[2025 Yakushima Attraction] Travel Guide for Jōmon Sugi (Updated Mar)

#getgoing2025 Yakushima, a subtropical island located off the coast of Kyushu in Kagoshima Prefecture, is a natural wonderland and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its most iconic feature is its ancient cedar forests, home to some of Japan's oldest and largest trees. The most famous of these is the Jomon Sugi, a massive Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese cedar) estimated to be between 2,170 and 7,200 years old. Hiking to see this ancient giant is a challenging but rewarding experience, taking several hours through lush forests and mountainous terrain. Yakushima's diverse ecosystem is a major draw for nature lovers. The island's mountainous interior receives some of Japan's highest rainfall, creating lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear rivers. The varying altitudes support a wide range of plant life, from subtropical coastal vegetation to alpine species at higher elevations. The island is also home to a variety of wildlife, including Yakushima macaques (a subspecies of Japanese macaque) and Yakushima deer, which are smaller than their mainland counterparts. Beyond the Jomon Sugi, Yakushima offers numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging multi-day treks. Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a popular destination with well-maintained trails and stunning views of waterfalls and forests. The island's coastline also offers opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Yakushima's unique blend of ancient forests, rugged mountains, and diverse wildlife makes it a truly special destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful escape.

#japantrip Visiting Yakushima, a remote island off the southern coast of Kyushu, felt like stepping into another world. Renowned for its ancient cedar forests, lush greenery, and untouched natural beauty, the island is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers an unforgettable escape into Japan’s wilder side. My adventure began with a hike through the enchanting Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine, a moss-covered forest that inspired the mystical landscapes of Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke. Walking along the trail felt like entering a fairytale—thick tree roots wove across the path, and vibrant shades of green blanketed every surface. The air was crisp and filled with the sounds of flowing streams and rustling leaves, creating a serene atmosphere that immediately calmed my mind. A highlight of my visit was encountering the island’s famous Yakusugi, or ancient cedar trees. These majestic giants, some over 1,000 years old, exude a sense of timelessness that’s hard to put into words. The most famous among them is Jomon Sugi, believed to be over 7,000 years old and accessible via a challenging but rewarding trek. Though I didn’t make it to Jomon Sugi, just being among these ancient trees was awe-inspiring. Beyond the forests, Yakushima offers a wealth of natural beauty. I spent time at the island’s beaches, including Nagata Inakahama, where sea turtles come to nest during the summer months. The coastline is rugged and dramatic, contrasting beautifully with the tranquility of the interior forests. The wildlife on Yakushima is equally captivating. I spotted wild deer and macaques along the trails, adding a sense of wonder to my hikes. These animals roam freely, blending seamlessly with the island’s pristine environment. Yakushima isn’t just about its natural beauty—it’s also a place of rich cultural heritage. Small villages dot the island, offering glimpses into the traditional way of life. I enjoyed local specialties like flying fish and Yakushima’s unique citrus fruits, which added a delicious touch to the experience. Yakushima left me with a deep appreciation for the power and beauty of nature. Its ancient forests, rugged landscapes, and serene atmosphere make it a destination unlike any other. Whether you’re a hiker, a nature lover, or simply looking for a place to recharge, Yakushima is a magical escape that will stay with you long after you leave.

#outdooradventure Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a magical island known for its ancient cedar forests, including the iconic Jomon Sugi, one of the world’s oldest trees. The island’s mystical atmosphere inspired Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke. Hiking trails through lush greenery lead to cascading waterfalls, moss-covered landscapes, and breathtaking viewpoints. Beyond hiking, visitors can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, and soaking in seaside hot springs. Yakushima’s biodiversity and untouched beauty make it a haven for nature lovers. This enchanting destination offers a perfect escape into Japan’s pristine wilderness and is ideal for those seeking adventure and serenity.

The trolley road that you walk on in the first half of the trek to Jomon Cedar is characterized by its unique scenery and ease of walking, and you can enjoy the nature of Yakushima at a leisurely pace. After walking along the trolley road for about two hours, you will connect to the full-scale hiking trail to Wilson Stump and Jomon Cedar. Wilson Stump is also one of the highlights along the way, and it was also very impressive. When you enter the stump, you have a strange feeling as if you are surrounded by a sacred space. The trekking itself is quite hard, and it took about 10 hours round trip. There are many mountain paths and tree roots along the way, but the natural scenery is wonderful, and just walking through the forest is soothing. There are streams and old bridges along the way, and the scenery is varied, so you never get bored. We recommend that you prepare well beforehand. It takes about 30 to 60 minutes by shuttle bus or taxi from the main accommodations on Yakushima to the Arakawa trailhead, which is the entrance to the Jomon Cedar trekking course. #Furitabii #Jomon Cedar #Wilson Stump #Yakushima #Yakushima

A very primitive place, the only drawback is inconvenient transportation. It's impossible to visit all the attractions on the island in one day. There are just too many sights on this small island. The most famous are several hiking trails. I took the Jomon Sugi and Shiratani Unsuikyo trails. The moss forest in Shiratani Unsuikyo is the location for the film Princess Mononoke. The experience is ordinary when you are there. If you go further into the forest to Taiko-iwa Rock, the view is better. The Jomon Sugi trail is 22km round trip, suitable for those who are very confident in their physical strength. Because the bus ends early, but hiking takes at least 10 hours, so I hired a guide at the time. But actually, there are paths in the forest, so you don't have to worry about getting lost in it. So people who walk fast can save the cost of hiring a guide.