Since Yakushima Island was registered as a World Heritage site in 1993, the number of tourists has gradually been increasing. The amount of litter being thrown away on the mountain area, however, has decreased. This can be attributed to heightened awareness amongst inhabitants and tourists after being granted World Heritage Site recognition. Besides the fact that eco-tourism guides are required to act as environmental stewards, watching over the area and picking up any trash along the trails, it is now illegal for people to throw litter. The amount of human waste being generated in the mountain huts has also increased and municipal authorities have had to impose fees to address this problem, but this may not be suitable for those mountaineers who are not using the lavatory facilities in the huts. It is my opinion that we should create a new tourist fee that would need to be paid by all visitors coming to the island, which would be used to maintain the natural environment as well as to keep all sightseeing facilities in good condition at this pristine World Heritage site.