Yasushima museum

Deep in the heart of Yakushima, nestled amidst ancient cedar trees, lies the Yasushima Museum. A branch, heavy with the weight of centuries and snow, rests within its walls – the Inochi Branch of the legendary Jomon Sugi. The Yasushima Museum isn’t just a building; it’s a portal through time, whispering tales of Yakushima’s rich history and the silent sentinels that watch over it. The museum’s very foundation echoes this connection – its floor crafted from fragrant cedar blocks, inviting visitors to shed their shoes and tread upon the essence of Yakushima. Within its embrace, the Yasushima Museum reveals the secrets of Yakusugi, the cedar trees that have stood for over a thousand years, their rings narrating the slow passage of time, a testament to the unique environment of the island. Here, the air hums with the scent of resin, a natural shield that protects these ancient giants from decay. The museum’s exhibits bring the past to life. Tools from bygone eras – from traditional hand saws to a 1950s chainsaw – tell of the changing ways humans have interacted with these majestic trees, from the selective logging of the Edo Period to the more intensive practices of the post-war era. The Yasushima Museum also tells the story of the people whose lives have intertwined with the cedar forests. Hiragi, cedar shingles meticulously crafted from Yakusugi logs, stand as a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the island’s inhabitants. These shingles, once used to pay local taxes, now reside within the museum, artifacts of a time when the forests were both a source of livelihood and a symbol of the island’s identity. The Yasushima Museum invites you to step into the shoes of Tomari Jochiku, an Edo-era Buddhist priest who recognized the value of Yakushima’s forests. Through a captivating video, you can experience the logging history of the island through his eyes, witnessing the transformation of the landscape and the evolution of the logging industry. Here, you can even explore a virtual reconstruction of Wilson’s Stump, the hollowed-out remains of a giant cedar felled centuries ago, its cavernous space whispering echoes of a bygone era. And as you conclude your journey through time, the Yasushima Museum offers a glimpse into the lives of those who once called these forests home, the inhabitants of Kosugidani Village, a logging community that thrived until the 1970s. Before leaving the sanctuary of the Yasushima Museum, don’t forget to browse the museum shop. Take with you a piece of Yakushima’s essence – a cedar wood clock, a handcrafted toy, or a book filled with the island’s natural wonders. The Yasushima Museum is more than just a repository of artifacts; it is a living tribute to the enduring spirit of Yakushima, a place where nature and human history intertwine.