This UNESCO World Heritage island's ancient cedar forest served as inspiration for Studio Ghibli's Princess Mononoke. The trail to the 7,000-year-old Jomon Cedar traverses misty ancient forest with moss-covered rocks and wooden boardwalks.
The Jomon Sugi trail on Yakushima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture is the signature hiking route of this UNESCO World Heritage site, located off the southern tip of Kyushu. Yakushima's ancient yakusugi cedar forest — which inspired the primeval settings of Studio Ghibli's Princess Mononoke — is home to some of the oldest living trees on Earth, including Jomon Cedar, estimated to be between 2,170 and 7,200 years old. The trail covers approximately 20km round trip with 600m of elevation gain, typically requiring 8–10 hours.
The main access point is Arakawa Trailhead, reached by bus from the ferry terminals at Miyanoura or Anbo. During peak season (March–November), private vehicles are prohibited beyond Yakusugi Land; shuttle buses operate from Yakusugi Land to Arakawa Trailhead (approximately ¥600 each way). Buses from Miyanoura to Yakusugi Land and the shuttle connection should be caught before 5am to ensure a safe return before dusk. An island environmental conservation fee of ¥1,000 is collected at the ferry terminal. No formal hiking permit is required for day hikes, but trail registration at the Arakawa Trailhead notice board is strongly recommended.
The first 8km of the route follows a disused forest railway on wooden boardwalks and old iron rails — a relatively level and sheltered section that introduces hikers to the island's extraordinary moss-draped forest. Beyond the boardwalk, the trail climbs rocky switchbacks and wooden staircases through ancient cedar stands to a viewing platform with a direct sightline to Jomon Cedar. Key landmarks include Wilson Stump (a vast hollow cedar with a heart-shaped skyward opening), Daio Sugi cedar, and the final steep approach to the Jomon Cedar platform.
Water is scarce on the main trail — carry at least 2 litres per person from the trailhead. The Takatsuka Mountain Hut (approximately 11km from the trailhead) provides basic overnight accommodation for those splitting the hike; reservations through the Yakushima Forestry Office are required.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Yakushima Island, Kagoshima Prefecture
- Best season
- March to May and October to November; June–July brings heavy rainfall but spectacular moss atmosphere; August is peak crowd season; typhoon risk July through October.
Highlights
- Jomon Sugi ancient cedar tree
- Wilson Stump interior
- Moss-covered ancient forest
- Endemic Yakushima macaques
Tips for visiting
- Depart from Arakawa Trailhead no later than 5am to complete the 20km round trip safely before nightfall — the last shuttle bus leaves Yakusugi Land at approximately 5pm.
- Carry at least 2 litres of water per person — there are no reliable water sources on the main trail between the trailhead and the hut.
- Wear fully waterproof boots and rain gear year-round: Yakushima receives over 4,000mm of annual rainfall and the forest floor is permanently damp.
- Book the Takatsuka Mountain Hut well in advance if planning an overnight split of the route — availability is very limited.
- Download offline trail maps before arriving on the island — mobile signal is unreliable or absent in the forest interior.
- In peak season (March–May and October–November), the trailhead shuttle fills before dawn — arrive at the Yakusugi Land parking area by 4:30am.
When to visit
Spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) provide the most reliable weather and manageable crowds. Early morning starts are essential year-round: the 20km round trip requires 8–10 hours and must be completed before the last shuttle bus.
Accessibility
The Yakushima Forest Trail is not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers. The first 8km along the disused forest railway on wooden boardwalks is relatively level but too narrow and uneven for wheeled mobility aids. Beyond Wilson Stump, the trail involves rocky switchbacks and steep wooden staircases entirely unsuitable for any wheeled mobility equipment.
Frequently asked questions
How old is Jomon Cedar?
Scientific estimates range from approximately 2,170 to 7,200 years old, making it one of the oldest living trees in Japan. The exact age cannot be determined precisely because core sampling would damage the tree.
Is a permit required?
No permit is required for day hiking to Jomon Cedar. Overnight stays at Takatsuka Hut require a reservation through the Yakushima Forestry Office. An island environmental conservation fee of ¥1,000 is requested at the ferry terminal.
What is the best season to visit?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) offer the best balance of weather and trail conditions. The rainy season (June–July) brings intense downpours but the moss-covered forest is at its most atmospheric. August is the peak crowd season with long days but high humidity.
Is the trail safe for solo hikers?
The Jomon Sugi route is well-marked and regularly checked during the main season. Solo hikers should register plans at the trailhead board, carry a fully charged phone with offline maps, and avoid the trail entirely in typhoon conditions, which are possible from July to October.