Yakushima

New Ghibli anime’s theme song gets music video shot on island that inspired Princess Mononoke【Vid】

Former Vocaloid music creator sings theme for Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron.

Read More

42 thoughts that crossed our mind when visiting the forest that inspired Princess Mononoke

Our reporter Seiji hopes that first-time visitors to Yakushima’s Shiratani Unsuikyo will avoid some of the same pitfalls that he ran into.

Read More

Shiratani Unsuikyo: The breathtaking anime setting where Princess Mononoke was born

Ancient cedar trees that inspired Hayao Miyazaki and his Studio Ghibli team are just one reason why this forest in Yakushima is so magical.

Read More

We find “Yakushima Soba” on a mysterious menu at a souvenir shop at Yakushima Island’s airport

A slightly bizarre start made for a delicious meal you can only get on this remote southern Japanese island!

Read More

No car? No problem! We find photogenic hidden gems in Yakushima that are easy to get to

Our reporter finds beautiful sightseeing spots not found in any guidebooks.

Read More

The best soba restaurant on Yakushima island, according to locals

It’s a trek to get to this rural location, but it’s worth it. 

Read More

Mystery of modama: What is this sashimi we found for the first time on Yakushima?【Taste test】

It’s some kind of fish…probably…

Read More

The almost immediate problems on our almost no-plan trip to Yakushima

Winging it may not have been the best choice for Seiji’s trip to the Princess Mononoke island.

Read More

Cola made from the island that inspired Princess Mononoke begins crowdfunding

“Natural” and “world heritage” aren’t words often used to describe cola.

Read More

Travel through Japanese festivals and tourist sites with this stunning 8K highlight reel 【Video】

You’ll want to watch this astounding video more than once to soak in all the beauty they’ve packed into two-and-a-half minutes.

Read More

Japanese snow monkey filmed trying to have sex with a deer【Video】

 

Researchers say this is the first time this type of behaviour between the two species has been recorded.

Read More

How many have you seen? 18 must-visit sites in Japan 【World Heritage】

Visiting World Heritage Sites is a great way to see Japan. Since the sites are scattered all around the archipelago, you’re bound to be close to at least one of them no matter where you are in the country, and having gained the prestigious status by UNESCO, you can be sure you’re seeing the very best of Japan. After all, World Heritage status is not easily obtained and competition is stiff.

Join our peripatetic reporter as she takes you to each site and gives you the lowdown on what to see, how to avoid the crowds, and how to enjoy the sites on your own terms. Ready? Let’s go!

Read More

Yakushima: Checking out the island that inspired Princess Mononoke

Hayao Miyazaki has made his retirement official, leaving long-time fans heart-broken. Though you might be tempted to buy a gallon of ice cream, lock yourself in your room, and binge while marathon-watching Studio Ghibli films, we have a slightly healthier way of dealing with the black, gaping hole in your heart. Why not take a trip to Yakushima’s Shiratani Unsui Ravine and the “Moss Covered Forest,” the inspiration for Princess Mononoke??

Read More