Jomon Sugi
縄文杉
Yakushima's largest yakusugi cedar, estimated to be over 2,000 years old. The roughly 22 km, 10-hour round-trip hike is the island's classic challenge.
Jomon Sugi is the largest known yakusugi cedar on Yakushima, standing about 25 m tall with a girth of roughly 16 m. Its age is estimated at between 2,000 and 7,200 years. It gets its name from the Jomon period, because its estimated age when discovered dated back to that era. The tree is one of the main reasons Yakushima was inscribed as a World Natural Heritage Site in 1993.
The classic route starts at Arakawa trailhead. The first half, about 8 km, follows the old forest railway track. It is flat but long. The second half climbs the Ohtao Trail, passing the Wilson Stump, where you can look up at a heart-shaped patch of sky from inside the hollow trunk, as well as Great King Cedar and Couple Cedar. The route ends at the Jomon Sugi viewing platform. To protect its roots, visitors may not approach the tree itself.
The round trip is about 22 km and takes 9–11 hours. Most hikers set off between 4 and 5 a.m. From March to November, private cars are banned from Arakawa trailhead. Visitors must take the Arakawa trailhead bus from the Yakusugi Museum, and tickets must be bought in advance. Entry requires paying the Mountain Environmental Conservation Fee, about ¥1,000 for a day round trip, though this is subject to current regulations. Getting there: the Anbo area is the base for the hike.
Note: The hike is very demanding, so joining a guided tour is recommended. Bring a headlamp, rain gear, plenty of water and food, and either a portable toilet or a plan to use the toilets along the way. From December to February, snow covers the trail and professional gear is required.
Opening hours
Open all day (Mar–Nov requires the mountain shuttle bus, departing before dawn)
Nearby sights
- Wilson Stump
- Mount Miyanoura
- Taikoiwa Rock
- Shiratani Unsuikyo
- Hananoego Wetland
- Kigen-sugi
- Yakusugi Land
- Yakushima Environmental Culture Village Center