMk3/s1600/isaribi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdnp8sFC15prNcHrGtMDfStLWCFi6WDkzrBXXeWeRZUAkkbLBglL-hDymNhznRUJRcwkp2hXuN_Sh0ICKoWPmaNPm7uhgr5Q8CbANQ_vZMuDE5pKITXc3AmKmxiquLqVKVzfUc6OsqMk3/s320/isaribi.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Alright, I'm going to be bluntly honest:</span> If you're looking for a quiet, peaceful dinner, you should probably go somewhere else, and if you eat at the counter, you should be prepared for a bit of clamour from the kitchen. (One could argue a bit of clamour shows how close the staff are to each other.)<br />
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But the food is so darn good it makes up for all the fuss and then some. Isaribi is extremely popular, and you'll want to make a reservation during the tourist season. It's hard to visit Yakushima without being served a flying fish fried whole or broken-neck mackerel sashimi, (and you can eat those here too! In fact, the mackerel is very good!) but this is my next recommendation to excite your taste buds. Very Japanese, very Yakushima, and very good.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemO5c0vZtoV-PIKkjobPKBx5d7dzLnQk1cDMis3UuMyzF5lqBpWVJqx6QaYcL4FIMD-f1wYMD6Rxc_cYTqwUWJih6qzCCCHm597rN_Sc1yU7AsqJ21LU7VNA8ikRx4zLRGSbokJseAplK/s1600/DSC02658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemO5c0vZtoV-PIKkjobPKBx5d7dzLnQk1cDMis3UuMyzF5lqBpWVJqx6QaYcL4FIMD-f1wYMD6Rxc_cYTqwUWJih6qzCCCHm597rN_Sc1yU7AsqJ21LU7VNA8ikRx4zLRGSbokJseAplK/s320/DSC02658.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closing a rainy day with an original <br />fish&yama-imo porridge (left front)<br /> and ocha-dzuke!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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The menu has a rather skillful English translation, although I don't think English does Japanese cooking justice. Set meals run around 1400 yen, or you can order several individual dishes. There's a lot of tempura, a lot of sea food, some ocha-dzuke (rice, topping, and tea that you mix together and eat like a porridge) dishes, and a whole bunch more. Many dishes incorporate locally popular foods like mackerel or gooey grated Japanese yams called yama-imo. The chef often watches proudly from the kitchen to see your reaction to your first bite. I never let him down.<br clear=all>
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Isaribi<br />
Location: Miyanoura 2450−64 (30.4205,130.5813), on the main road near the high school.<br />
Hours: 5pm-21:30pm (I believe.) Closed on Wednesdays.*<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d6881.100483631035!2d130.58130000000048!3d30.42049999973773!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x0%3A0x0!2zMzDCsDI1JzEzLjgiTiAxMzDCsDM0JzUyLjciRQ!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1434950464481" style="border: 0;" width="400"></iframe>
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*Hours are subject to change, so please call the restaurant or check ahead.
Yakushima Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346581300800838371noreply@blogger.com0Japan, 〒891-4205 Kagoshima-ken, Kumage-gun, Yakushima-chō, Miyanoura 県道77号線30.4203618 130.5813775000000330.4199338 130.58074700000003 30.420789799999998 130.58200800000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442135343515193479.post-8937933161578671152015-06-19T12:55:00.002+09:002015-06-19T13:04:11.433+09:00Abridged List of YakusugiIf you're reading this, chances are you have also heard about Yakusugi, the Japanese cedar trees (Cryptomeria Japonica, or sugi in Japanese) on Yakushima that have grown to an age of one to three thousand years--perhaps even older!<br />
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Where can we see them? How many are there? What makes the famous Jomon Sugi special? What makes them different from normal Japanese cedar trees? I could write a book trying to answer all these questions, but for now, let me answer the first. (To find out more, the Yakusugi Museum is a great place to start. In fact, most of the measurements and estimates listed below are quoted from Museum publications.)<br />
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In Edo times, loggers cut down 50 to 70 percent of the large old-growth Japanese cedar trees on Yakushima, and countless more were felled in the 20th century. Those that were spared were too remote, not of desirable quality (Remember that Edo-period loggers were looking for straight, easy-to-split lumber, not beautiful burl!), or set aside for other reasons. (For example, trees in recreational forests like Yakusugiland or Shiratani were spared the axe in the second half of the twentieth century.) Of the Yakusugi left, especially noteworthy or easily accessible Yakusugi (as well as a few others named after people) have been given names. I should mention that over the years as logging villages have closed and Yakushima's network of trails has developed, some of these are no longer so accessible and others have fallen down. There are also many noteworthy non-Yakusugi trees that have been given names (such as Sanbon Sugi and Nidai Oh Sugi in Shiratani) and quite a few fabulous Yakusugi without official names. I have excluded most of these from this list. <br />
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So, without further ado, here are some great places for encountering Yakusugi Trees and the named Yakusugi you are likely to see there. <b>*Yakusugi*</b> set in asterisks are those I personally recommend.
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<h3>Yakusugiland</h3> I can't overstate how much this wonderful recreational forest park outshines its name. With short trails for non-hikers and longer trails for experienced hikers, this is a fantastic place for hiking, especially if you want to see Yakusugi.</li>
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<b>*Buddha Sugi, 仏陀杉*</b> (est. 1800 years old, 8m circumference)
<br>This is my favorite tree in the park and can be accessed by a brief stop off of the 50-minute course. Gnarled and hollow and home for many other trees, the original tree does not have a lot of leaves left. I seem to recall hearing that in the early days of the park, it was popular among students to climb into the hollow space, but the tree is obviously too elderly to sustain such abuses.<br clear=all></li>
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<b>Sennen Sugi, 千年杉</b> (est. 1000 years old)<br>
Easily accessible on the 30-minute course of walkways and stairs, this relatively "young" Yakusugi marks the size of a thousand years. A Japanese wheel tree wraps around the trunk as if to show visitors how big an epiphyte can grow.<br clear=all></li>
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<b>Hige Chourou, ヒゲ長老</b> (est. 100 years old, 9.5 m circumference)
<br>Named by an elementary student during the celebration of 10th anniversary of World Heritage status, this tree's name means something like, "Beardy elder." With a beard of moss and fern, it blends in quite well with the surrounding forest.<br clear=all></li>
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<b>Tenchu Sugi, 転注杉</b> (est. 1500 years old, 8.2m circumference)<br>
The typhoon winds that blow through Yakushima's mountains almost annually and occasional lightning strikes are not favorable to tall trees, and at a height of around 34 meters, this is one of the tallest Yakusugi.<br clear=all></li>
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<b>Oyako Sugi, 親子杉</b> (Two trunks, both est. 2600 years old, 9.0m and 6.3m circumferences)<br>
The name meaning "parent-child" is great for these two trees that have grown together. One of the trunks is dead, but it remains standing next to the other. If you're with a friend, try to capture the enormity of the double-trunks by having them walk a few meters farther along the trail and take your photo while you stand by the sign placard.
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<b>Mitsune Sugi, 三根杉</b> (est. 1,100 years old, 9.3m circumference)<br>
This tree looks like it is standing on three legs. Perhaps the tree first grew atop of another tree's stump that has since disintegrated. You'll find a lot of similar examples of spaces left by decay, but this phenomenon is particularly obvious in the case of Mitsune Sugi. Unfortunately, it doesn't lend itself easily to photography.<br clear=all></li>
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If that's not enough to quench your appetite, there are also trails leading the prepared hiker out of Yakusugiland into forests inhabited by many more Yakusugi:
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<b>*Shaka Sugi, 釈迦杉*</b> (est. 2,000 years old)<br>
A hike up to Tenmon no Mori and Tacchu Dake passes this beautifully whitened tree by a stream. There are a few Yakusugi on this trail, but this one definitely stands out, even though it has no sign.<br clear=all></li>
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<b>Oda Sugi, 小田杉</b> (est. 2,500 years, 8.2m circumference)<br>
Close to Shaka Sugi, this is another of the Yakusugi Trees that hikers to Tenmon no Mori and Tacchu Dake will see. Like Shaka Sugi, it has no sign, and it is easily missed. In fact, I've just realized that I don't seem to have a single photo of it!<br clear=all><br></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHcK7LAn-958u4-5iNQz07ptNUwGPQ3VnqCqdke4vYQ42JwQFFsDp7qaTdfIPY-a067OsOGsGkTQMI67mkasU0bFxcuNdnRhMo5zBTopXS5l3LV6JqaqSnX760ODbB81eZ0BHtT9Gr5bp/s1600/KIMG1857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHcK7LAn-958u4-5iNQz07ptNUwGPQ3VnqCqdke4vYQ42JwQFFsDp7qaTdfIPY-a067OsOGsGkTQMI67mkasU0bFxcuNdnRhMo5zBTopXS5l3LV6JqaqSnX760ODbB81eZ0BHtT9Gr5bp/s200/KIMG1857.JPG" width="150" /></a>
<b>*Yamato Sugi, 大和杉*</b> (est. 3~4,000 years old, 10.2m circumference)<br>
Hikers who want to be alone in the deep forest will enjoy the winding trek to one of the largest remaining Yakusugi. (Although you might find the journey quite hellish if you have weak knees!) I suspect that it's location in a valley has protected it from winds over the millenia and allowed it to gro to it's current stature. With a height around 35m, however, taking photos is quite a challenge.</li>
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<h3>Roadside Yakusugi</h3> Even visitors who cannot walk can see two Yakusugi trees. Both of these trees are located next to the road between Yakusugiland and the Yodogawa Trail Head.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhoIIJ3p7JJgmXQ3RKIqexjAhYjPzzaZ7j_YYhFNiUngISJ9uAmQRCkJ16rHimMcVzWqT1743MyfiTqZPFSpwWEn4xVgX0KGUxs5kdkuAhguSc3hmLiS3sZGBBTgzw0kNz5Ev458wULW9/s1600/%25E7%25B4%2580%25E5%2585%2583%25E6%259D%2589_20120702_063009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhoIIJ3p7JJgmXQ3RKIqexjAhYjPzzaZ7j_YYhFNiUngISJ9uAmQRCkJ16rHimMcVzWqT1743MyfiTqZPFSpwWEn4xVgX0KGUxs5kdkuAhguSc3hmLiS3sZGBBTgzw0kNz5Ev458wULW9/s200/%25E7%25B4%2580%25E5%2585%2583%25E6%259D%2589_20120702_063009.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>*Kigen Sugi, 紀元杉*</b> (est. 3,000 years old, 8.1m circumference)<br>
I believe this old Yakusugi is about 6 kilometers beyond Yakusugiland, and people riding the pubic bus can even take a leisurely stop at Kigen Sugi before visiting Yakusugiland. A walkway leads down and around the tree, taking visitors within an arm's length of its majesty. Although it may look full of life, a closer inspection reveals that the trunk is home to many other trees including rhododendrons and a sizable Japanese cypress, but ropes have been recently strung up to make sure that the only leaved branch belonging to the original Yakusugi hit someone if it falls down.<br clear=all></li>
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<b>Kawakami Sugi, 川上杉</b> (est. 2000 years old, 8.9m circumference)<br>
Located beside the road between Kigen Sugi and the Yodogo Trail Head, this tree was named after the engineer who spared the life of this tree by demanding that the road be built around it. Thank you, Mr. Kawakami.<br clear=all></li>
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<h3>Yodogo/Yodogawa Trail Head</h3> This is the trail head hikers use for day-hikes to Mount Miyanoura, and while there aren't any large trees among the highest mountain peaks, there are a couple not to far from the trail head. Yakusugiland is definitely a better bet if your goal is to see Yakusugi, but so many people come to Yakushima for the purpose of climbing Mount Miyanoura that I think especially the first of these is worth mentioning.</li>
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<b>*The Yodogo Sugi, 淀川杉*</b><br>
The Yodogo Trail is not known for Yakusugi, but about five minutes (maybe ten if you're hiking slowly) up the trail you will pass one beautiful beast on your left. It doesn't have an official name nor a sign, so most people just call it the Yodogo Sugi.<br clear=all></li>
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<b>The Onoaida Sugi, 尾之間杉</b><br>
Much of the Onoaida Trail is too low in elevation to see Yakusugi, but about five minutes (maybe ten if you're hiking slowly) down the trail from the Yodogo Trail Head stands this tree. Like the Yodogo Sugi, it has no official name, but it's sometimes marked on maps as the Onoaida Sugi. It' a splendid tree, but it has no sign, and if you hiked past it without noticing, don't sweat it; hopefully your travels will take you by more Yakusugi. <br clear=all></li>
</ul>
<h3>Oh-Kabu Trail and the Takatsuka area, including Jomon Sugi</h3> Jomon Sugi is the most famous tree in Japan, but a hike there also takes you to a beautiful forest full of Yakusugi trees. Although the trail above Jomon Sugi that continues (in about one or one and a half hours) to the Shin Takatsuka Hut passes by no named Yakusugi, the forest there is also full of many beautiful Yakusugi Trees.</li>
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<b>*Jomon Sugi, 縄文杉*</b> (est. 2,170 to 7,200 years old, 16.4m circumference)<br>
I'm going to have to give this tree it's own blog post because no one can explain the size of this tree and no one knows how old it is! Carbon-dating suggests that it's not much older than 2,000 years, but no other trees in Yakushima come even close to this size. There is another Japanese Cedar of bigger girth in Niigata, but that tree is said to be only 1,400 years old. Although a day hike to Jomon Sugi is 20 to 22 kilometers long, it is one of the most popular destinations in Yakushima, and the trail is highly maintained. For obvious reasons, you are not allowed to touch or approach Jomon Sugi. <br clear=all></li>
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<b>*Daiou Sugi, 大王杉*</b> (est. 3,000 years old, 11.1m circumference)<br>
This is the tree that lost it's crown when the Jomon Sugi was discovered. But its impressive spreading roots captivate hikers in a way that defies comparison to Jomon Sugi. Even though you cannot approach the tree, it's easy to tell that the trunk is hollow. However, carbon-dating has been used to check the age estimate of 3,000 years. When you pass by, notice how the branches reach south towards the sunshine. <br clear=all></li>
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<b>*Meoto Sugi, 夫婦杉*</b> (est. 2,000 and 1,500 years old, 10.9m and 5.8m circumference)<br>
These two trees are conjoined by a long limb, as if holding hands. It is said that the limb was originally extended by the younger tree on the left. I enjoy watching the view of Meoto Sugi and its epiphytes change through the seasons. Many people consider this a very auspicious pair of trees. </li>
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<b>Niou Sugi, 仁王杉</b> (Agyou, 8.3m circumference)<br>
This tree is next to the trail by the upper-half of the railroad tracks. It is the younger of two trees that stood like a temple's guardian Nio-sama statues; however, it's companion, said to be born around the time of Christ, fell down during a typhoon in the year 2000. I often hear that the remaining tree is probably around 1500 years old, but I can't find a source for that. If you look closely, you will see a large protrusion about halfway up the tree, and you'll see a root leading down and several trunks growing up. It appears that this tree is a conglomeration of Japanese cedars. <br clear=all></li>
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<b>Kodakara Sugi</b> (Unofficial name)<br>
Today, this is the biggest tree on that most hikers on the route to Jomon Sugi will touch. Please be careful with your shoes around the base of the tree! It does not have an official name, but it is affectionately called "Ko-dakara." In English, I might call it the Fertility Tree. Imagine that hole above the burl is a belly-button. . .<br clear=all></li>
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<b>(Unnamed)</b><br>
I've never heard of a name associated with this tree, and most hikers don't see it because it is on the "nature observation path" above Wilson's Stump. If the staircases are too mundane for you, this is a fun path to take, and you'll get to see this beautiful tree. <br clear=all></li>
</ol>
<ul>
There are also a couple noteworthy stumps along this trail:
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<b>Wilson Stump, ウイルソン株</b> (est. 3,000 years old, 13.8m circumference)<br>
Experience one of those "bigger on the inside" places. Legend has it that this stump was cut down by order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi to build a large Buddha statue in Kyoto, but it was most likely cut down by Edo period loggers within the past 300 years (judging from the age of the Japanese Cedars growing around it). The famous plant hunter, Earnest Wilson did not discover this stump, but he documented it after visiting Yakushima in 1914. It was named after him in gratitude for his work that brought attention to the importance of the Yakushima's forests. This is one of the few trail-side stumps that visitors are allowえd to enter.<br clear=all></li>
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<b>Okina Sugi, 翁杉</b> (est. 2,000 years old, 12.6m circumference)<br>
What a shame that this tree--covered in so much moss and so many viney roots that th feeling of age inspired its name, which means grandfather--fell down in the fall of 2010, three days before I first visited the island! Nobody saw it happen, and there was no typhoon or strong wind at the time, but a look at the trunk will show you how rotted and hollow it was. (And you really have to wonder if a trail should pass over the roots of such an elderly tree.) <br clear=all></li>
</ul>
<h3>Shiratani Unsuikyo Park </h3>
Most famous for the moss forest that inspired the movie, Princess Mononoke, and the Taiko Iwa Lookout, Shiratani is also home to several grand old Yakusugi. The park offers three trails, so hikers can choose the trail that suits their tastes and fitness level as well as the weather. (Shiratani sometimes floods in heavy rain!) Each of these trails passes by a Yakusugi tree.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAZH4uhh73kUYb8LEBlHFZibSTNTkZ__uT1QCq4ds93n40AyNKqM0f0x6e1mTgADawiQiypbjmkdy5zrlYZPyVhXN-itRVaPEt9IvxTQigdAWZ8-QVytp30TH8LdhpmICxVpP-fF3Us4l/s1600/KIMG1660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; mar is a good idea. . . gin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAZH4uhh73kUYb8LEBlHFZibSTNTkZ__uT1QCq4ds93n40AyNKqM0f0x6e1mTgADawiQiypbjmkdy5zrlYZPyVhXN-itRVaPEt9IvxTQigdAWZ8-QVytp30TH8LdhpmICxVpP-fF3Us4l/s200/KIMG1660.JPG" width="149" /></a>
<b>Yayaoi Sugi, 弥生杉</b> (est. 3,000 years old, 8.1m circumference)<br>
My colleague tells me this used to be a splendid Yakusugi and a favorite among visitors twenty years ago, and pictures from 40 years ago also attest to this tree's former glory, but that all that attention has taken its toll. The beautiful one-hour walking course that passes this Yakusugi makes it accessible to visitors unable to hike farther into the park.</li>
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<b>*Nanahon Sugi, 七本杉*</b> (8.3m circumference)<br>
If you'r headed to the famous "Moss Forest," you'll pass this Yakusugi on your way there. The name draws attention to how the main trunk must have snapped long ago, and in its place, the branches have grown upwards, crowning it with five or six massive limbs. (Maybe there were seven branches at one time, but no matter how you count, you won't get seven.) <br clear=all></li>
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<b>*Bugyou Sugi, 奉行杉*</b> (8.5m circumference) My favorite tree in the park. It has an ancient air and is covered in so many other plants that it is hard to see the few leaves still sprouting from its higher branches. On the opposite side from the sign are two holes that guests often say remind them of eyes. These are marks left by loggers who, for some reason, had second thoughts about cutting down this tree. It is located on the Bugyou Sugi Course that can flood in heavy rains. <br clear=all></li>
</ol>
<h3>Ryuujin Sugi</h3> A hike up to Ryujin Sugi passes through forest that has been heavily logged in the 20th century, but to be alone with the cicle of huge trees and stumps clustered around Ryujin Sugi is a powerful experience. Highly advised alternate hike if you're thinking of hiking to Jomon Sugi but prefer more solitude.</li>
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<b>*Ryuujin Sugi, 龍神杉*</b> (est. 2,000 years old, 11.0m circumference) The name of this tree means Dragon God, and I think you'll agree that it's a well-deserved name.<br clear=all></li>
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<b>Raijin Sugi, 雷神杉</b> (est. 2,000 years old, 11.6m circumference)<br>
The "Lightning God" Yakusugi may be less famous than Ryuujin Sugi, but it's also incredibly huge.<br clear=all></li>
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<b>Fuujin Sugi, 風神杉</b> (est. 1,500 years old, about 3m around)<br>
Notice that I didn't say that the circumference of the "Wind God" Yakusugi is 3m. That's because only one side of this tree is remaining! Is it alive? Hmm. . . It somehow reminds me of a waterfall. <br clear=all><br>
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</ol><ul>
<li>
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<b>Nearby Stumps</b><br>
There are also a couple of huge stumps in this area. While I haven't seen any official names or measurements for these, I think they are definitely worth mentioning!<br clear=all></li>
</ul>
<h3><a href="http://yakushimalife.blogspot.jp/2013/02/exterior-mountain-1-mocchomu-dake.html" target="_blank">Mocchomu</a></h3> The beautiful but strenuous trail up Mt. Mocchomu should be done in daytime by well-prepared hikers. (When the fog rolls in, finding the way back can prove treacherous.) It is a steep but fantastic hike that shows off Yakushima's vertically distributed flora.</li>
<ol>
<li>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_3q1h-9obW7e0zT6xxn6agTOJVHnx1_N76Ff_QKk7MBE_VRKib4mQPSh2Siu3N5EkLVsk1NhLlKWl1qWn9a6jvp_bPOybixtIE9cKIuOH5jmTUTx8_FxQWunx1M5y5Y6Ca8XKW7_q6bK/s1600/bandaisugi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_3q1h-9obW7e0zT6xxn6agTOJVHnx1_N76Ff_QKk7MBE_VRKib4mQPSh2Siu3N5EkLVsk1NhLlKWl1qWn9a6jvp_bPOybixtIE9cKIuOH5jmTUTx8_FxQWunx1M5y5Y6Ca8XKW7_q6bK/s200/bandaisugi.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>*Bandai Sugi, 万代杉*</b> (est. 3,000 years old, 8.6m circumference)<br>
One of my favorite trees, resting among the roots of this old tree is an experience none of the other named Yakusugi trees can offer. Please be kind to the tree and try not to injure its roots with your hiking boots. It's impossible to miss when hiking to the peak of Mocchomu.<br clear=all></li>
<li>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvorZNwde00NeumSa4gH1teYf4HohbOrT2NLqRYmUlBfrdBvGCJjDpMVgqFFcniZNxOnFQS8Q2ySIr_OyRVjzyg32Hbhojley3hUK-sNW6dKDYWqPMcLJLlqRDl_lmk8kUv1PhZyJOrlk/s1600/KIMG3088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvorZNwde00NeumSa4gH1teYf4HohbOrT2NLqRYmUlBfrdBvGCJjDpMVgqFFcniZNxOnFQS8Q2ySIr_OyRVjzyg32Hbhojley3hUK-sNW6dKDYWqPMcLJLlqRDl_lmk8kUv1PhZyJOrlk/s200/KIMG3088.JPG" /></a></div>
<b>Mocchomu Taro, モッチョム太郎</b> (9.4m circumference)<br>
Up the route from Bandai Sugi, signs point to this tree that can be spotted easily from the trail. It makes a wonderful contrast to Bandai Sugi. There is also another Yakusugi on this mountain called Hanako, but Hanako has slipped back into the realm of legend as the trail that used to pass by is no longer in existence.<br clear=all></li>
</ol>
<h3>Hanayama Trail</h3> Fabulous trail through one of the most pristine forests in Yakushima, but it takes some planning. It's usually done as part of a two- or three-day hike across the island's interior. Even though I've only listed one named Yakusugi here, there are plenty of large, impressive trees!
<ul>
<li>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsdLfb07hxi3HwCoA3WOUXCINGYXnY9vjChUdDtcppdh1m2pFIwbU7HpnTWjsq-0ZWSCOIv-h5wTqaNrWffhelfPTgyz4ZlpVy2DVkWfQUu1yTk8qJ-hXWPwwn4iyOFjKthCBxz4zcWWj/s1600/DSC00065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsdLfb07hxi3HwCoA3WOUXCINGYXnY9vjChUdDtcppdh1m2pFIwbU7HpnTWjsq-0ZWSCOIv-h5wTqaNrWffhelfPTgyz4ZlpVy2DVkWfQUu1yTk8qJ-hXWPwwn4iyOFjKthCBxz4zcWWj/s200/DSC00065.JPG" /></a></div>
<b>*Dairyuu Sugi*</b> (7.1m circumference)<br>
One of the most contorted Yakusugi on this trail. It's not very tall, and it's branches arch precariously overhead. Compare this to the rather straight and soaring Yakusugi at the Hanayama Hiroba further up the trail. <br clear=all></li>
</ul>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9tRQPVGhqYwlRIr3PDqFF_55Ijj4G6FdiFNS9fAE4316K23XHO7pXM62Dpyn53i4NblMjw2sqVI_z8oqcQFyJr38Y_OGDOujlDoc72xzOyiSeS5X4lGMg6zOFnI80FN7fXRFaz7r6GQq/s1600/KIMG1242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9tRQPVGhqYwlRIr3PDqFF_55Ijj4G6FdiFNS9fAE4316K23XHO7pXM62Dpyn53i4NblMjw2sqVI_z8oqcQFyJr38Y_OGDOujlDoc72xzOyiSeS5X4lGMg6zOFnI80FN7fXRFaz7r6GQq/s200/KIMG1242.JPG" /></a></div>
Of course, these aren't the only Yakusugi in Yakushima! But these are the ones most people come to see. Other trails, such as the trail to Anbo MaeDake (left) also pass by great Yakusugi trees. I hope you will find a tree with which you fee a special connection.<br><br><br>
(The circumferences and age estimates I've listed hear are mostly sighted from documents published by the Yakusugi Museum, but a few I just found on the Internet. Circumference is measured at a height of 1.3m from the ground.)
Yakushima Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346581300800838371noreply@blogger.com0Yakushima30.255271096448237 130.5322283506393426.725959596448238 125.36865435063935 33.784582596448239 135.69580235063935tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442135343515193479.post-67573237726154195352015-06-13T11:46:00.001+09:002016-08-12T04:52:14.426+09:00Cycling in Yakushima<span style="font-size: large;">Just like hiking, there are many options for cyclists</span> visiting
Yakushima. There are several places you can rent bicycles round the
island and if you do a little homework, you'll surely find a ride that fits your style.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Cycling Activities:</span></b><br />
From simple transportation between your accommodation and the store, to watching the sunset and the see turtles lay their eggs after the buses have stopped running, to blissful rides through the forest, bicycling is a popular (although exhausting with all these hills!) means of getting around, but for those seeking more, here are a few suggestions:<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAkPBuTkQsuYmXxr2whrt8qMzo3xbqZ5Q1BIII9Ck_FhaueiKw7a_DL5sQ2t1rAwOF38xqO6ILw_epVh4Z1Pnr9elJTpnBfgpKoyttfTlHo4Lsy1D0pFkNbxTG6ZuAqlVIDILzrBNOzRX/s1600/DSC01215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAkPBuTkQsuYmXxr2whrt8qMzo3xbqZ5Q1BIII9Ck_FhaueiKw7a_DL5sQ2t1rAwOF38xqO6ILw_epVh4Z1Pnr9elJTpnBfgpKoyttfTlHo4Lsy1D0pFkNbxTG6ZuAqlVIDILzrBNOzRX/s1600/DSC01215.JPG" width="200" /></a><b>The West Forest Road (<i>Seiburindou</i>)</b><br />
On
the West side of Yakushima, the road narrows and winds right through
the World Natural Heritage Site. (Yes, Yakushima is one of the few
places you can drive or cycle through a World Natural Heritage Site.)
Cars and tour buses can also use the road, but traffic is less than in
other parts of the island and drivers are careful because the road is
very windy and this area is particularly famous for deer and monkeys.
Large troops forage, frolic, and relax along the road and in the
surrounding forests. The road climbs up to an elevation of about 300m,
but even if you have to get off your bike and walk part way, most people
agree: It's worth it. In fact, you'll want to jump off your bike
regularly to watch the animals. But please, do not feed them, antagonize
or intimidate them, and don't leave your lunch unattended! (And avoid eye contact with the monkeys.) No matter how docile they may appear, they are wild animals, so please watch for defensive/aggressive behavior and back off if you need to. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-pbDXfzsU_VCbynydsgDhV07atllTLSq29q7P8_I3xBkO2diIJX0_s89k5_CFwp4-dDk3ggbs3zZNzfWVetu9GhyOi5CoN60KApuP4AvRuX3TTZ7Pc8mNeAeXDZLoroN0kfrWNE9Jqazl/s1600/KIMG9468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-pbDXfzsU_VCbynydsgDhV07atllTLSq29q7P8_I3xBkO2diIJX0_s89k5_CFwp4-dDk3ggbs3zZNzfWVetu9GhyOi5CoN60KApuP4AvRuX3TTZ7Pc8mNeAeXDZLoroN0kfrWNE9Jqazl/s1600/KIMG9468.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
I
suggest packing a bento lunch, rain gear or sunscreen, water, and a portable-toilet pack, <strike>then taking a bus
to Nagata where you can pick up a rental cycle. (You'll want to place a
reservation to make sure one is available.) </strike><span style="background-color: red;">UFORTUNATELY RENTAL SERVICES NEARBY HAVE BEEN CUT IN 2016.</span>Shortly after departing Nagata, stop at the
lighthouse, and then continue climbing up the hilly road at a leisurely pace,
stopping wherever you like. Eventually, you'll hit the road's highest
elevation and begin a long descent. Be careful not to let your bicycle
get away from you; pump the breaks gently to keep them from overheating
and failing. After you cross the Segire River and leave the World
Natural Heritage Site, you'll come to Oko Waterfall, where you can use
the rest room as well as relax in the cool mist of the powerful falls that
gained Oko status as one of Japan's Top-100 Waterfalls. You can return
your bicycle at the shop in Kurio, or continue on.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GURvIbPGh2gD6muqqV4kkbByZ1M79oSGKJifXZuY6uuxLSe0G3WU56DlSKEGS14VTtwEsqY-KzIjks2nOs4HlC4pZcPBJ0Ie0dfyKJf7siDG9cPOzr5r8Vbohz-SQK6vBzqopWY1Axqj/s1600/Yakushima+Experience+Ride.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GURvIbPGh2gD6muqqV4kkbByZ1M79oSGKJifXZuY6uuxLSe0G3WU56DlSKEGS14VTtwEsqY-KzIjks2nOs4HlC4pZcPBJ0Ie0dfyKJf7siDG9cPOzr5r8Vbohz-SQK6vBzqopWY1Axqj/s200/Yakushima+Experience+Ride.png" width="200" /></a><b>Bicycle Tours*</b><br />
<a href="http://www.yakushimaexperience.com/?page_id=86" target="_blank">Cameron, the friendly hiking guide over at Yakushima Experience</a> offers bicycle tours. He'll pick you up
with rental cycles and take you on a tour of the western side of the
island (including the West Forest Road) ranging anywhere from 25 to 50
kilometers and from three to seven hours depending on your tastes,
although he emphasizes a leisurely pace with plenty of photo
opportunities and wildlife viewing. Staff will meet you on the other
side to take you back with the option of stopping by a hot spring.
Prices range from 12500 yen per person for groups of four or more to
17000 for solo riders.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKk8WTcrfMOpoHWrpnx4WE1JO3B4IaRhbPNNWLFa-mvY2iesrvDB18cwrlNFKaRkTAug7c0nEuqasRlKV0vaWi7sB9wXcWJAkPTMKkAJRmhC2PLhHJ0aoLjBodtU5QdiKr4u7SOBrT2yhR/s1600/mavcar.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKk8WTcrfMOpoHWrpnx4WE1JO3B4IaRhbPNNWLFa-mvY2iesrvDB18cwrlNFKaRkTAug7c0nEuqasRlKV0vaWi7sB9wXcWJAkPTMKkAJRmhC2PLhHJ0aoLjBodtU5QdiKr4u7SOBrT2yhR/s1600/mavcar.JPG" width="200" /></a><b>Annual Cycling Event*</b><br />
Enjoy
aid stations, police support, photo opportunities, point-of-interest
stops and
more as local volunteers cheer for you and hundreds of other cyclists
making their way around the 100km parameter of the island. Half (50km)
and family (20km) course lengths are
also offered, but this is not a timed raced. Rental cycles may be booked
out, so reserve your space as well as a bicycle (and a helmet!) or
bring your own. In 2015 participation fees ranged from 3,000 yen for the
short course to 9,500 yen for the full course, and applications were
due the month before the event. The <a href="http://www.eco-ride.info/outline.html" target="_blank">Cycling Yakushima</a> event is held annually in February, so check the calendar!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Challenge Routes</b><br />
The
main road that wraps around Yakushima is just over 100km around and
climbs up to an elevation of about 300m. If you're looking for a crazy (as in, maybe you want to see hour far you can go until you drop dead) challenge you can cycle up to the trail head at Shiratani Unsuikyo Park
(650m el.) or Yodogawa (1365m el.). Please note that cyclists and
pedestrians are not allowed on the turnoff leading to the Arakawa Trail
Head for Jomon Sugi from March through November.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Renting a Bicycle*</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><b>You Shop:</b> If you are a serious cyclist, you'll enjoy a trip to the <a href="http://youshop-nangoku.jimdo.com/%E3%83%AC%E3%83%B3%E3%82%BF%E3%83%AB%E3%82%B5%E3%82%A4%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AB/" target="_blank">YOU Shop</a> in Anbo. The owner welcomes foreigners, and you can rent anything from 21-speed cross-bikes and mountain-bikes from 800 yen/day to road bikes for 3,000 yen/day. They have both overnight and hourly rates, and if you bring your own pedals, they'll even install them for you.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpn9DBohyKZfhhqj633VevJUME29EyORDuqvuOXA4QQJElV8v9b5XWHJCDjwZtXz3VKz1Rg6sh-L8kG_U4apPpxb_PKsf_Pq_RaaQ2JVbBGDXVO4n2oPdULmmbuYVq3FVNUBzD8GTLUXpH/s1600/DSC01582.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpn9DBohyKZfhhqj633VevJUME29EyORDuqvuOXA4QQJElV8v9b5XWHJCDjwZtXz3VKz1Rg6sh-L8kG_U4apPpxb_PKsf_Pq_RaaQ2JVbBGDXVO4n2oPdULmmbuYVq3FVNUBzD8GTLUXpH/s1600/DSC01582.JPG" width="200" /></a>
</td><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FMrvbTuDqSA-WCiS-5P4nyEDCEyUSKVciqK1SDVrAxo1EpX5URoVASsmA4HBcmEF42ayKYFvu0oKKoryeUUETUEdSKVH96aTP5YhsNleZtnNgJIY5jihhUVAaxPhZhH5O_xjv_ZiIZcL/s1600/DSC01579.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FMrvbTuDqSA-WCiS-5P4nyEDCEyUSKVciqK1SDVrAxo1EpX5URoVASsmA4HBcmEF42ayKYFvu0oKKoryeUUETUEdSKVH96aTP5YhsNleZtnNgJIY5jihhUVAaxPhZhH5O_xjv_ZiIZcL/s1600/DSC01579.JPG" width="200" /></a>
</td><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRy4zWpe5ub7oo_aur_vheq5ONIUJQG6qKSPvWp0CSVLIf2UPiXMkQjwjJ4Jdj6daevsSzuWP45PTX_9rP-4OqH965XmxgjUwpEF4XdSxgSuCi-1epdYIIrN74q7yfef352K0g0CYlAvQ/s1600/DSC01578.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRy4zWpe5ub7oo_aur_vheq5ONIUJQG6qKSPvWp0CSVLIf2UPiXMkQjwjJ4Jdj6daevsSzuWP45PTX_9rP-4OqH965XmxgjUwpEF4XdSxgSuCi-1epdYIIrN74q7yfef352K0g0CYlAvQ/s1600/DSC01578.JPG" width="200" /></a>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" colspan="3" style="text-align: center;">The You Shop offers both mid-range cycles (middle) and high-end cycles (right).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />The You Shop is open daily from 9am to 6pm and rents helmets and rain gear to customers who are renting bikes.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8DJCcVUApAgqqhxvUIPRCsfF4BrtTALcFgG1tWPM_0XVlZGRc9YqzEvoWSYWzsXXP5dCdeBYWO-ANaNUP0nGLaCP9ka89qZkU5w_VJf3UfzOIHS8NqIvKPeXKdBZ0D5WwkDLHqs7kPTY/s1600/DSC01577.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8DJCcVUApAgqqhxvUIPRCsfF4BrtTALcFgG1tWPM_0XVlZGRc9YqzEvoWSYWzsXXP5dCdeBYWO-ANaNUP0nGLaCP9ka89qZkU5w_VJf3UfzOIHS8NqIvKPeXKdBZ0D5WwkDLHqs7kPTY/s1600/DSC01577.JPG" width="200" /></a>
<li><b><i>Midori no Kaz</i>e (formerly <i>Mori</i>) Rental Cycles</b> are basic multi-speed bicycles that can be picked up and dropped off at different locations around the island for 800~1050 yen per day depending on the quality of the bike. Pickup/dropoff points open between 6:30 & 9:00am and close between 5:00 & 7:00pm. If you keep a bicycle past closing time, you will be charged for two days.
</li>
<br />In clockwise order beginning in Nagata, cycles can be picked up and dropped off in the towns of
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8DJCcVUApAgqqhxvUIPRCsfF4BrtTALcFgG1tWPM_0XVlZGRc9YqzEvoWSYWzsXXP5dCdeBYWO-ANaNUP0nGLaCP9ka89qZkU5w_VJf3UfzOIHS8NqIvKPeXKdBZ0D5WwkDLHqs7kPTY/s1600/DSC01577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><strike>Nagata, at the Marusou Gasoline Stand,</strike></li>
<strike>
</strike></ul>
<strike>
</strike><ul><strike>
</strike>
<li><strike>Issou, at the Higo Gasoline Stand (closed on Sundays),</strike></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Miyanoura, at Uchida Gasoline Stand<br />or the Yakushima Kankou Center (30.430,130.5689, NOT the Tourist Information Booth. The Kankou Center also offers cross bikes which must be returned to the same location),</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strike>Koseda, at the Nanpou Gasoline Stand,</strike></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Anbo, at the Midori no Kirameki (Mori no Hidamari) Gift Shop,</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><u><strike>Mugio, at the Botanical Research Park,</strike></u></li>
<u><strike>
</strike></u></ul>
<u><strike>
</strike></u><ul>
<li><u><strike>Onoaida, at the Hidaka Gasoline Stand (Closed on Sundays),and</strike></u></li>
</ul>
<u><strike>
</strike></u><ul>
<li><u><strike>Kurio, at the S-Mart convenience store,</strike></u></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>UNFORUTNATELY, MOST RENTAL LOCATIONS HAVE BEEN CUT AS OF SUMMER 2016. as well as at a few other locations. Check for the latest locations and call first or make a reservation to make sure that a bicycle will be available for you, especially if you plan to pick one up from a smaller location. <ul>Please note that insurance is not included with these bicycles, and you are liable for up to 15000 in damages. These bicycles are meant to handle loads up to 85 kg. If you don't have your rental receipt when you return the bicycle you will be charged an extra 500 yen.</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtNsl0ms2gLNofBDR6yTeQyipscMJBZvz6pIK4WEg8VSHSLZJIKPhYsCDbjZhaCMtmjl3LvNTjn2v4pTqRbHVXu63HIySIACVVPMR7MWluoCFtOar_jvrubx1-bj_M4PogfsPAbee1Sdo/s1600/DSC01849.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtNsl0ms2gLNofBDR6yTeQyipscMJBZvz6pIK4WEg8VSHSLZJIKPhYsCDbjZhaCMtmjl3LvNTjn2v4pTqRbHVXu63HIySIACVVPMR7MWluoCFtOar_jvrubx1-bj_M4PogfsPAbee1Sdo/s1600/DSC01849.JPG" width="200" /></a><ul>
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<li><b>Yakushima Kankou Center</b>: As an extension of the Midori no Kaze bicycle rentals, the Yakushima Kankou Center in Miyanoura also a high-quality tear (green bicycles in the righthand photo) for 1500 yen/day, but they must be returned to the Yakushima Kankou Center.</li>
<li><b>Accomodations with bicycles</b>: Quite a few accommodations offer free or charged rental cycles of varying quality. For example, the Portside Youth Hostel in Miyanoura allows guests use of a bicycle for up to a half hour, and Tashiro Annex (also in Miyanoura) and Iwasaki Hotel (Onoaida) even have motor-assist bicycles available for rent. <strike>Some accommodations are even part of the Midori no Kaze system.</strike></li>
<ul></ul>
</ul>
<b><b>Bringing your own bicycle</b><br />
</b>Shipping your
bicycle from Tokyo to Kagoshima costs around 30000 yen, and you can't do
it (as far as I know) from the airport. However, I have seen folks assembling bicycles
outside the airport in Yakushima. You cyclists never cease to amaze me!<br />
<br />
If you're doing a bicycle tour of Japan, then come by ferry (<a href="http://ferryyakusima2.com/" target="_blank">Yakushima Ferry 2</a>),
and you can bring your bicycle aboard for an extra 900 yen each way at
time of writing. (You'll need to be at the port in Kagoshima before 7am,
and during Japanese holidays, you'll need a reservation. Every so
often, the ferry is also docked for routine inspection, so you'll want
to check before you make your plans.) You can also take your bicycle if
you are stopping by the flatter neighboring island of Tanegashima, in which case
you can use the <a href="http://www.yakushimaferry.com/" target="_blank">Ferry Hibiscus</a>.<b> </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Hazards</b><br />
Wherever you go, you may have to contend with rain, and
even though the speed limit is between 30 and 50 kph almost everywhere,
the roads are narrow and often do not have a shoulder. You'll have to
contend with rental cars and skilled-but-brazen bus drivers along with the regular
traffic. And, of course Yakushima is hilly. Please check the breaks when
choosing a rental cycle (Front and rear breaks may be backwards of what
you are used to.) and remember to use front and rear lights at night.<br />
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*Hours, prices, and locations are subject to change, so please check with respective businesses when you make your plans.Yakushima Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346581300800838371noreply@blogger.com4