Yakusugi Land
Into the primeval forest―a moment to encounter the essence of Yakushima.
In a forest where conifers and broadleaf trees exist in graceful harmony, ancient Yakusugi cedars over 1,000 years old, stand in quiet majesty.In ravines sculpted by granite boulders, the landscape is blessed with nature’s abundance born from flowing water.In Yakusugi Land, the story of life passed down through generations still breathes. Here, embraced by the richness of untouched nature, experience a rare and profound encounter with the deep history shared between forest and humankind. This is the true forest, where all elements of Yakushima come together as one.
Basic information
- Season
- Year-round (access to Yakusugi land is restricted in the event of a weather warning or while snow cover is present)
- Standard Duration
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Activity time: 30 min. to 3 h 30 min. (Five different trails: 30 min., 50 min., 1 h 20 min., 2 h 30 min., and 3 h 30 min.)
Schedule when departing from Sankara: Depart at 8:00am, return at 12:00pm–3:00pm
- Required Hiking Gear
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Forest Environmental Maintenance Fund (junior high school students and above): ¥500
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 (lunch)
Drinks (at least 500 ml, refill points available)
Snacks (easy-to-eat foods)
- Recommended Additional Gear
- Trekking poles, folding umbrella
- Packed meals
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Packed lunch: Orders are accepted until 7:00pm the day before.
*Orders must be collected prior to departure for the trailhead.
- Restrooms
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1 restroom (Yakusugi Land Entrance)
1 portable toilet booth (Near Jamon-sugi cedar)
- Access
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Rental car: Yakusugi Land Entrance is 1 h from Sankara. Parking lot available (40 spaces).
Bus: Take the bus bound for Miyanoura from Botanical Research Park, the closest stop to Sankara. Transfer at Makino to the bus bound for Kigen-sugi cedar.
Taxi: Advance booking is required.
- Guide Fee (Reference)
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From ¥12,500 per person (including tax and insurance. Private guided tours are available for an additional fee)
The fee varies depending on the number of participants.
- Advice
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The vast Yakusugi Land is home to five hiking trails ranging from 1,000 to 1,300 m in elevation.You can select a trail to suit your mood or physical fitness.
The 30 min. and 50 min. trails follow a boardwalk, while the trails that are 1 h 20 min. or longer involve more challenging mountain terrain.Trails up to 1 h 20 min. are considered half-day tours, offering a gentle walk along mountain paths with a guide. Along the way, gain deeper insight into the forest’s origins, the characteristics of its plant life, and the natural and cultural heritage of Yakushima.
Half-day Tour
Fureainomichi Path: 30 min. (approx. 0.8 km)
Inishienomori Forest: 50 min. (approx. 1.2 km)
Tsutsuji-gawara Riverside: 1 h 20 min. (approx. 2.0 km)
Those looking for a more rigorous hiking experience can opt for a full-day tour.The 3 h 30 min. trail takes you deep into the forest, reaching secluded spots like Tenmon no mori Forest and the lesser-known giant cedar, Shaka-sugi cedar, allowing you to fully enjoy the richness of the forest.Although the name “Yakusugi Land” might suggest a leisurely hiking area, the longer trails offer serious hiking routes that require proper preparation.
Full-day Tour
Yakusugi Forest: 2 h 30 min. (approx. 3.0 km)
Tenmon no mori Natural Forest: 3 h 30 min. (approx. 4.4 km)