Yakushima

I spent several days in Yakushima a few weeks back. I had a great time on the island, managing to do lots of hiking and cycling as well as taking lots of photos!

Hiking

With many of the routes leading through primeval forests and passing by several waterfalls, the hiking in Yakushimsa really is spectacular. Although it rained, (as it usually does when hiking in Yakushima) the gloomy skies did not ruin my time in the mountains as I was able to take lots of shots of the fast flowing rivers and streams.

I remember a few years ago, trying to take a long exposure in Yakushima by balancing my camera precariously on a nearby rock. This time however I came prepared and brought along a tripod and cable release. Shooting rivers or streams with fast shutter speeds can be problematic at times as the water can tend to look too “busy” and distracting. I much prefer the silky effect you see here which, as well as being pleasing to the eye, also helps guide the viewer around the composition.

The ancient cedar forests of Yakushima never cease to amaze me. The twists and turns of the branches both above and below you remind you that you a passing through a living entity that will still be around long after we die. The candy colours of the hiker’s expensive rain jackets and backpacks stand in sharp contrast to the gentle greens and browns of the forest – an intrusion on this tranquil, ethereal world.

Cycling

The highlight of my Yakushima trip was definitely a 12 hour bike ride around the island. There is only one major road so it’s very hard to get lost! I made lots of stops, taking photos of the many rivers, waterfalls and monkeys that I encountered on my journey.

Although famous for its mountains, Yakushima is also home to some beautiful beaches. Perhaps not in the same league as those here in Tanegashima but at on the day of my bike ride, some very strong winds helped stir up some giant waves, creating some great scenes at Inakahama beach.

Island life

All this hiking an cycling meant that I needed some days to rest and I used this time to go on walkabout around the island’s small towns and villages. I love to photograph everyday life in the Japanese countryside, be it out in the fields, fishing ports or down the many backstreets. Some of the architecture that you encounter look as old and weathered as some of the ancient cedar trees!

I came across a fair few dogs whilst wandering around the island. Some pleased to see me, some not so welcoming!. I liked the way the breed and behaviour of the dog reflected their master’s houses. The angry guard dog tied up outside a stark and uninviting apartment. In contrast, the smaller and cuter dog wasn’t guarding anything – merely dozing amongst potted plants and flowerbeds.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent in Yakushima and am looking forward to my next visit. In fact, I am already planning my next challenge : a three day hike over the island’s highest mountains, a journey which traverses Miyanoura-dake, the highest peak in Kyushu! たのしみ！

Update! I have now completed the three day hike. You can read about it here

~ by minamitane on April 22, 2008.