Jōmon Sugi — Attraction in Yakushima

For the forest bathers and tree enthusiasts, Jomon Sugi is like having ambrosia injected straight into the veins. You will experience the sublime.

The hike itself is quite easy as 70% is on a set track. If you're a more experienced hiker, you will find this more annoying than enjoyable as it is difficult to pass people in groups. Once you get to the back 30% it becomes more invigorating, although partially all tracked, mostly wooden steps.

That said, it is gorgeous landscape and forest, so you being able to turn off your brain to watch around you without considering your foot placement is a decent exchange for the loss of intensity.

Time needed: I drew 6 sketches on the way up, it took about 5 hours and my hike back was 2 hours 20 minutes.

Transport: For in season, bus schedules are not the same as online currently. You have to take the bus before 5:40 (5:40 being the last bus now)

If you miss the bus you can sometimes order a taxi (which I ended up taking for ¥6,000.) Expensive, BUT I did have a delayed start and had the trail to myself for about 60% of it until I caught up to the other groups. Truly magical.

Water: You can refill along the way, Yakushima water is safe to drink from the mountain.

Bathrooms: there are some operating bathrooms at the very start and the transition point from rail track to stairs area. There is also portable toilet you need to have a bathroom bag with to use.

Bring food! All over Yakushima you can buy a bento to take with you. I regret only having baked goods, fruit, and snack bars. There are a lot of stops to be able to eat and it would have been dreamy to have eaten a whole, rejuvenating meal versus snacks...

Jomon sugi is just a big tree, you cannot even touch it. There are viewing decks 50meters away from the tree. What made the 10hour trek worth it is the breathtaking sceneries along the trek. Every rest, I can’t stop saying it’s so beautiful here.. Straight out of the fairytale book. Pictures don’t do justice. The view is so inspiring. I understand why Hayao Miyazaki got inspired by the forest and used it in his works. The trek is easy. There are stairs and paths that are easy to follow. 100m past the Jomon sugi is a small house/ a camping house where people can stay overnight. It’s free. No staff. There is a tent toilet near it. The las bus from the trail entrance is 5:45pm so it’s advisable to get...

A hike that many may consider to be the most popular on the island. Definitely can be done within 6-8 hours, and without a tour guide. Highly advise starting around 5-6:00 in the morning just to be safe. Tickets for the bus ride to the starting point can be bought at the bottom parking lot. Most of the hike is straightforward, while the last mile and a bit gets a bit steeper and tougher. Bring some snacks and beverages for hydration as there are rest stops a long the way and places to go sit down and eat at the top (please remember to take your trash home!!). Beautiful and breath-taking, rain or shine, an absolute must...