Yakusugi Museum

The Yakusugi Museum is a facility dedicated to spreading knowledge about the Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica), known as yakusugi, and the vegetation found on Yakushima. It is conveniently located on the way toward the Arakawa Trail Entrance.

An impressive panorama room exhibits the shifts in vegetation on the island, arranged vertically from subtropical plants and trees along the coast to subarctic vegetation near the mountain peaks. Other exhibitions include a detailed explanation of the evolution of logging tools on Yakushima, including old axes and early saws, and a demonstration of how yakusugi lumber was used to create roof shingles.

Fascinating also is the prize-winning design of the museum itself. Specialized Shinto shrine carpenters were employed to build the structure. The entrance was built using no nails or pins.