This remote island south of Kyushu is as wet and wild as it gets in Japan.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yakushima is just 25km in diametre and covered in temperate ancient forest and towering waterfalls. Its beaches are nesting grounds for sea turtles, wild monkeys wander along the limited roads and outdoor onsen are nestled in rocks by the ocean.

Hiking is the main pastime here, followed by diving, snorkeling and kayaking. There is an airport on the island with connections from Kagoshima on the island of Kyushu. Ferries and speedboats also run from Kagoshima, taking up to four hours.