Yakushima Day Hiking Tour: Choose Jomon Sugi or Yakusugi Land with a Guide

Gear up and head into Yakushima's forest from your hotel

This tour is run by Yamakara, a hiking tour brand. You can choose between a route to Jomon Sugi and a walk through the forest of Yakusugi Land.

Basic hiking gear, including six items such as hiking boots and rain gear, is available to rent for free, so you can join without buying anything. What's offered varies by season, so be sure to request the items and sizes you need in advance.

Pickup from eligible accommodations is also included, and on the Jomon Sugi route you will switch to a hiking bus along the way. With a small group of up to 6 people per guide, you then set off into the forest. If you would like your guide to speak English, please check which plans offer this when you book.

Once you're in the forest, take in the scenery of moss and giant trees

In Yakushima's forests, the big cedars are only part of the story. The moss covering rocks, fallen logs and tree roots shows its own distinct shades of green. Look down at your feet, then up through the branches, and the character of the forest keeps changing.

According to the operator, guests love being able to feel Yakushima's nature with their whole body, from the enchanting mossy forest and impressive rock formations to the clear streams. The walk toward your destination is part of the experience, too.

You may spot deer or monkeys that live in the forest, but whether you see wildlife depends on the day. If you do, keep your distance and watch quietly.

For a forest of moss and giant trees, head to Yakusugi Land

On the Yakusugi Land route, you walk with a guide through a forest surrounded by yakusugi (ancient Yakushima cedars) and moss. Look up at the towering trees and take in the moss blanketing rocks and fallen logs as you observe Yakushima's nature.

Don't just look at the giant trees; pay attention to the greenery spreading out at your feet, too. Listening to your guide as you walk, you'll notice sides of the forest you might miss on your own.

Heading for Jomon Sugi? Look out for Wilson's Stump on the way

The Jomon Sugi plan starts early in the morning and takes you on a long trek to reach the giant tree. Plan on a round trip of about 22 km and roughly 10 hours of walking. Get yourself in good shape beforehand and be prepared for a long day on your feet.

One of the highlights along the trail is Wilson's Stump, a huge tree stump. Looking up from inside, the opening above appears heart-shaped from certain spots, which has made it famous. Follow your guide's directions on the day and take in the sheer size of the tree and the sunlight streaming in from the sky.

Wilson's Stump is a different tree from Jomon Sugi. After enjoying the scenery here, you continue on to Jomon Sugi waiting further ahead.

At last, Jomon Sugi: the giant tree at the end of the trail

Having endured thousands of years of wind and snow, Jomon Sugi still stands quietly, a venerable elder of the forest, and its presence is simply overwhelming. In today's fast-changing world, it's a chance to experience the life force of Yakushima, which has survived for an almost unimaginable span of time, with all five senses.

Because you reach it after a long walk, this view stays with you as a lasting travel memory. At the end of the day, you head back down with your guide and take the return transfer. Including the journey to Jomon Sugi itself, it's a day to savor Yakushima's forest.

FAQ

■ Can I join if I don't have any hiking gear? Yes. You can use the free rental of hiking boots, rain gear and other items. Please request the gear and sizes you need in advance. Bring your own clothing, socks, food and drinks.

■ Can I join the tour alone? Yes, solo travelers are welcome. Because it is a small-group tour with a guide, you can enjoy Yakushima's forest even if you are traveling alone.

■ How fit do I need to be? It depends on the route you choose. The Jomon Sugi route is about 22 km round trip and takes roughly 10 hours of walking. The difficulty at Yakusugi Land also varies depending on the route you walk, so check the walking time and participation requirements before booking, and consult the operator if you are concerned about your fitness.

■ Does the tour run in the rain? Yes, the tour goes ahead in rain. However, it may be canceled or the route may be changed due to typhoons, heavy rain or trail conditions. Bring rain gear and hiking boots, and waterproof your belongings.

■ Is English-language guiding available? There are guides on staff who speak English. If you would like English guiding, please confirm at the time of booking which plans offer it and whether a guide can be arranged.

What to check before you book

• Walking time, distance and participation requirements for each route
• Eligible accommodations for pickup, meeting times and the separate fee for the hiking bus
• Deadline to request free rental gear, sizes, and what to bring
• Policies for bad weather and cancellation conditions

Prices, tour times and plan details may change. Please check the latest information before booking.

Summary

Will you hike to the legendary Jomon Sugi, or enjoy the mossy, giant-tree forest of Yakusugi Land? On the Yakushima hiking tour, you can choose a day route to match the scenery you most want to see.

With free gear rental and pickup from eligible accommodations, you can cut down on the effort of preparing and getting around. Choose the walking time and route that suit you, and head out into Yakushima's forest.

You can find details and book via the Yakushima Hiking Tour page.