Last Updated on 2026-03-01 by Tsubaki
Jomon Sugi Hiking is one of the most iconic symbols of Yakushima, and the trail leading to it is widely regarded as the ultimate classic among all Yakushima hikes. This route ranges from intermediate to advanced difficulty and takes about 8 to 12 hours round trip, depending on your physical condition.
This hiking journey is not only a chance to witness traces of Yakushima’s century-old logging history, but also an immersive trek that feels like you’re stepping into an ancient, primeval world. With each step forward, it’s as if you’re walking on ground that has existed for thousands of years. Especially after nearly 10 hours of trekking, the long and grueling path becomes a true test of endurance and willpower, a spiritual and physical journey in itself.
Jomon Sugi Hiking Routes
There are two main routes that lead to Jomon Sugi. One starts from Shiratani Unsuikyo Gorge（白谷雲水峡）, and the other, more commonly chosen, is the Arakawa Trailhead Route.(荒川登山口)
While the time required for each one-way hike is similar, the Shiratani Unsuikyo route involves crossing an extra mountain range before merging with the Arakawa route, so it demands significantly more stamina. However, some hikers choose to turn this into a two-day one-night traverse, starting from Arakawa Trailhead, passing through Jomon Sugi, and ending at Shiratani Unsuikyo, staying overnight at the Shiratani Mountain Hut.
In this article, I’ll focus on the more common and classic round-trip hike from Arakawa Trailhead to Jomon Sugi, which I personally took. About half of this route follows a former logging railway track, making the incline relatively gentle, ideal for those planning a day hike and wanting to keep their gear light.
If you’re concerned about safety or navigating the trail on your own, joining a guided tour is a great option.
✔️Trekking to go with your travel companions towards Jomon cedar （English availible） ✔️
Access to the Jomon Sugi Trailhead
The trailhead for Jomon Sugi is located at Arakawa-Tozanguchi (Arakawa Trailhead). From March to November, to protect the island’s natural environment, private vehicles are not allowed to drive directly to the trailhead. Most visitors either take a public bus or drive to the Yakusugi Museum, then transfer to a designated mountain shuttle bus bound for Arakawa-Tozanguchi.
Yakusugi Museum
Arakawa Trailhead
Since shuttle buses run infrequently, it’s highly recommended to check the schedule in advance and work backward to plan your Jomon Sugi Hiking. This way, you can kick off your hike smoothly and make the most of this unforgettable adventure.
✔️ Yakusugi Museum ⇄ Arakawa Trailhead Shuttle Bus Information
Route: Yakusugi Museum ⇄ Arakawa Trailhead
Timetable: Refer to the official mountain shuttle bus timetable
Price: ¥1,000 one-way + ¥1,000 mountain entry fee
(An additional ¥1,000 is required if you plan to stay overnight in the mountains)
Where to Buy Tickets:
・On-site ticket counter (first-come, first-served)
・Some accommodations offer advance ticket sales
・Available at tourist information centers
Operating Period: March to November
Other Tips: On hiking days, the buses can get very crowded, so it’s highly recommended to purchase your shuttle ticket in advance whenever possible.
Preparing for Jomon Sugi Hiking : Meals and Supplies
Packed Lunch and Breakfast on Hiking Day
Since the hike to Jomon Sugi requires an early morning start, you’ll find that no stores or bento shops are open at dawn. That’s why it’s essential to prepare both your breakfast and packed lunch the day before. You can pick up what you need from a convenience store or supermarket, or ask your accommodation if they offer a bento pre-order service.
The guesthouse I stayed at provided this option: I simply placed an order the day before, and the bento was delivered to the entrance by early morning. I picked it up on my way out and started the hike right away, super convenient and time-saving.
Also, just a short walk from Anbo Port (where many travelers arrive by ferry), there’s a supermarket called Ban Chan. It’s a great place to stock up on hiking essentials like drinking water, trail snacks, and energy bars. They have everything you’ll need in one stop, making it a very convenient option before heading into the mountains.
Confirming the Mountain Shuttle Bus
Checkpoint ①｜Mountain Shuttle Bus Tickets
To board the mountain shuttle bus, you must purchase a ticket in advance. As of 2025, the new prices are ¥2,000 one-way or ¥3,000 round trip, which includes a ¥1,000 environmental conservation fee.
Surprisingly, credit cards are accepted at the ticket counter.
When arriving at the Yakusugi Nature Museum to transfer to the mountain shuttle, it’s common to see long lines. While the bus company does add extra buses depending on the number of hikers that day, if you don’t have a ticket in advance, you might miss your planned departure while waiting in line. To avoid delays, buy your ticket ahead of time.
Where to Buy Shuttle Bus Tickets:
Yakushima Airport｜Yakushima Tourism Association Info Counter｜[Google maps]
Miyanoura Port｜Yakushima Environmental Culture Center｜[Google maps]
Anbo Port｜Yakushima Town General Center ｜[Google maps]
Checkpoint ②｜Mountain Shuttle Timetable
Shuttle buses to the trailhead only run three times in the morning. Although the company may add extra buses if there are many hikers, you should not rely on unscheduled buses. For the return trip, there are five scheduled departures, but expect long queues as well. Line up early to avoid delays descending the mountain.
Yakusugi Nature Museum → Arakawa Trailhead:
5:00｜5:20｜5:40｜(Occasionally 14:00)
Arakawa Trailhead → Yakusugi Nature Museum:
6:20｜15:00｜16:00｜16:30｜17:00｜17:45
❗️Timetables may change, so always double-check the official schedule on the website before your Jomon Sugi Hiking trip.
👉 [Check the official bus timetable here]
On the Day of the Hike: Facilities and Toilet Access
About Toilets
It takes about 35 minutes by shuttle bus from the Yakusugi Nature Museum to Arakawa Trailhead. Note that the museum’s toilets are not available before opening hours, and there are no toilets along the way.
Be sure to use the restroom at your accommodation before departure, or wait until you arrive at Arakawa Trailhead, where restrooms are available in the rest area.
Along the trail from the trailhead to Jomon Sugi, there are about three toilet stops, spaced roughly two hours apart. You may also encounter temporary toilet tents for use with portable toilet bags. If you tend to need frequent restroom breaks, bringing a portable toilet kit is highly recommended. These are also available for purchase at the ticket counters.
The Jomon Sugi Hiking Route
After getting off the shuttle bus at Arakawa Trailhead, you’ll start by walking along an old railroad track used for logging. Along the way, you’ll pass by the Kosugidani Village Ruins and Sandai Sugi (Three-Generation Cedar), eventually reaching the end of the rail trail. From there, the route transitions into the Okabu-hodo Trail which takes you up into the forest past Wilson’s Stump, Meoto Sugi (Married Cedars), and finally to Jomon Sugi.
The first 8 km along the rail track is relatively flat and might look easy, but it still takes about 3 hours of walking. For those not used to long-distance walks, this section alone can be tiring. Once the rail trail ends, the path becomes a steeper mountain trail, and that’s where the real physical challenge begins.
Arakawa Trailhead → Kosugidani Village Ruins
Arakawa Trailhead sits at around 660 meters above sea level, and from here, you’ll follow the old 8-km logging rail deeper into the mountains.
Along the way, you’ll cross several wooden rail bridges without guardrails. These bridges can become slippery when wet, so be especially careful if it’s raining!
Eventually, you’ll arrive at the remains of Kosugidani, a former settlement that existed between 1953 and 1970, a time when logging was still active on the island, before Yakushima was designated as a World Natural Heritage Site. At its peak, over 500 people lived here, and the community had its own elementary and junior high school, as well as a post office, a completely self-sufficient mountain village.
It typically takes about 50 minutes to reach Kosugidani from Arakawa Trailhead, though I managed to reach it in about 40 minutes, departing at 6:38 AM and arriving at 7:20 AM thanks to a slightly quicker pace.
Kosugidani Ruins → Sandai Sugi
After walking for another 30 to 40 minutes, you’ll reach the first rest area with a toilet, which is also home to a famous landmark: Sandai Sugi, or the Third-Generation Cedar.
Along the way, you’ll pass the Kusugawa Trail Junction, the meeting point of the Shiratani Unsuikyo and Arakawa trail routes. You’ll then walk through a breathtaking forest of towering cedar trees, the overwhelming scale and stillness of the woods is truly indescribable when experienced in person.
“Sandai Sugi” refers to a rare cedar that has grown over three generations. The first-generation tree fell, and the second-generation tree grew from the exposed cross-section of its trunk. Later, a third-generation tree grew from the fallen second tree, an incredible testament to the resilience of life.
According to the on-site signboard, the first generation lived about 1,200 years, the second for 1,000 years, and the third has already lived over 350 years, a powerful reminder of nature’s strength and endurance.
Our log: Departed Kosugidani at 7:20 AM, arrived at Sandai Sugi by 7:50 AM, about 30 minutes at a brisk pace. Most hikers will take 40 to 50 minutes.
Sandai Sugi → End of the Mining Railway Track
The walk from Sandai Sugi to the end of the old rail line is relatively flat and less scenic, so it’s easy to slow your pace without noticing. But once this gentle stretch is done, the trail connects to the Okabu-hodo Mountain Trail, and from there, the real ascent begins, this is where the trail gets steep and tests your stamina.
Just before the climb begins, you’ll cross a small bridge, and on the other side is a toilet area where many hikers take a short break to prepare for the challenging section ahead.
Our log: Left Sandai Sugi at 7:50 AM, reached the railway end at 8:50 AM—about one hour. This is roughly the same as average pace.
End of Railway → Wilson’s Stump
After the rail trail ends, you’ll enter the Okabu-hodo Trail, marked by a steep wooden staircase. The incline becomes noticeably tougher. In about 20 to 30 minutes, you’ll arrive at the famous Wilson’s Stump.
Wilson’s Stump is believed to be the remains of a giant cedar felled about 400 years ago. Though only the massive base and cut surface remain, it’s still awe-inspiring.
This stump is named after Dr. Ernest Henry Wilson, an American botanist who visited Yakushima during the Taisho era (early 1900s). His advocacy helped bring attention to this impressive fallen cedar, which was later named in his honor.
Our log: Entered Okabu-hodo Traill at 9:10 AM, reached Wilson’s Stump at 9:30 AM, around 20 minutes. Average pace takes about 30 minutes.
Wilson’s Stump → Meoto Sugi
From Wilson’s Stump, it takes about 1 hour to reach Meoto Sugi and the Daio Cedar. As you continue upward, the trees grow even more massive, even the fallen logs by the trail are more majestic than the trees you’d find in most urban parks.
There’s a small open area near Meoto Sugi and Daio Cedar, where many hikers take a short break.
Our log: Left Wilson’s Stump at 9:50 AM, arrived at Meoto Sugi at 10:50 AM, around 1 hour, which is the standard pace for this segment.
Meoto Sugi → Jomon Sugi
At last, we arrived at the highlight of this hike: Jomon Sugi. It was nearly 11:40 AM by the time we reached it, but in truth, this is only halfway through the full journey.
Photos can’t quite capture the magnitude of Jomon Sugi. Standing before it in person, I felt overwhelmed by the grandeur of nature and the weight of its history, I was genuinely speechless.
To protect the tree’s roots from foot traffic, a viewing platform has been set up to keep visitors at a safe distance. Because this spot often draws large crowds, you won’t be able to stay long, and it’s not suitable for resting or eating.
Our log: Departed Meoto Sugi at 11:00 AM, arrived at Jomon Sugi by 11:40 AM, took 40 minutes. Normally, this section takes about 30 minutes, but due to the narrow trail and crowds near the end, our pace slowed down a bit.
Rest Stop Near Jomon Sugi (Scenic Spot)
Since you can’t stay around the Jomon Sugi viewing area for long, it’s best to walk back down slightly to the rest plaza below to have lunch, it’s much more comfortable and safe.
This area is also home to a popular photo spot: a fallen tree that looks like a dinosaur head, which draws lots of hikers for snapshots. But don’t linger too long here, the return journey still takes 4 to 5 hours, and it’s actually more challenging than the ascent, both physically and mentally.
It happened to rain that day, and my hair was completely soaked. Elsa later looked at my photo and said I looked like someone who’d just escaped a disaster, soaked and totally miserable. We had a good laugh about it, though!
Jomon Sugi Hiking Tips from Tsubaki
① The full hike takes around 10 hours, assuming a slightly brisk pace. If you’re not used to long walks or have lower stamina, consider turning back at the end of the rail trail, or choose the Shiratani Unsuikyo route, which is a bit easier.
② Personally, I don’t think a guide is necessary for this trail, since the signage and trail markers are very clear. That said, having a guide can offer extra stories about the trees and history, and provides a layer of safety, so it still has value depending on your preference.
If you’re concerned about safety or navigating the trail on your own, joining a guided tour is a great option.
✔️
③ A key reminder: the bus schedules and mountain shuttle timing are poorly coordinated, so there’s a risk of missing your connection. If that happens, your only option after descending may be… your own feet!
④ Yakushima experiences rainfall over 80% of the year, and the weather can change rapidly. Rain gear is an absolute must. I wasn’t so lucky, caught in a downpour, I still pushed through to the end.
⑤ Since the hike takes over 10 hours, I strongly recommend proper hiking shoes with good insoles. Elsa used high-performance insoles and only had slight soreness. I didn’t, and by the return trip, my feet hurt so badly it triggered a headache. I really regretted not preparing better.
⑥ I tend to get knee pain during descents, but wearing knee supports helped tremendously. If you’re prone to knee discomfort, I highly recommend bringing a pair, they make a huge difference during the long descent!
Recommended Gear Checklist for Yakushima Jomon Sugi Hiking
・ID or official identification
・A full set of extra clothes
・Towel
・Physical or digital map
・Bento lunch, snacks, and plenty of water
・Tissues or wet wipes
・Trash bags or ziplock bags → to carry out your garbage and seal food smells
・Basic medications (pain relievers, stomach meds, etc.)
・Bug repellent
・Hiking gloves
・Sun hat
・Waterproof hiking jacket or raincoat
・Portable toilet bags (optional)
・Trekking poles (optional)
・Knee support (optional)
・Headlamp (optional)
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Traveler’s Note:
The insights shared above are based on my personal experiences and subjective perspectives. When planning your trip, please consider current weather conditions and your own travel preferences.
Please note that all English articles on this site are AI-assisted translations of the original Traditional Chinese content. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy and natural flow, occasional nuances or expressions may differ. Thank you for your understanding.
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