Jomon Sugi, Kuchinoerabu Island, shinrin-yoku retreat: Yakushima blog No. 5
It's been a busy week or so since the last blog!
First of all, I was fortunate to be invited to participate in KaleidoForest's multi-day shinrin-yoku retreat last weekend. This was a great opportunity to once again become immersed in the mystical forests of Yakushima, as well as meet some fascinating people from all over South East Asia. By Monday, I was left with a deep sense of gratitude and calm, a powerful testament to the potential of shinrin-yoku.
The very next day was the hike to Jomon Sugi, the oldest tree on Yakushima, estimated to be up to 7,200 years old! Although the hike was fairly arduous (8-9 hours round trip) and I had to force myself out of bed for another early (3.45 am!) start, the experience itself was magical. About half the hike is spent trekking on old, seldom used wooden train tracks, which is pleasantly walkable and aesthetic, while the other half consists of a steeper climb on a mixture of steps and footpath to the ancient tree itself.
Later in the week, we travelled to Kuchinoerabu, a small volcanic island close to Yakushima. With an eruption expected in 2025, the population has dwindled to just 80, and the number of pupils at the school (elementary and high school combined) has dropped to a mere 3. Yet, it was a stunning island, largely covered in bamboo grass and populated largely by deer. What's more, the people we met were incredibly hospitable and welcoming and we were treated to a wonderful dinner at our guesthouse in the evening.
I am sure that the visit to Kuchinoearabu Island in particular will remain long in my memory as a highlight of my six weeks in Yakushima!
