The Mossy Forest is a World Natural Heritage Site on Yakushima Island, and it is also the forest that was used as a stage in some Studio Ghibli movies. It rains a lot on Yakushima, and due to this it is blessed with an abundance of nature. As its name suggests, the Mossy Forest is home to various kinds of moss: among the 1,600 or so species nationwide, over 650 of them can be found here. The moss grows thickly in the forest, covering everything in a rich shade of green. Due to the moss, the air in the forest is clean and clear, soothing both body and mind. There is also a stream of spring water flowing nearby, a nice place to rest and listen to the gentle murmur of water.

Photograph provided by Kagoshima Prefecture Visitors Bureau