The unique natural water cycle and its diverse ecosystem earned Yakushima Island the poetic name "Island of Ancient Forests and Water." Its mountainous landscape, characterized by thousand-year-old cedars, lies in the middle of Japan's warm Kuroshio Sea Current. The lush nature invites hikes and relaxing walks along the many rivers. The constant supply of warm, humid air in the higher regions of the island results in heavy rainfall, which is considered a source of life for a variety of micro-organisms. In addition, the island's abundance of water is used for power generation: Yakushima's electricity is largely generated from hydroelectric power plants.
