Yakushima is a subtropical island located off the southern coast of Kyushu, Japan, and is part of the Kagoshima Prefecture. The island is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and biodiversity, which has earned it a UNESCO World Heritage site designation in 1993.

Yakushima is known for its ancient cedar forests, some of which are over 1,000 years old, and one of the largest trees, the Jomon Sugi, is believed to be over 2,000 years old. These forests, along with the island's mountainous terrain, waterfalls, and rivers, attract outdoor enthusiasts who come to hike, camp, and explore the island's natural wonders.

The island is also home to unique species of flora and fauna, including the Yakushima macaque, a species of monkey that is native to the island. The macaque has become a symbol of the island and can often be seen in the wild or at various monkey parks on the island. Other notable wildlife on Yakushima includes the Yakushima deer, which is smaller than the mainland Japanese deer and is found only on the island.

Yakushima also offers hot springs, coastal areas, and a variety of restaurants serving local delicacies such as seafood, locally grown vegetables, and the island's famous black pork. There are also several museums and cultural sites to visit, including the Yakusugi Museum, which is dedicated to the ancient cedar forests, and the Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine, which is believed to have inspired the forest in Hayao Miyazaki's animated film "Princess Mononoke."

To access the island, visitors can take a ferry from Kagoshima, which takes around two to three hours, or fly to Yakushima airport from major cities in Japan such as Tokyo or Osaka.