Arab News Japan

Japanese entrepreneur Ken Kuroyanagi has made it a mission to cycle around Japan, showing off the nature of the lesser-known parts of the country.

Kuroyanagi cycled around Yakushima in January. It is a small island with its total area of 505 square meters. But it is very unique in its topography, having the highest mountain, 1,936 meters at the peak, and fauna and flora.

Yakushima is well known for mountain forests with giant cedar trees, some of which are estimated to be a few thousand years old. Kuroyanagi recalled his experience, saying:

“Reaching the island was not easy. I boarded a propeller flight from Kagoshima but the captain gave up landing at the last minute because the wind was too strong. I boarded another flight later on the same day but had the same result. So I ended up taking a boat next morning.

Riding around the perimeter of island was amazing experience. While it was very warm and sunny when I started in the south side it rained on the west and got cold in the north because of the high and steep mountains in the middle. The temperature difference must have been close to 10 degrees.

The highlight was the West Forest, a World Natural Heritage site. On a hilly and winding road I encountered wild monkeys and even deer. They did not seem to pay much attention to a lone cyclist, just kept grooming themselves quietly or crossing the road slowly.

The landscape was almost surreal. It reminded me of a film, Jurassic Park with pristine forests and waterfalls.

At the end of my ride I had unexpected pleasure to relax in a hot spring on beach. Natural spring water filled the hole covered with stones and I soaked myself in it alone.”