Yakushima, Kagoshima

Yakushima is located 60 kilometers off Kagoshima Prefecture, in Japan's southern main island of Kyushu. It's blanketed in lush forest, and has mountains that soar nearly 2,000 meters above sea level. With its more than 1,000-year-old ancient cedars and unique ecosystem created by abundant rainfall and warm climate, Yakushima has been registered as a World Heritage site. Our reporter, Bene, has long wanted to visit this magical place. She is also looking forward to experiencing the island's famous hospitality. Bene has enlisted the help of a local guide to go hiking. Kazuyuki Manabe chooses a route along a river in the Shiratani Unsuikyo ravine. Their destination is a mystical spot-a kind of secret garden... Bene heads for a place to rest for the night. Inn owner Aiko Nagai, who was born on the island, has a warm personality. She creates an at-home atmosphere, which brings her guests together like family. Next she's off to Isso, which has long flourished for its fishing industry, especially saba mackeral. Local fisherman, Ryuichi Saito, prepares sashimi for Bene from his freshly hauled in saba catch. Bene visits a beautiful beach on the island and reflects on her stay, where she was awed by nature and the friendliness of Yakushima residents.