activity

    Mt.Aiko

    A peaceful path of reverence to a mountain woven into the island’s timeless scenery.
    True to its name—Aiko, often translated as “beloved one”—the mountain stands with a dignified presence.This peak has long received the prayers of the people, and even now, it quietly guides the heart.At the end of a long climb, you are greeted with a majestic panorama where the island’s mountains meet the sea.As if discovering a hidden treasure known to only a few, the beauty at the end of this hike rewards every step taken to get there.In its stillness, the mountain holds its truth, shared only with those who take the time to climb.

    Basic information

    Season
    March to November (snow cover may be present in winter)
    Standard Duration
    Activity time: Approx. 7 h
    Schedule when departing from Sankara: Depart at 7:30am, return at 4:00pm
    Required Hiking Gear
    Hiking boots, rain gear for hiking (jacket and pants), backpack and cover.
    (Hiking equipment is available for rental. As availability is limited, please inform us of the items you require in advance.)
    Packed meals (breakfast and lunch)
    Drinks (at least 500 ml, refill points available)
    Snacks (easy-to-eat foods)
    Headlamp
    Portable toilet
    Recommended Additional Gear
    Trekking poles
    Packed meals
    Packed breakfast: Parcels of bread are available at the lobby, which can be picked up before you depart.
    Packed lunch: Orders are accepted until 7:00pm the day before.
    *Orders must be collected prior to departure for the trailhead.
    Schedule
    7:30am: Depart from hotel
    8:10am: Arrive at Mt. Aiko Trail Entrance
    8:20am: Start hike
    10:30am: Shirube Tree
    12:00pm: Mt. Aiko Summit
    1:30pm: Shirube Tree
    3:15pm: Arrive back at Mt. Aiko Trail Entrance
    4:00pm: Arrive at hotel
    Restrooms
    None available.
    Be sure to use the restroom before entering the trail.
    Guide Fee (Reference)
    From ¥15,000 per person (including tax and insurance. Private guided tours are available for an additional fee)
    Access
    Rental car: The Mt. Aiko Trail Entrance is 40 min. from Sankara. Parking lot available (10 spaces).
    Bus: No service to the trailhead. Koseda, the closest stop to the trailhead is a 40 min. walk.
    Taxi: Advance booking is required.
    Advice
    A sacred mountain cherished by the local communities, Mt. Aiko has long been a site of take-mairi pilgrimages.Its spirit lives on today in the shochu that bears its name—Aiko.After the climb, a glass of that namesake spirit feels especially rewarding.The trail begins with a series of steep, unrelenting climbs.After clearing arduous steep sections and scrambling over rocky terrain, you arrive at the summit at an elevation of 1,235 m. There, a breathtaking panorama makes every step worthwhile.In front of you, the Okudake Mountains spread out like the wings of a great eagle, while on the other side, the deep blue sea fills the horizon.This unique Yakushima scenery evokes a feeling of standing upon an island.Though few hikers pass this way, the mountain holds a deep and lasting allure.On clear days, this lesser-known gem reveals its true brilliance.Similar to Mt. Mocchomu, it offers one of Yakushima’s rare routes where you step straight into the Natural World Heritage site’s forest from the trailhead.