If you love to do hiking then Yakushima Jomon Sugi Trail will be a great place if you love nature and fun hiking trips. It is on Yakushima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture. In this beautiful place you can see one of the oldest forests in Japan, wooden bridges, see big trees and finally reach the famous Jomon Sugi. It is the oldest and well known big tree on the island.
The Yakushima Jomon Sugi Trail is not a normal hike if you start walking into a beautiful forest that has been here for thousands of years. You can see big trees and feel fresh air. Everything feels calm and peaceful. It is the perfect place to enjoy nature and experience the peaceful and beautiful historical places.
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Yakushima Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its ancient forests and rich biodiversity.
The trail passes through peaceful forests filled with centuries-old Yakusugi cedar trees.
This is a long journey and some parts of hiking can be hard but this journey is still beautiful. When you move forward you will see the giant Jomon Sugi tree. It is a special place that many people remember for a long time.
From this guide you will learn everything about the Yakushima Jomon Sugi Trail. You will understand the hiking route, how difficult the trail is, the best time to visit and useful tips to help you enjoy your trip safely.
What is the Yakushima Jomon Sugi Trail?
It is the most popular hiking trail on Yakushima Island. In this trail you will see an old forest filled with big trees up to the Jomon Sugi. It is the island’s most famous tree. People believe this tree is between 2,000 and 7,200 years old. People don’t know its exact age but it is known as the oldest and most famous tree on the island.
Yakushima is a small island in Kagoshima Prefecture which is in the south of Kyushu. In 1993 it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its beautiful nature and ancient history.
Most hikers begin their journey early in the morning from Arakawa Trailhead.
Much of the trail follows historic forestry railway tracks surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Wilson Stump is one of the most popular landmarks along the Yakushima Jomon Sugi Trail.
On this island there will be mostly rain throughout the year which keeps the forest green. Walking in this place feels like going into a magical world. Many people also say the forest is of the famous animated movie Princess Mononoke.
The Yakushima Jomon Sugi Trail is different from many other hiking paths in Japan. As you walk in this way you will find wooden bridges, rivers, giant trees and beautiful forest views that make the hike special from start to finish.
| Information | Details |
| Location | Yakushima Island, Kagoshima Prefecture |
| Main Attraction | Jomon Sugi Cedar Tree |
| Trail Length | Approximately 22 km round trip |
| Hiking Time | 8–10 hours (average) |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Challenging |
| Highest Elevation | Around 1,300 meters |
| UNESCO Status | World Heritage Site |
You can enjoy this trail in one day, two days or three days as per your plan. Here is the perfect plan for your journey.
Jomon Sugi is believed to be between 2,000 and 7,200 years old and is the island’s most famous cedar tree.
1-Day Yakushima Jomon Sugi Trail Itinerary
The 1-Day Yakushima Jomon Sugi Trail is a bit challenging 22 km round-trip hike that mostly takes around 9 to 10 hours to complete. Start your day before sunrise with a light breakfast then take the bus to Arakawa Trailhead. The private vehicles are restricted during the main hiking season.
Begin hiking around 6:00 AM along the railway tracks. The way passes through beautiful forests with big trees and some famous landmarks, including Kosugidani Village Site, Wilson Stump and many ancient Yakusugi trees which make the journey a memory.
Around 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM you will arrive at Jomon Sugi. It is Yakushima’s oldest and most famous big tree. This tree is between 2,000 and 7,200 years old. In this place you can sit and rest or if you bought lunch you can enjoy sitting and eating there.
After lunch continue back to Arakawa Trailhead. Although the return is mostly downhill the long distance can make you feel tired so stay hydrated. Most hikers finish the trail between 3:30 PM and 5:00 PM then take the bus back to their place.
| Time | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 4:30 – 5:30 AM | Wake up early, have breakfast, and take the shuttle bus to Arakawa Trailhead. |
| 6:00 AM | Start hiking from Arakawa Trailhead. |
| Morning | Walk through the forest and see Wilson Stump, Meoto Cedar, and ancient Yakusugi trees. |
| 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Reach Jomon Sugi, enjoy the view, take photos, and have lunch. |
| Afternoon | Hike back along the same trail. |
| 3:30 – 5:00 PM | Return to Arakawa Trailhead and take the shuttle bus back. |
2-Day Hiking Plan (For a Relaxed Experience)
The two day Yakushima Jomon Sugi Trail is a great choice if you want a peaceful and more enjoyable hike. On the first day start from the Arakawa Trailhead and on the way you will see Yakushima’s beautiful forest. On the way you will visit famous spots like Wilson Stump and other ancient tall trees. It is better to stay in any hotel or if you want to stay at a mountain hut such as Takatsuka Hut or another shelter near the trail sleep overnight there and continue your trail next morning.
On the second day wake up early and start your journey to Jomon Sugi. Visiting in the morning will make you enjoy the famous trees and also in the morning there will be less people. After spending some time there start your journey back to Arakawa Trailhead. This two day plan won’t make you feel tired and gives you more time to enjoy the peaceful forest and scenery.
| Day | Key Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1 |
• Start hiking from Arakawa Trailhead. • Walk through Yakushima’s ancient forest. • Visit Wilson Stump and other famous trees. • Stay overnight at Takatsuka Hut or another mountain shelter. |
| Day 2 |
• Walk to Jomon Sugi early in the morning. • Enjoy the peaceful surroundings with fewer hikers. • Hike back to Arakawa Trailhead. |
How Difficult is the Yakushima Jomon Sugi Trail?
The Yakushima Jomon Sugi Trail is a moderate to challenging hike. There are no parts which are difficult to climb but the trail is long and needs good stamina. The round trip is about 22 km and usually takes 8 to 10 hours to complete. Along the way you will see old railway tracks, climb many stairs and cross rocky paths so wearing proper hiking shoes is important.
The trail is not suitable for very young children or people with some physical issues. However anyone with some basic fitness can complete the hike by starting early. Most hikers begin before sunrise because the buses to Arakawa Trailhead will leave early and it is important to return before sunset.
Wooden bridges and flowing rivers make the hike both scenic and memorable.
Where to Stay in Yakushima
Many visitors spend at least two or three nights on Yakushima so they have enough time to explore the island and complete the hike. These are some most popular places to can stay are:
Miyanoura
Miyanoura is the island’s largest town and it has good hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, convenience stores and rental car services.
Anbo
Anbo is another excellent choice and is closer to the Arakawa Trailhead than Miyanoura. Many hikers prefer staying here because from here the journey to the trail is short.
Mountain Huts
Experienced hikers planning a two-day trek can stay in simple mountain shelters such as Takatsuka Hut or Shin Takatsuka Hut. These huts will have basic overnight accommodation but they have limited facilities so visitors need to bring their own sleeping equipment and food.
Why the Yakushima Jomon Sugi Trail Is Worth Visiting
The Yakushima Jomon Sugi Trail is one of the best hiking places in Japan. In this path you can see beautiful forests, old railway tracks and peaceful mountain scenery before reaching the famous Jomon Sugi. It is one of the oldest trees in the world.
If you enjoy long hiking trails in Japan, you can also read our guide on How Long Is the Kumano Kodo Trail? It explains the different walking routes, hiking distance, and how many days you need to complete the trail.
Although the hike is long but the amazing views and unique forests will make you feel peaceful. With good planning, right hiking gear and an early start you can enjoy a safe trip. If you are visiting Yakushima then the Jomon Sugi Trail is an experience you should not miss.
The Yakushima Jomon Sugi Trail offers an unforgettable journey through one of Japan’s most beautiful natural landscapes.