basic information

Jomonsugi, the main attraction of Yakushima, is a giant cedar tree which scientists estimate to be 2000 to 7200 years old. Said to be the oldest tree in Japan, it dates to the Jomon Period from which it gets its name. It is not very tall, standing around 25 meters high, yet it has a massive trunk about 5 meters in diameter.

Yakushima Island 3 Days Trek in a world heritage site with an English speaking naturalist. Reserve online with H.I.S. Experience Japan.

Jomonsugi was first discovered hundreds of years ago by Edo Period loggers, and, like the other ancient cedars of Yakushima, it escaped logging due to its irregular shape. It was rediscovered again in the 1960s and has since been protected along with the rest of Yakushima's forests when they became a national park.

Along the trail to Jomonsugi you can see some of Yakushima's other famous trees including Meotosugi, a pair of trees that resemble a husband and wife embracing; Daiosugi (lit. Great King Cedar) one of the largest trees on the island; and Wilson's Stump, the hollowed out remains of a giant cedar felled nearly 300 years ago.

Wilson's Stump

Takatsuka Hut

The hike takes about 10 hours round trip, and you should leave before dawn in order to finish by sunset. The first part of the hike on the Anbo Trail runs along a seldom used railway that is flat and relatively easy. The second part on the Okabu Trail is a mixture of dirt footpaths, boardwalks and wooden steps, and is often steep.

If you prefer a more leisurely pace you can stay overnight at Takatsuka Hut about 200 meters past Jomonsugi. The newer and larger Shin Takatsuka hut is about 1 kilometer farther along the Miyanoura Trail. Overnight camping is only permitted at the huts, which are not staffed but have pit toilet facilities.

Anbo Trail

Okabu Trail

As with any hike, bringing the proper gear is essential. Good rain gear and hiking boots are highly recommended. You must bring your own food, toiletries, and plenty of water. Toilets and water are available at the trailhead, the entrance to Okabu Trail and by Jomonsugi (toilets at Takatsuka Hut and water at the steps before the tree).

Japanese and English speaking guides are available although they are not required as the trails are well marked in English and Japanese. The guides do, however, provide lots of information about the history and ecology of the sights along the way.

Any advice or questions? Voice them in the forum!

how to get there

Jomonsugi can only be reached on foot, most commonly via the Anbo Trail. The trail begins at the Arakawa Dam Trailhead which is about a 30 minute drive from Anbo Town. There is limited parking at the trailhead.

From March to November there are four buses to the Arakawa Dam Trailhead per day in the morning, two from the north and two from the south of the island. There are three return buses in the evening, one to the north and two to the south. In addition some hotels and guides provide transportation to and from the trailheads.

An alternative hiking route begins at Shiratani Unsuikyo, goes over the Tsuji Toge Pass, and meets up with the Anbo Trail about midway along its length. This route takes approximately 12 hours to complete and is more difficult.

How to get to and around Yakushima Island

2nd of 4 most visited sights in Yakushima.
379th of 450 most visited sights nationwide.

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