Yakushima Moss Forests

Yakushima is not a mountain to rush through for a checklist. Moist sea air pushes clouds over the ridges, and vegetation shifts from evergreen broadleaf forest to cedar woodland with altitude. Moss covers rock, bark and fallen trunks in many shades. In Shiratani Unsuikyo, the pace slows naturally; farther uphill, ancient cedars show that the island operates on a timescale far beyond a day trip.