Journeys in Japan S2015E06 - Majestic Yakushima in Winter

Yakushima is listed as a UNESCO world natural heritage site. Located 60 kilometers off the southernmost tip of Kyushu, the small island has nearly 2,000 meter-high mountains and diverse climate zones from the subtropical to the subalpine resulting in a unique ecosystem. It's home to more than 1,000 year-old Yakusugi—a type of cedar—and also the endangered Yakushima White Pine. Photographer Peter Skov hikes up to the snow-capped summit of Mt. Miyanoura (1,936 meters), the highest peak in Yaksuhima—and even Kyushu—enjoying magnificent nature along the way. He also meets with people who are behind protecting the island's precious habitat. As Peter treks through deep snow, and primeval forest, he feels the magic of Yakushima.