Jomon Sugi, est. age of 2,170~7,200 years.

Cross streams that form Shiratani's moody ravine.

Pass by the Moss Forest made famous
by the movie, Princess Mononoke.

Enjoy the view from
Taiko Iwa.

Leave the park and down past large boulders to the valley.

Spend an hour walking along the former logging rail way.

Leave level ground again for the last 2.5 km to Jomon Sugi.

Stop by Wilson's Stump, a tree cut down around the age of 3,000 years.

The forest becomes increasingly mystical as you approach Jomon Sug.

Make new friends along the way?

Links:

• Official Shiratani Unsuikyo Park Website
• Certified Guide List
• Town Page
• Hiking Notification
• Brochure and Island Map
• Trail Times, Bus Schedule
• Yakushima Life Page

Content last updated in 2020.

Experience Level:

Intermediate
-You must bring/carry out all supplies except water.

Trail Head Access:

Car, Taxi, or Bus

Time:

~ 7 Hours + 1 Night + 7 Hours, leisurely pace

Distance:

11 km + 11 km

Trail Head Elevation:

600 m

Camp Elevation:

1300 m

Costs:

The town of Yakushima recommends a voluntary donation of ¥2000 (valid for all World-Hertiage Site hiking in one month) per hiker and purchase of a disposable toilet kit.
For a guided hike expect to pay from ¥27,000 to ¥50,000 depending on season, number of hikers, options, etc.
Between Anbo and the Arakawa Trail Head, a taxi runs around ¥4,500 (2020), and a shuttle bus ticket + connecting bus runs around ¥1,000. Between Miyanoura and Shiratan Unvuikyo Park, the bus costs around ¥600, while a taxi costs around ¥2,500.

Getting to Arakawa Trailhead (GPS coords: 30.3400, 130.5953):

You can either take a taxi or the shuttle bus from the Museum bus stop, but the last morning bus usually leaves around 6am, (2020: Check current schedules.) which is admittedly, a little early. Private cars are not allowed access to the trail head from March through November. Early morning and afternoon buses connect eastern stops from Issō in the north through Onoaida in the south. If you miss the last return bus or connecting bus, you'll have to call a taxi.

Getting to Shiratani Unsuikyo Park Trailhead (GPS coords: 30.3809, 130.5751):

You can easily take a morning bus from Miyanoura to Shiratani Unsuikyo, or you can take a taxi to beat the day hikers. If you return this route, don't expect cell phone service at the trail head (2020), although there is usually wifi.

Toilets:

You shouldn't have to go much more than couple hours without a toilet, and there booths along the trail for use with a toilet kit (wag bag) if you bring one. The toilet at the hut is rudimentary and is exclusively for the disposal of human waste and toilet paper. You will need to bring your own toilet paper for this one. All other waste, including tissues and wag bags, must be carried out.

Takatsuka Hut:

This is an unstaffed, 3-story emergency shelters with four walls, a roof, a door, and windows. You will need to bring all of your supplies including toilet paper, food, and bedding, and pack out all of your trash. You may NOT wash dishes in the wilderness. There is no reservation system, but there is usually plenty of space except during holidays (2021). You may also pitch a self-standing tent IN THE VICINITY OF THE HUT. Use of tent pegs and hammocking in this area is discouraged. Gas camping stoves are permitted, but wood-burning is not allowed. There are no bears, but food, trash, and packaging that smells like food will attract mice and deer. Food is usually safe if it is sealed away inside of an air-tight sack/container either inside your tent (I know, this is the opposite of what you should do in bear country!) or the hut. If you are worried you can hang the sealed sack from a cord inside the hut.

Equipment List:

Water Bottle, All meals + Snacks, Headlamp + Batteries, First Aid Kit, Map, Compass, GPS, Rain Jacket + Rain Pants, Hiking Boots, Spare Jacket, Disposable Toilet Kit + toilet paper, sleeping bag + mat, extra food, gas stove, etc.

The Hike:

Hike at a leisurely pace up to the famed Jomon Sugi tree and enjoy the company of this mysteriously large tree long after the day-hikers have left. Stay at the hut (or pitch a tent just outside the hut) 200 meters beyond Jomon Sugi so you can catch the morning's first rays through the mist in the forest full of old Yakusugi trees.

Depending on your fitness, transportation, and the weather, you can start and/or finish the route at the Arakawa Trail Head (easier walking) or at Shiratani Unsuikyo Park (beautiful scenery) and follow the routes listed for the day hikes. Please see these routes for details.