JOMONSUGI CEDAR

The round trip from Arakawa Trail Entrance (600m above sea level) to Jomon Cedar (1,300m above sea level) is approximately 22 km. This trekking course is full of highlights, including the history of Yakusugi logging, the famous heart-shaped “Wilson's stump”, the solemn atmosphere of the World Natural Heritage area, and ancient trees like Jomon-sugi Cedar and Daio-sugi Cedar, which are several thousand years old. To gain a deeper understanding of Yakushima's forest, please consider going with a guide who is knowledgeable about nature and history. For those who are not confident in their stamina or simply want to leisurely enjoy Yakushima’s forests, we recommend courses like Shiratani Unsuikyo or Yakusugi Land.

Season

Year-round (not accessible during heavy rain or snowfall. Please check with Yakushima Tourism Association for the latest updates)
From March 1 to November 30, you need to take the Arakawa Mountain Bus (except for those who ride charter buses and taxis).

Standard Time Required

Course Duration: Approximately 10 hours round trip
Time Required from the Hotel: Depart at 4:00 AM, return around 4:00 PM

Required Items

Round-trip bus ticket (March to November): 2,000 yen
Entrance fee (for junior high school students and above): 1,000 yen
Hiking boots
Rainwear (top and bottom)
Backpack
Backpack cover (recommended to rent from local shops)
Bento (two meals: breakfast and lunch)
Drinks
Rations (easy-to-eat snacks)

Bento (Lunch box)

You can place an order at the hotel front desk until 7:00 PM the day before.
It will be available for pick-up at the front desk from 4:00 AM.

Schedule

4:00 AM: Depart from the hotel
4:20 AM: Depart from Yakusugi Museum by Arakawa Mountain Bus
5:30 AM: Arrive at Arakawa Trail Entrance
6:30 AM: Ruins of the Kosugidani Village
7:10 AM: Kusukawa Junction
8:10 AM: Arrive at Okabu Trail Entrance
8:40 AM: Wilson Stump
9:30 AM: Daio-sugi Cedar
9:35 AM: Meoto-sugi Cedar
10:00 AM: Arrive at Jomon-sugi Cedar
10:30 AM: Depart from Jomon-sugi Cedar
12:20 PM: Arrive at Okabu Trail Entrance (rest break)
2:25 PM: Kusukawa Junction
3:00 PM: Ruins of the Kosugidani Village
3:50 PM: Arakawa Trail Entrance
4:00 PM: Depart from Arakawa Trailhead by Arakawa Mountain Bus
4:30 PM: Depart from Yakusugi Museum
5:00 PM: Arrive at the hotel

Restrooms

Four locations (Arakawa Trailhead, Kosugidani Bio-toilet, Okabu Trail Entrance, Takatsuka Hut)

Mountaineering Information
Access to the Trailhead

[March to November] Yakusugi Museum-Mae: approximately 160 parking spaces
From March 1 to November 30, the use of the Arakawa Mountain Bus is required (excluding charter buses and taxis)

[December to February] Arakawa Trailhead: approximately 20 parking spaces

Others

Hiking activities

YAKUSUGI LAND

Yakusugi Land is a nature recreation forest spreading across an elevation of 1,000 to 1,300 meters, where you can easily enjoy the uniqueness of Yakushima. It is one of the few places in Japan where you can admire the primeval cedar forests, which have almost disappeared in the country. The vast forest offers five courses ranging from 30 to 210 minutes, allowing you to choose a course that suits your interest and stamina. The 30-minute course is fully equipped with wooden paths, but for courses over 80 minutes, it is recommended to wear hiking boots. Among the approximately 1,600 species of moss in Japan, Yakushima is home to over 600 species of moss. Yakusugi Land has been selected as one of “Japan's Precious Moss Forests", making it an excellent place to admire a variety of mosses.

Hiking activities

SHIRATANI UNSUIKYO RAVINE
TAIKOIWA ROCK

Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is widely known as the setting that inspired the film "Princess Mononoke." The hiking course stretches 6.5 km from Shiratani Plaza (600m above sea level) to Taikoiwa Rock (1,050m above sea level). From "Taikoiwa Rock," you can enjoy a panoramic view of Yakushima's central mountains, including Kyushu's highest mountain, Mt. Miyanoura. In the natural recreation forest, you can admire magnificent Yakusugi cedar trees over 1,000 years old. It is also renowned as one of the famous mossy forests in Yakushima.

Other

ISLAND SIGHTSEEING

Around Yakushima Island, there are numerous tourist spots. These include the Seibu Rindo Forest Path, where you can drive through a World Natural Heritage area; Oko-no-Taki Waterfall, one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls; Nagata Inakahama Beach, the top nesting site for sea turtles in Japan; Kigensugi-cedar, an estimated 3,000-year-old cedar visible from the car window; and Nakama Gajumaru, brimming with tropical vitality. From prefectural and town roads to lesser-known backroads off the main roads, Yakushima is full of various enchanting landscapes. We recommend renting a car so you can adjust your stay time as you wish.

Water activities

River kayaking

If you have half a day free, we recommend river kayaking. Anbo River, famous for kayaking, is about a 20-minute drive from the hotel. From near the mouth of the Anbo River, you can paddle upstream to reach a beautiful valley surrounded by forest, where you will be greeted by the green of Laurel-forest and the clear emerald-green water. Looking up at Yakushima from the water, you can discover a new side of "Water Island Yakushima." Some guides offer kayak tours in secluded, less-visited areas.

Craft and experiences

Yakusugi cedar craft experience

Handcrafting with Yakusugi wood is recommended not only on rainy days but also on sunny days. As you reflect on the timeless moments spent in Yakusugi, create a unique travel memory with your handmade craft.

Recommended sightseeing
model course

We introduce sightseeing spots and activities, please use this as a reference.
This is not an optional tour by the hotel.