Yakushima: Jomon Sugi
Jomon Sugi - a giant, millennia-old cedar deep in Yakushima’s primeval rainforest
The route
The line through Yakushima Island, Japan - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.
Season & conditions
Year-round (very wet)
Frequent heavy rain, humidity, leeches; slippery roots
Walkable year-round but Yakushima is one of Japan’s wettest places - expect rain; a pre-dawn bus start. Confirm.
On the trail
An old logging railway then root-tangled ancient rainforest
Non-technical walking/hiking; confirm any exposed or scrambly sections locally
Marked/waymarked route; navigation generally straightforward - carry a map and confirm locally
Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics
A popular, well-known route - busier in peak season
Turn around at Wilson’s Stump; combine with Shiratani
Getting there & staying
Arakawa trailhead (shuttle), Yakushima
Pre-dawn shuttle bus to the Arakawa trailhead (private cars restricted)
Day route - none needed
Day-hike kit, water, sun/rain protection, sturdy footwear; coverage varies
Services in Miyanoura / Anbo; limited or none on the trail
Not required; self-guided
Permits & safety
A forest-conservation donation; a mandatory shuttle bus to Arakawa in season. Confirm.
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
The long day, slippery roots/rail, rain, leeches
Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.