We would like to introduce you to one of Yakushima's attractions, climbing Jomon Cedar. Jomon cedar, which is a symbol of Yakushima, is the largest Yaku cedar that has been confirmed to date. This majestic symbol of nature is a place that holds special memories for many people who visit Yakushima. The climb up to Jomon Cedar takes a long time, so proper preparation and equipment are required. When attempting mountain climbing, please don't push yourself too hard and enjoy it safely at your own pace.
Yakushima is an island that looks like a mountain floating in the sea.
It takes about 4 to 5 hours each way to reach the destination, Jomon Cedar, at an altitude of 1,300 meters. The mountainous region belongs to the same subarctic climate as Hokkaido, and 50 to 100 cm of snow can sometimes be observed from December to February at the Jomon Cedar tree, located at around 1,300 m.
Yakushima is a rainy region, so layered clothing is recommended for hiking, as it allows you to adjust your attire according to the temperature and your activity level.The Yakushima Tourism Association's official website provides detailed information on recommended clothing and items to bring. Please check it in advance.
THE HOTEL YAKUSHIMAoffers rental of mountaineering equipment.Even if you come to the island empty-handed , we will guide you on the best clothing for mountaineering, so please feel free to visit us.
The climb to Jomon Cedar will start early in the morning.
As this will be a long trek, you will need breakfast before the climb and lunch during the climb. However, since we will be departing early in the morning, breakfast will not be available at the hotel. We will provide a complimentary breakfast box, so please make sure to eat a hearty meal before your climb.
Lunch boxes can also be arranged by the hotel. Please let us know how many you need at check-in. The cost of the lunch boxes will be settled at check-out.
There is also a supermarket near the hotel, so there is no problem if you arrange your own lunch.
The climb to Jomon Cedar starts from the Arakawa trailhead. The Arakawa trailhead can be accessed by rental car or bus, but the bus ride method varies depending on the season. Two bus companies operate on Yakushima, and the bus company you use changes depending on the season, so we recommend checking with them in advance.
The best climbing season for Jomon Cedar is from March to November. During this period, you must always access the trailhead by bus to reduce congestion and reduce environmental impact.
You can take a Yakushima Kotsu bus from the hotel's bus stop.The bus departs from in front of the hotel at 4:45 AM and arrives at the Yakusugi Nature Museum at 5:29 AM. After arriving, get off the bus and transfer to the bus bound for Arakawa Trailhead, which departs from the Yakusugi Nature Museum at 5:40 AM.
[To]
You will change buses here.
【return】
When descending the mountain, take the reverse route.
Alternatively, you can also move at the following times. Please discuss the timing of your descent and your physical strength before making preparations.
It is not possible to go directly to the Arakawa trailhead in order to alleviate congestion and reduce environmental impact. You will need to drive a rental car to the Yakusugi Nature Museum, park the rental car, and then transfer to the bus bound for Arakawa Trailhead. It takes approximately 35 to 40 minutes from the hotel to the Yakusugi Nature Museum, so please leave in plenty of time.
There are usually three buses running from Yakusugi Nature Museum to the Arakawa trailhead, but please note that only two buses will run in June.
[Hotel → Yakusugi Natural Museum (example)]
[Yakusugi Nature Museum → Arakawa trailhead]
After descending the mountain, you will need to take a bus back to the Yakusugi Nature Museum where your rental car is parked.
While there are normally five buses running from the Arakawa trailhead, please note that only five buses will be running in June.
[Arakawa trailhead → Yakusugi Nature Museum]
Yakushima Kotsu buses are suspended from December to February. Therefore, to access the trailhead, you will need to rent a car or go directly to the trailhead by bus.
You can take the Matsubanda Kotsu bus from the Miyanoura Port (first bus stop) near the hotel. The bus departs from Miyanoura Port at 4:00 in the morning and arrives at the Arakawa trailhead at 5:23. It is about a 5-minute walk from the hotel to the Miyanoura Port bus stop.
[To]
After climbing, descend the mountain and return to the hotel by bus. There is only one return bus, so please be sure to time your trip so you don't miss it.
【return】
From December to February, you can directly access the trailhead by rental car. It takes approximately 60 to 70 minutes from the hotel to the trailhead, so we recommend departing with plenty of time. Please contact the hotel if you need to arrange a rental car.
The parking lot at the Arakawa trailhead can accommodate approximately 20 vehicles.
The following fares are required for the bus to the trailhead. Buses in Yakushima only accept cash and IC cards cannot be used, so please be sure to have 1000 yen bills (old bills only) ready. In addition, you will need to pay a donation to climb the mountain, which can be used to purchase tickets at the hotel.
THE HOTEL YAKUSHIMAoffers guided tours. Experienced, Yakushima-certified guides will lead you along the way, explaining the sights along the way. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are also included, so you can enjoy your hike with peace of mind.
Please note that there are two "Mountain God Days" throughout the year, including the Lunar New Year. On these days, people who work in the mountains refrain from climbing and instead pray for safety and express gratitude to the mountains in the villages. Therefore, guided tours are suspended.
"Yakushima Official Guide" is a guide recognized by Yakushima Town who has passed a special examination. Yakushima's weather is very changeable and it has a rich natural environment, so some places are dangerous to enter. That's why Yakushima's certified guides are insured in case of an accident or injury, and have first aid skills. Furthermore, since he actually lives in Yakushima Town, he is able to guide you not only to famous places such as Jomon Cedar and Shiratani Unsuikyo, but also to unknown and attractive places.
Tour information is posted on the activities page.
Please check the tour booking page for details.
| Implementation period | Runs all year round |
| Application deadline | Until the day before your stay |
| Time required | 14 hours |
| itinerary | 04:00 Departure from hotel |
| Capacity | From 1 person (this will be a shared tour with other customers) |
| Fee | From 12,000 yen |
| What's included in the price | insurance |
| Payment method | Pay at checkout |
| remarks |
ReservationsTHE HOTEL YAKUSHIMAcan be made at the tour desk at
Please feel free to contact us by email or phone.
Contact Person: Hirata
TEL: 0997-42-0175
reserve@hotel-yakushima.com
THE HOTEL YAKUSHIMA
1208-9
Miyanoura, Yakushima-cho, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima 891-4205
Copyright © 2025 THE HOTEL YAKUSHIMA