My favorite hikes
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The following hikes are the ones I recommended to my guests during the eight years I guided in Yakushima. In particular, Shiratani Unsuikyo, Yakusugiland, and the trail to Jomon Sugi from Arakawa are all accessible by publi transportation. You are welcome to explore these trails on your own, or you can hire a guide for knowledge, companionship, safety, and convenience.
You can live in Yakushima for years without hiking all the trails, and very once in a while I also wrote about trails my blog.
Please note that water-resistant electronics (such as iphones) may not be tested against high-humidity conditions. At the very least, I recommend bringing a towel in a ziplock back to wipe down your phone periodically, and turning it off until it is dry if water droplets form inside the lens.
Shiratani Unsuikyo Park
Enjoy the famous Moss Forest, Taiko Iwa Lookout, and the trails that cross a system of streams (that can turn into raging rivers!) in this popular park where deer and monkeys are often spotted.
Yayoi Sugi
Walk
Time: 1~2 Hours
Yayoi Sugi Walk
Walk
Time: 1~2 Hours
Yayoi Sugi Walk
- Experience Level:
- Beginner
-stairs and rocks - Trail Head Access:
- Bus, Car, or Taxi
- Time:
- ~1 Hour, slow pace
- Round Trip Distance:
- 1.5 km
- Trail Head Elevation:
- 600 m
- Peak Elevation:
- ~720 m
| Deer/Monkey Sightings | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Yakusugi Trees | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Mossy Forests | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Vista Views | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Endurance | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Strength & Technicality | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Crowds | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Weather Cancellations | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ (Severe rain, rarely road closures) |
Famous
Moss Forest
Time: ~3 Hours
Famous Moss Forest
Moss Forest
Time: ~3 Hours
Famous Moss Forest
- Experience Level:
- Beginner
-rocks/roots, water - Trail Head Access:
- Bus, Car, or Taxi
- Time:
- ~3 Hours
- Round Trip Distance:
- ** km
- Trail Head Elevation:
- 600 m
- Peak Elevation:
- ~800 m
| Deer/Monkey Sightings | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Yakusugi Trees | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Mossy Forests | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Vista Views | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Endurance | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Strength & Technicality | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Crowds | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Weather Cancellations | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ (Heavy rain, flooding, rarely road closures) |
Shiratani Unsuikyo: Full
Day
Time: 6~7 Hours
Shiratani Full Course
Time: 6~7 Hours Shiratani Full Course
- Experience Level:
- Beginner~Intermediate
-rocks/roots, water
-steep ascent/descent - Trail Head Access:
- Bus, Car, or Taxi
- Time:
- 6~7 Hour, leisurely pace
- Round Trip Distance:
- ~6 km
- Trail Head Elevation:
- 600 m
- Peak Elevation:
- 1050 m
| Deer/Monkey Sightings | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Yakusugi Trees | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Mossy Forests | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Vista Views | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Endurance | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Strength & Technicality | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Crowds | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Weather Cancellations | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ (Heavy rain, flooding, rarely road closures) |
Yakusugiland
Enter this lofty forest of giant trees around the moody Arakawa River. At an elevation perfect for hiding in the clouds, this is one of the rainiest areas in Yakushima.
Yakusugiland
Walk
Time: 30~120 minutes
Yakusugiland Walk
Walk
Time: 30~120 minutes Yakusugiland Walk
- Experience Level:
- Beginner
-rocks/roots, water - Trail Head Access:
- Bus, Car, or Taxi
- Time:
- 30~90 minutes, slow pace
- Round Trip Distance:
- ** km
- Trail Head Elevation:
- 980 m
- Peak Elevation:
- ** m
| Deer/Monkey Sightings | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Yakusugi Trees | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Mossy Forests | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Vista Views | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Endurance | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Strength & Technicality | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Crowds | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Weather Cancellations | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ (Extreme rain, road closures) |
Extended
Yakusugiland
Time: ~4 hours
Extended Yakusugiland
Yakusugiland
Time: ~4 hours
Extended Yakusugiland
- Experience Level:
- Beginner~Intermmediate
-rocks/roots, water - Trail Head Access:
- Bus, Car, or Taxi
- Time:
- 2~3.5 hours
- Round Trip Distance:
- ** km
- Trail Head Elevation:
- 980 m
- Peak Elevation:
- ** m
| Deer/Monkey Sightings | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Yakusugi Trees | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Mossy Forests | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Vista Views | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Endurance | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Strength & Technicality | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Crowds | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Weather Cancellations | ⚠⚠⚠⚠ (Extreme rain, high winds, road closures) |
Jomon Sugi Trekking
Along the railroad and up into the mountains, these popular trails take you 20~22km round trip to the mysterious Jomon Sugi tree, by far the largest tree on the island and easily the most famous tree in Japan.
Jomon Sugi
Trekking
Time: 9~11 hours
Jomon Sugi Trekking
Trekking
Time: 9~11 hours Jomon Sugi Trekking
- Experience Level:
- Intermediate
-22 km long - Trail Head Access:
- Bus or Taxi (or Car December~February)
- Time:
- 8~11 Hours
- Round Trip Distance:
- 22 km
- Trail Head Elevation:
- 600 m
- Peak Elevation:
- 1285 m
| Deer/Monkey Sightings | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Yakusugi Trees | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Mossy Forests | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Vista Views | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Endurance | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Strength & Technicality | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Crowds | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Weather Cancellations | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ (Extreme rains, rarely snow) |
Jomon Sugi via Shiratani Unsuikyo
Time: ~12 hours
Jomon Sugi via Shiratani Unsuikyo
Time: ~12 hours Jomon Sugi via Shiratani Unsuikyo
- Experience Level:
- Advanced
-time requirement - Trail Head Access:
- Car or Taxi
- Time:
- 10~12 Hours, assuming a fast pace
- Round Trip Distance:
- 21 km
- Trail Head Elevation:
- 600 m
- Peak Elevation:
- 1285 m
| Deer/Monkey Sightings | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Yakusugi Trees | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Mossy Forests | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Vista Views | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Endurance | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Strength & Technicality | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Crowds | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Weather Cancellations | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠(Extreme rains, flooding, rarely snow) |
Jomon Sugi 2-Day Trekking
Time: ~34 hours
Jomon Sugi 2-Day Trekking
Time: ~34 hours
Jomon Sugi 2-Day Trekking
- 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
| Deer/Monkey Sightings | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Yakusugi Trees | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Mossy Forests | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Vista Views | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Endurance | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Strength & Technicality | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Crowds | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Weather Cancellations | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ (Extreme rains, rarely snow.) |
Peak Hunting: Central Mountains
Well-maintained trails offer beautiful views in good weather, but dwarfed vegetation speaks of harsh extremes among these exposed peaks.
Miyanoura Dake: Kyushu's Highest
Time: 9~11 hours
Miyanoura Dake: Kyushu's Highest
Time: 9~11 hours Miyanoura Dake: Kyushu's Highest
- Experience Level:
- Advanced
-Fixed ropes to assist scrambling. - Trail Head Access:
- Car or Taxi
- Time:
- 9~11 Hours
- Round Trip Distance:
- 17 km
- Trail Head Elevation:
- 1365 m
- Peak Elevation:
- 1936 m
| Deer/Monkey Sightings | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Yakusugi Trees | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Mossy Forests | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Vista Views | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Endurance | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Strength & Technicality | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Crowds | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Weather Cancellations | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ (Wind, snow, severe rain) |
Mount Kuromi: No Less a
Challenge!
Time: 7~8 hours
Mount Kuromi: No Less a Challenge!
Time: 7~8 hours Mount Kuromi: No Less a Challenge!
- Experience Level:
- Intermediate~Advanced
-Fixed ropes to assist scrambling on the approach. - Trail Head Access:
- Car or Taxi
- Time:
- 7~8 Hours
- Round Trip Distance:
- 10 km
- Trail Head Elevation:
- 1365 m
- Peak Elevation:
- 1831 m
| Deer/Monkey Sightings | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Yakusugi Trees | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Mossy Forests | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Vista Views | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Endurance | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Strength & Technicality | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Crowds | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Weather Cancellations | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ (Wind, snow, severe rain) |
2-Day Traverse: Miyanoura Dake to Jomon Sugi
Time: ~34 hours
Traverse Miyanoura Dake to Jomon Sugi
Time: ~34 hours
Traverse Miyanoura Dake to Jomon Sugi
- Experience Level:
- Advanced
-Fixed ropes to assist scrambling.
-Fog, rain, wind, and trail conditions may make the route hard to follow. - Trail Head Access:
- Car or Taxi
- Time:
- ~9 Hours + 1 night + 7 hours
- Distance:
- ~13 km + 11 km
- Elevation:
- 1365 m to 1936 m to 1300 m + 1300 m to 600 m
| Deer/Monkey Sightings | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Yakusugi Trees | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Mossy Forests | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Vista Views | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Endurance | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Strength & Technicality | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Crowds | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Weather Cancellations | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ (Wind, snow, severe rain) |
Peak Hunting: Outer Mountains
Active hikers will enjoy the physically interesting terrain of these mountains. Inexperienced hikers should not try these mountains alone.
Anbo Mae Dake: Into the
Forest!
Time: 4~5 hours
Anbo Mae Dake: Into the Forest!
Time: 4~5 hours Anbo Mae Dake: Into the Forest!
- Experience Level:
- Intermediate~Advanced
-Loose rocks and possible scrambling depending on conditions/maintanance.
-Getting Lost
-slippery - Trail Head Access:
- Car or Taxi
- Time:
- ~4 Hours
- Round Trip Distance:
- 2.2 km
- Trail Head Elevation:
- 580 m
- Peak Elevation:
- 965 m
| Deer/Monkey Sightings | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Yakusugi Trees | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Mossy Forests | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Vista Views | ☆☆☆ |
| Endurance | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Strength & Technicality | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Crowds | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Weather Cancellations | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ (Extreme rains, flooding) |
Mocchomu Dake: Vertical Challenge!
Time: 7~9 hours
Mocchomu Dake: Vertical Challenge!
Time: 7~9 hours Mocchomu Dake: Vertical Challenge!
- Experience Level:
- Advanced
-Fixed ropes to assist scrambling.
-Narrow ridge
-Leeches in warm months
-Getting Lost - Trail Head Access:
- Car or Taxi
- Time:
- 6~9 Hours
- Round Trip Distance:
- 6 km
- Trail Head Elevation:
- 270 m
- Peak Elevation:
- 979 m
| Deer/Monkey Sightings | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Yakusugi Trees | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Mossy Forests | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Vista Views | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Endurance | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Strength & Technicality | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Crowds | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Weather Cancellations | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ (Extreme rains, etc.) |
| Bugs and Leeches | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
Tachu Dake: The Hike with
Everything!
Time: 7~8 hours
Tacchu Dake: The Hike with Everything!
Time: 7~8 hours Tacchu Dake: The Hike with Everything!
- Experience Level:
- Intermediate
-Fixed ropes to assist scrambling. - Trail Head Access:
- Car or Taxi
- Time:
- 6~8 Hours
- Round Trip Distance:
- 8 km
- Trail Head Elevation:
- 980 m
- Peak Elevation:
- 1479 m
| Deer/Monkey Sightings | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Yakusugi Trees | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Mossy Forests | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Vista Views | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Endurance | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Strength & Technicality | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Crowds | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Weather Cancellations | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ (Road closures do to extreme rain, high winds, etc.) |
Other Courses
Let's throw in some more variety and see if we can't find something that suits you!
Bandai Sugi: Short but Physical Climb
Time: 3~4 hours
Bandai Sugi: Short but Physical Climb
Time: 3~4 hours Bandai Sugi: Short but Physical Climb
- Experience Level:
- Advanced
-Slippery rocks, steep climb, mild scrambling.
-Leeches in warm months
-Getting Lost - Trail Head Access:
- Car or Taxi
- Time:
- ~3 Hours
- Round Trip Distance:
- 6 km
- Trail Head Elevation:
- 270 m
- Peak Elevation:
- 640 m
| Deer/Monkey Sightings | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Yakusugi Trees | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Mossy Forests | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Vista Views | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Endurance | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Strength & Technicality | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Crowds | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Weather Cancellations | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
Brunch at the Yodo River
Time: ~3 hours
Brunch at the Yodo River
Time: ~3 hours Brunch at the Yodo River
- Experience Level:
- Intermediate
-varied terrain - Trail Head Access:
- Car or Taxi
- Time:
- 2 Hours
- Round Trip Distance:
- 3 km
- Trail Head Elevation:
- 1365 m
- Peak Elevation:
- 1380 m
| Deer/Monkey Sightings | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Yakusugi Trees | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Mossy Forests | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Vista Views | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Endurance | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Strength & Technicality | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Crowds | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ |
| Weather Cancellations | ⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠ (Road closures do to extreme rain, etc.) |
