Trekking guide to Jomon Cedar

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.

The altitude of Yakushima is 1,300m (from Yakushima Tourism Association)

Yakushima is an area with a lot of rain, so we recommend wearing layered clothing that can be adjusted according to the temperature and amount of exercise when climbing. The official website of the Yakushima

Vertical temperature change map of Yakushima
About Yakushima's altitude and climate (from Yakushima Tourism Association)

Yakushima Tourism Association (climbing clothing)

Climbing equipment rental

THE HOTEL YAKUSHIMA rents mountaineering equipment. ‍Even if you come to the island empty-handed

French outdoor brand Salomon

Don't forget to arrange your hiking lunch

The climb to Jomon Cedar will start early in the morning.

‍As it will be a long
Lunch boxes can also be arranged at the hotel. Please let us know the number of items you need at check-in. The lunch fee will be settled at the time of check-out.

Breakfast lunch box (free)
Lunch box (920 yen including tax)

There is also a supermarket near the hotel, so there is no problem if you arrange your own lunch.

Transportation to the trailhead

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.

Climbing from March to November

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.

How to go by bus

You can take the Yakushima Kotsu bus from the hotel's bus stop. ‍The bus

[To]

  • Departure: 4:45 Hotel
  • Arrival: 5:29 Yakushima Nature Museum

You will change buses here.

  • Departure: 5:40 Yakushima Nature Museum
  • Arrival: 6:15 Arakawa trailhead

【return】

When descending the mountain, take the reverse route.

  • Departure: 16:00 Arakawa trailhead
  • Arrival: 16:35 Yakusugi Nature Museum
  • Departure: 17:10 Yakusugi Nature Museum
  • Arrival: 17:55 Hotel

Alternatively, you can also move at the following times. Please discuss the timing of your descent and your physical strength before making preparations.

  • Departure: 16:30 Arakawa trailhead (suspended in June)
  • Arrival: 17:05 Yakusugi Nature Museum
  • Departure: 17:10 Yakusugi Nature Museum
  • Arrival: 17:55 Hotel

How to go by rental car

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.

Regulated section to the trailhead (Yakushima Town)

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)]

  • 4:00 Depart from hotel
  • 4:40 Arrival at Yakusugi Nature Museum parking lot

[Yakusugi Nature Museum → Arakawa trailhead]

  • 5:00 departure ~ 5:35 arrival
  • 5:20 departure - 5:55 arrival (suspended in June)
  • 5:40 departure ~ 6:15 arrival

After descending the mountain, you will need to take a bus back to the Yakusugi Nature Museum, where the rental car is parked.
Please note that there are normally 5 buses running from Arakawa Trailhead, but only 5 will be running in June.

[Arakawa trailhead → Yakusugi Nature Museum]

  • 15:00 Departure - 15:35 Arrival
  • 16:00 Departure - 16:35 Arrival
  • 16:30 Departure - 17:05 Arrival (Closed in June)
  • 17:00 Departure - 17:35 Arrival
  • 17:45 departure ~ 18:20 arrival

Climbing from December to February

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.

How to go 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]

  • 4:00 Departure Miyanoura Port (first train)
  • 5:23 Arrive at Arakawa trailhead

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】

  • 16:30 Departure Arakawa trailhead

How to go by rental car

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.

  • 5:00 Departure Hotel
  • 6:00 Arrival Arakawa trailhead (parking lot)

The parking lot at the Arakawa trailhead can accommodate approximately 20 vehicles.

Bus fare and mountain entry fee

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.

March to November
  • Hotel ~ Yakushima Nature Museum
    • One way 980 yen (adult)
    • Cash only
  • Yakushima Nature Museum ~ Arakawa trailhead
    • Round trip 2,000 yen (adult)
    • Tickets sold at hotels
December to February
  • Miyanoura Port - Arakawa trailhead
    • One-way 1,790 yen (adult)
    • Cash only
All year round
  • Mountaineering cooperation fund
    • 1,000 yen (adult)
    • Tickets sold at hotels

Guided tour with transportation

THE HOTEL YAKUSHIMA offers guided tours. A veteran Yakushima-certified guide will guide you along the way and explain the highlights as you walk. Transportation to and from your hotel is also included, so you can enjoy your mountain climbing with peace of mind.
In addition, there are two ``Mountain God Days'' every year, once on the New Year's Day according to the lunar calendar. On this day, people who work in the mountains do not climb the mountains, but instead pray for safety and give thanks to the mountains in their villages. Therefore, guided tours will be 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 activity page.
For details, please check the tour application page.

Implementation periodRuns all year round
Application deadlineUntil the day before your stay
Time required14 hours
itinerary

04:00 Hotel departure
18:15 Hotel arrival
Please check the tour application page for details.

CapacityFrom 1 person (this will be a shared tour with other customers)
FeeFrom 12,000 yen
What's included in the priceinsurance
Payment methodPay at checkout
remarks