Yakushima: The Ancient Cedar Forest Island
How to visit Yakushima, the misty island of ancient cedars: the Jomon Sugi hike, the moss forest of Shiratani Unsuikyo, the weather and getting there.
Quick answer
- What it is: a mountainous island south of Kyushu, covered in ancient forest.
- Famous for: yakusugi cedars more than a thousand years old, including the giant Jomon Sugi.
- Status: one of Japan's first UNESCO World Heritage natural sites, listed in 1993.
- Time needed: at least 2 to 3 days, as weather and access take time.
- Best time: spring and autumn, with rain gear in every season.
Yakushima feels like a forest from a dream. Everything is wrapped in moss, streams tumble over granite boulders and cedars older than written history rise into the mist.
Why Yakushima is a wonder
Yakushima's mountains rise steeply from the sea, creating climates that range from subtropical on the coast to cool and alpine near the peaks. That variety supports a remarkably rich ecosystem.
It is famous for its yakusugi, cedars more than a thousand years old. The most famous, Jomon Sugi, is estimated to be somewhere between 2,000 and 7,200 years old.
An island of rain
Locals joke that it rains 35 days a month on Yakushima. That heavy rainfall is what keeps the forests so green and the moss so thick.
The Shiratani Unsuikyo ravine is a favourite for its mossy paths and streams, and is often said to have inspired the forests in Studio Ghibli's film Princess Mononoke.
Forest walks
| Trail | What you see | Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Yakusugi Land | Accessible ancient cedars on short loops | 1 to 2.5 hours |
| Shiratani Unsuikyo | Moss forests, streams and old cedars | 2 to 4 hours |
| Jomon Sugi | The island's most famous ancient tree | About 10 hours return |
When to go
- Spring: fresh greenery and rhododendrons in the mountains.
- Autumn: fewer storms and comfortable hiking weather.
- Early summer: the rainy season brings very heavy rain.
- Typhoon season: late summer storms can cancel ferries and flights.
Our tip: Build a spare day into your plans. Ferries and flights are sometimes cancelled in bad weather, and trails can close after heavy rain.
Getting there
- By ferry: high-speed jetfoils and slower ferries run from Kagoshima.
- By air: short flights connect Yakushima with Kagoshima and some other cities.
- On the island: buses are limited, so a rental car or tour makes exploring much easier.
Hiking to Jomon Sugi
- The return hike takes about 10 hours. Start before dawn and allow time to finish before dark.
- From March to November, private cars cannot use the access road. Hikers take a shuttle bus from the Yakusugi Museum, booked in advance.
- A forest conservation fee is collected with the shuttle bus ticket.
- Stay on the boardwalks and viewing decks. The ancient trees must not be touched.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Jomon Sugi hike?
About 10 hours return. Most hikers start before dawn.
Do you need a guide for Yakushima?
Not for the main marked trails, but a guide adds safety and insight, especially for the Jomon Sugi hike.
How old is Jomon Sugi?
Estimates range from about 2,000 to 7,200 years.
How do you get to Yakushima?
By jetfoil or ferry from Kagoshima, or by a short flight.
Koyasan Okunoin
A lantern-lit path through Japan's largest cemetery and ancient cedars.
We check this guide regularly. Prices, hours and rules in Japan can change, so confirm with the official sources below before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.