This morning we were at sea, listening to presentations and watching boobies catch flying fish. We then arrived at the island of Yakushima. Our goal for the afternoon was to visit the incredible forest here. We set off, twisting and turning our way up into the clouds at Yakusugi. Here a boardwalk helped us to penetrate this mind-blowing forest. Giant ancient sugi (Cryptomeria) or “Japanese cedar” trees surrounded us. We visited a few of the biggest, oldest trees, with one dated at approximately 1,800 years (yes, one thousand eight hundred years old!). The forest here is every shade of green, with a raging river roaring in the valley below. Some of us enjoyed the native birds and even Japanese macaques. All too soon it was time to head home and prepare for another amazing day exploring Japan.