Yaku monkeys are smaller than the native macaques of mainland Japan. They are dark grey and have long thick hair. Before getting carried away about the cute and fluffy creatures however – the most important points to remember about the Yaku macaques are that:
1. They are wild.
2. They have very large pointy teeth.
There are around 7000 of them roaming the mountains and can often be seen along the side of the mountain roads and on the trails. Sometimes hanging around the villages watching traffic.
DEER
Yaku shika are also smaller than the mainland deer and number around 7000. They can be seen on the mountain trails in the day and in the villages at night. Yes, that is one of my snowballs on its head.
The Mamushi: A poisonous viper that lurks near water.
Just to give you an idea of this delightful creature – my boss was bitten on the thumb and half his body was temporarily paralysed. Also a local resident in his 50s died from a bite. Spot it in the photo below.
But don’t let that put you off the mountain trails – as soon as they spot you they slither away into the bushes.
Not all snakes are the Mamushi though. Here’s a Japanese Rat snake in Anbo.
MUKADE
Once found lurking in the trouser leg of my son’s pyjamas, these are vicious little things and cause quite a swollen rash on the skin.
HORNETS
Large kick-ass stinging machines which target you and don’t stop until you’re stung.
BEETLES
Any size, shape and colour you could wish for.
Shake a tabu tree in the summer and watch giant horned beetles fall.
SPIDERS
A variety of strange looking spiders inhabit the forest.
TOADS
surprisingly common on the mountain slopes.
LEECHES:
A loyal bloodsucking friend to many hikers. They climb up your boot and find a nice piece of juicy leg above your sock line. They cause no harm to normal healthy people and can be left alone until they drop off filled with your blood. Should you need to remove them however, use salt.
Clive WithamComments Off on Yakushima Accommodation
This page contains a selection of the places to stay in Yakushima in 2016 and you can contact them directly as almost all speak English. The guidebook contains a whole lot more accommodation including all the contact details and latest prices. You can now book a range of hotels and
A total eclipse of the sun on Yakushima will begin on July 22nd 2009 at 9.37am. The sun will be completely eclipsed between 10.55-11.00am and the whole process will finish by 12.23pm. The numbers of visitors to view this in special areas on Yakushima have been restricted to 4,500 and
One of the most pressing environmental problems on Yakushima is the human waste that is produced by thousands of tourists who walk the trails every year. The tanks of waste that accumulate at each of the huts have to be quite literally carried down the mountain on the backs of
There are many great places to snorkel in Yakushima. Here are a few of the best: ISSO BEACH Isso beach The best place for snorkeling is actually on the other side of the car park to where the beach is. Cross the small road that runs by the side of
In mid Jan snow fall at Yodogawa trailhead was at 15-20 cm. The Yodogawa Hut was surrounded by 20-30 cm of snow and reached -3℃. Hana-no-ego Marsh has been under 30-40 cm of snow and with wind chill reached -15℃. The snow was recorded at 30 cm around Wilson Stump
Yakushima is blessed with several onsen or natural hot springs. They range from the deluxe hotel based baths to the free outside natural hot rock pools. So should you get the urge to strip off with a bunch of complete strangers, here’s where to go. KOSEDA: Jomon no yado Manten
Is that hornet the notorious Japanese giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia japonica)? Speaking as a waspophobe who's going to be visiting Yakushima in May/June, how worried should I be?
Yes, it's the Vespa mandarinia japonica otherwise known as the Suzumebachi hornet. They don't normally cause any problems for visitors but here's some of the advice from my book if you're at all worried – keep to the paths, don't wear black and avoid strong perfumes.
Very common! But more so in rainy season. Usually the only reason you know you had a leech is when you later take your socks off and there's blood on them. The leech is normally long gone.
Yes, mosquitoes are there outside of winter! Around the rivers there can also be midges. And yes, if you're going into the mountains it's a good thing to have some repellent on.
What is the reason behind not wearing black? I've read other places not to wear bright clothing bc insects will mistake you for a flower, but haven't heard about the not wearing black thing before.
Is that hornet the notorious Japanese giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia japonica)? Speaking as a waspophobe who's going to be visiting Yakushima in May/June, how worried should I be?
Yes, it's the Vespa mandarinia japonica otherwise known as the Suzumebachi hornet. They don't normally cause any problems for visitors but here's some of the advice from my book if you're at all worried – keep to the paths, don't wear black and avoid strong perfumes.
…just how common is it to find a leech sucking away at your shin?
Very common! But more so in rainy season. Usually the only reason you know you had a leech is when you later take your socks off and there's blood on them. The leech is normally long gone.
Outside of what's listed already, are there any year-round or seasonal biters (like mosquitoes)? Would you recommend insect repellent?
Yes, mosquitoes are there outside of winter! Around the rivers there can also be midges. And yes, if you're going into the mountains it's a good thing to have some repellent on.
What is the reason behind not wearing black? I've read other places not to wear bright clothing bc insects will mistake you for a flower, but haven't heard about the not wearing black thing before.