Yakushima Nagata-hama. 08/11/05; Kagoshima; 10 ha; 30°24'N 130°25'E. National Park, UNESCO World Heritage site. A sand shore on the northwestern part of Yakushima Island, entirely surrounded by sea cliffs and the beach sweeping south from the River Nagata-gawa. With subtropical climate, it experiences rare and diverse vertical distribution of pristine flora, the most famous 1000-year old 'Yaku-sugi' cedar and other ancient Yaku-sugi revered as sacred trees. The beach is a renowned spawning ground and crucial stopping point for the Loggerhead Turtle Caretta caretta -- in 2005, a total of 2,799 turtles were recorded, of which 1,394 individuals nested. In 1985, the NGO Yakushima Umigame-kan/Sea Turtle Center was established with activities including ecosystem assessment, beach cleanups, nesting patrols, protecting the eggs and eco-volunteer training. A Sea Turtle Aquarium was also built near the beach. Recreation activities include bathing and turtle observation, attracting at least 7,000 visitors every year. Ramsar site no. 1559. Most recent RIS information: 2005.

Yakushima Island