TouchScreenTravels logo

TouchScreenTravels

Our Touch, your Travels…

This is a preview of the full content of our Japan’s Best app.

Please consider downloading this app to support small independent publishing and because:

  • All content is designed for mobile devices and works best there.
  • Detailed in-app maps will help you find sites using your device’s GPS.
  • The app works offline (one time upgrade required on Android versions).

The app will also allow you to:

  • Add custom locations to the app map (your hotel…).
  • Create your own list of favourites as you browse.
  • Search the entire contents using a fast and simple text-search tool.
  • Make one-click phone calls (on phones).
iOS App Store Google Play

Yakushima 屋久島

World Heritage-listed eco-island

Going to sub-tropical, World Heritage-listed Yakushima, off the southern coast of Kyūshū (still part of Kagoshima Prefecture) is a real adventure.

Most visitors come to hike through the forests to see the famous ancient cedar trees, the yakusugi, said to be more than 1000 years old. The most famous, Jōmon Sugi, is estimated to be somewhere between 2000 and 7200 years of age.

Others climb Miyanoura-dake, one of the Hyakumeizan, Japan’s 100 Famous mountains, at 1935m.

A high island, Yakushima attracts a lot of rain and the high peaks even have snow in winter.

There are lots of things to do around the island - my favourite is Hirauchi Kaichū Onsen - hot springs in rockpools by the sea that are only useable when the tide is out far enough. This is mixed gender; no bathing suits allowed.

Hiking

Kyūshū 九州

Japan In-A-Month

Classic adventurer with a 21-day JR Pass (+ ferries)

Text © Craig McLachlan

Image by Motohiro Sunouchi