Private 2-Day Trek: Jomon Sugi and Shiratani Unsuikyo (Mossy Forest)
Highlights
- The Shiratani hike is a half-day course—perfect for your last day on the island
- A special Solo Traveler Plan is available for single guests as well!
What to expect
A two-day trekking tour that takes you to Yakushima’s two most iconic spots: Jomon Sugi and Shiratani Unsuikyo (Mononoke Forest). Perfect for those who want to see both! Shiratani is ideal even on your last day.
Packages (2)
Schedule
- —Pick-up at your accommodation (Miyanoura – Anbo area)
- —◆Important Notes*Exact pick-up time will be confirmed by the guide the day before.
*This is a private tour. Selecting "Private guide" from the options is required. - —Board the Arakawa Mountain BusTransfer from Yakusugi Museum to Arakawa Trailhead by bus. In summer, daylight begins just before the trek starts.
- —Arrive at Arakawa Trailhead → Start on the old rail pathFlush toilets are available. The trek begins on a flat railway path. In winter, sunrise occurs mid-way through this path.
- —Kosugidani Bridge → Kosugidani Village RuinsA historical logging village that once housed about 540 residents in 1960.
- —Kusugawa Junction → Sandai Sugi (Three Generations Cedar)Bio-toilets are available. After a short walk, you’ll encounter this unique multi-generational cedar tree.
- —Nioh Sugi → Enter the Ohkabu TrailPass the mighty Nioh Sugi, resembling a guardian statue. The steep ascent begins here. Be sure to use the last toilet before continuing—no toilets for the next 5 hours (toilet booths available).
- —Okina Sugi (Elder Cedar) RuinsA 2,000-year-old cedar that fell in 2009 but still retains its majestic presence.
- —Wilson StumpNamed after U.S. botanist Ernest Wilson. Look up from inside to find the famous heart shape!
- —Daiō Sugi (Great King Cedar)A massive 3,000-year-old tree standing 25 meters tall with a 16-meter girth.
- —Meoto Sugi (Married Couple Cedar)Two trees joined around 10 meters above ground, resembling a couple holding hands.
- —Jomon SugiThe largest and most famous cedar on Yakushima. Its powerful presence will leave a lasting impression.
- —Descent via the same trailTake caution on the return—fatigue can increase the risk of slips. In winter, sunset occurs near the end of the rail path.
- —Arrive at Arakawa Trailhead → Board the mountain busIn summer, you’ll return to your hotel before sunset.
- —Pick-up at your accommodation
- —Arrive at Shiratani Unsuikyo Trailhead
- —Iwai-no-Ōiwa → Hiryuu Otoshi → Satsuki Suspension BridgeAdmire the massive rock, roaring waterfall, and pristine river below the bridge.
- —Kusugawa Trail → Junction → Kuguri SugiA cedar with a tunnel-like root you can walk through—formed by decayed fallen trees.
- —Shiratani Mountain HutA simple rest lodge with clean water. You may spot Yakushima deer nearby.
- —Nanahon Sugi → Mossy Forest (Mononoke Forest)The most magical section of the trail, with over 600 types of moss in a mystical atmosphere.
- —Shiratani Unsuikyo Trailhead
- —Around 12:00 Tour ends, Drop-off at your accommodation
