Yakushima Island

Yakushima island is like nothing else in Japan, which is fitting since it sits in the sea beneath the country’s southern tip. It’s a glorious island made up of nothing but lush green forest, towering trees, and canopies split open by rays of yellow sunlight. It was the inspiration for the setting of Miyazaki’s movie masterpiece Princess Mononoke and exploring the island really feels like being in an animated film.