In May of 2009, I hiked the Yakushima Traverse across the Island of Yaksuhima, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. This island lies just south of the principal southern island of Kyushu. The island is on UNESCO's World Heritage list due to its incredible beauty and untouched old growth cedar forests. Taking the ferry from the city of Kagoshima to Yakushima is a wonderful experience due to the island’s topography: Yakushima is small, yet rises abruptly out of the water, creating a dramatic effect. The mountains on the island exceed 6000 feet and the highest mountain, Myanura Dake, is considered sacred by many Japanese.
For a picture gallery of the Traverse photos, please go here.
For a google map of all corresponding picture locations, please jump here.
