Yakusugi Land
Yakusugi Land is a recreational forest with hiking trails. It is known for its large concentration of yakusugi, a unique species of Japanese cedar tree, or sugi in Japanese (Cryptomeria japonica), found only on Yakushima. Tree stumps around the area are remnants of logging during the Edo period (1603–1867); some of the area’s oldest trees, though, were spared that fate due to their irregular shape. At least nine yakusugi aged more than one thousand years remain, and many other majestic trees and plants—such as elegant Orangebark stewartia and colorful Yakushima rhododendrons—can be seen in the forest.
The five hiking trails of Yakusugi Land take 30, 50, 80, 150, and 210 minutes respectively. The two shorter trails take visitors past the old Sennen Sugi (Millennial Sugi) and remarkable Futago Sugi (Twin Sugi). The longer hikes pass by even more ancient and spectacular yakusugi, such as Hahako Sugi (Mother and Child Sugi) and Oda Sugi, both estimated to be around 2,500 years old. The two shorter routes are paved with wood or stone, while the longer routes are mountain trails. Experienced hikers can take a detour halfway through the 150-minute trail and climb Mt. Tachu, where they will find a majestic 40 m–tall monolith at the summit.