Yakushima (屋久島町) is a town located in Kumage District, Kagoshima, Japan. The town is on the island of Yakushima and Kuchinoerabujima.

History

On October 1, 2007, the town was formed by the merger of the towns of Kamiyaku and Yaku, both from Kumage District.

Geography

Major settlements of the island are the port towns of Anbō and Miyanoura. Other settlements are the coastal villages of Hiranai, Kuriobashi, Nagata, Okonotaki and the abandoned forest village of Kosugidani. Among the localities, there are the gorges of Shiratani Unsui, Arakawa, Yakushima Airport, Kigensugi and Yakusugi.

Demographics

As of 2008, the town has an estimated population of 13,486 and the density of 24.9 persons per km2. The total area is 540.98 km2.

Transport

Yakushima Airport serves Yakushima. There are also hydrofoils and ferries serving the island. Kuchinoerabujima is accessible by a municipal ferry. Inside the island there is a forest railway, the Anbō Forest Railway.

Education

Climate

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