Author: Federica Kadose

 

Deep in the forests of Yakushima Island stands one of Japan’s most extraordinary natural treasures: Jomon Sugi (縄文杉, Jōmon Sugi). 

 

This Japanese cedar is estimated to be between 2,000 and 7,000 years old, making it one of the oldest trees in the country. 

 

For many visitors, the journey to Jomon is more like a pilgrimage into one of the world’s most remarkable forests.

 

The Forest of Yakushima

 

Jomon Sugi is One of Japan’s Oldest Trees

 

Jomon Sugi is the largest and oldest known Yakusugi tree (Cryptomeria japonica) on Yakushima, an island designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 1993.

 

Although scientists cannot determine its exact age without damaging the tree, estimates range from approximately 2,000 to over 7,000 years, making it one of the oldest living trees in Japan.

 

The tree measures approximately 25.3 metres in height and 16.4 metres in trunk circumference. 

 

Jomon Sugi

 

Its immense size and incredible longevity have made it a symbol of Yakushima’s ancient forests and a destination for nature lovers from around the world.

 

The origin of the Name “Jomon” Sugi

 

Roots of the Jomon Sugi

 

The name “Jomon” Sugi refers to Japan’s Jōmon Period (c. 14,000–300 BCE), while Sugi is the type of tree Yakusugi (Cryptomeria japonica). 

 

Although the tree’s precise age remains uncertain, the name reflects its extraordinary antiquity.

 

The Hike That Inspired Princess Mononoke

 

Reaching Jomon Sugi requires much dedication. 

 

The round-trip hike is approximately 22 kilometres and typically takes 8 to 10 hours, making it one of Japan’s most rewarding day hikes.

 

Yakushima Deer

 

The trail begins along a former forestry railway before climbing through moss-covered forests, streams, and tall cedar groves that inspired the enchanted landscapes of Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke. 

 

Visitors should be well prepared with proper hiking equipment, food and water.

 

Because the access road to the trailhead is restricted during busy seasons, it is common to take a shuttle bus from the designated parking areas. Planning is strongly recommended, if not necessary.

 

The Wilson Stump, or Yakushima’s Hidden Heart

 

The Wilson Stump

 

One of the most beloved stops along the trail is the Wilson Stump.

 

This enormous hollow cedar stump was named after the American botanist Ernest Henry Wilson, who documented it during his botanical studies in Japan in the early twentieth century.

 

Stepping inside the massive stump reveals one of Yakushima’s most photographed sights. Looking upward from inside the hollow trunk, the opening creates a heart-shaped silhouette against the sky. 

 

The naturally formed heart has become an iconic symbol of Yakushima, delighting hikers who see it on their way to Jomon Sugi.

 

The Wilson Stump is believed to be the remains of an ancient cedar that was cut centuries ago, yet its enormous size still hints at the grandeur of Yakushima’s legendary forests.

 

Why Yakushima Has a Forest Unlike Anywhere Else

 

Yakushima Macaques

 

Yakushima receives some of the highest rainfall in Japan, creating an environment of lush vegetation, thick moss, and ancient cedar forests unlike anywhere else in the country. 

 

Many of the island’s Yakusugi trees are over 1,000 years old, while younger cedars are known simply as kosugi.

 

The island’s unique ecosystem supports a rich diversity of wildlife, including Yakushima macaques, Yakushima deer, and hundreds of species of moss, contributing to its recognition as a globally significant natural heritage site.

 

Standing before Jomon Sugi is a humbling experience. 

 

Regardless of the cedar’s exact age, what is sure is that this tree has endured countless of generations, surviving typhoons, changing climates, and centuries of human history. 

 

Combined with the magical heart-shaped opening inside the Wilson Stump and the mystical beauty of Yakushima’s forests, the hike offers one of Japan’s most unforgettable nature experiences.

 

Travellers seeking a deeper connection with Japan’s natural heritage will find this trail truly rewarding.

 

Visitor Information

 

■ Address: Miyanoura, Yakushima, Kumage District, Kagoshima Prefecture 891-4205, Japan

■ Telephone: +81 (0)997 43 5900 (Yakushima Town) 

 

Access Information

 

To Arakawa Trailhead: 

[By Car]

■ 40 minutes from Miyanoura Port to “Yakusugi Nature Museum,” -> 40 minutes by mountain bus* from Yakusugi Nature Museum to Arakawa Trailhead bus stop. 

■ 20 minutes from Yakushima Airport to “Yakusugi Nature Museum,” -> 40 minutes by mountain bus* from Yakusugi Nature Museum to Arakawa Trailhead bus stop.

 

*Bus tickets need to be purchased by the day before.

 

■ Parking: 

[March to November]

160 spaces in front of Yakusugi Nature Museum

[December to February]

20 spaces at Arakawa trailhead

■ Useful Links: 

https://www.town.yakushima.kagoshima.jp/

https://yakukan.jp/

http://yakushima-tozan.com/bus/

http://yakushima-tozan.com/