Arakawa Trail Entrance
The Arakawa Trail is the most popular route to reach the Jomonsugi Cedar. The trail’s initial ascent is gradual, and much of it follows the former Anbo Forest Railway track. It passes through the valley of Kosugidani (2.6 km, approximately 50 minutes in) and the Kusugawa-wakare Junction (4.4 km, approximately 90 minutes in). The trail ends at the Okabu-hodo Mountain Trail Entrance (8.1 km, approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes in). This trail is the final stretch that leads to Wilson’s Stump and then to the Jomonsugi Cedar. Unlike the Arakawa Trail, the Okabu-hodo Mountain Trail is steep and the climb is strenuous.
To reach the Jomonsugi Cedar and return in time to catch the last shuttle, hikers should depart here no later than 6:30 a.m.
Sights along the Trail
Anbo Forest Railway Track: Approximately 8 kilometers of the Arakawa Trail follow the Anbo Forest Railway. Construction of the railway began in 1922, and it was used to transport lumber from the forest to the port of Anbo. Today, it is one of the few forest railways still in service. Park management officials use it to carry out fallen cedars, remove toilet waste, haul in trail maintenance materials, and also for emergency transport. Additional wooden planks have been added between the rails to make walking easier, but these can be slippery when wet.
Kosugidani Valley: This is the site of a village and former logging office established in 1923. In the decades following World War II, woodcutters and other laborers lived in the valley with their families. Today, a covered rest area is located near the site of the village, and photos of village life are displayed along the trail.
Kusugawa-wakare Junction: The Arakawa Trail also passes through Kusugawa-wakare Junction, where a trail branches off toward Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine. Those wishing to continue on the Arakawa Trail toward the Jomonsugi Cedar should stay on the railway.
Wilson’s Stump: Roughly 0.6 kilometers from the start of the Okabu-hodo Mountain Trail is the stump of a massive Japanese cedar that was cut down in the sixteenth century. Estimated to have been between 2,000 and 3,000 years old at the time, the stump has a cavernous hollow interior open to the sky. A small stream flows through it, and the rocks and logs arranged outside the stump make the spot a good place to rest.
From Wilson’s Stump, the final 1.9-kilometer push to the Jomonsugi Cedar takes roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Jomonsugi Cedar: This ancient and immense Japanese cedar tree is one of Yakushima’s most iconic sights. To reach the Jomonsugi Cedar and return the same day, hikers must arrive at the Okabu-hodo Mountain Trail Entrance by 10 a.m. From that point, the hike takes approximately 2 hours each way, and the trail is extremely steep. Wooden decks have been installed on the tree’s southern and northern sides, providing a large rest area for viewing the ancient giant. Hikers should begin their return from the Jomonsugi Cedar no later than 1 p.m.
Continuing On
From the Jomonsugi Cedar, a trail continues toward Mt. Miyanoura (1,936 m), the highest mountain in Kyushu. Hiking this steep 5.6-kilometer mountain path takes 4 to 5 hours each way. Hikers interested in reaching Mt. Miyanoura will need to stay overnight in a shelter and should plan to reach it before dark. Mountain guides are recommended for inexperienced hikers.
Cautions
Yakushima macaque monkeys and Yakushima shika deer, as well as many different types of amphibians, insects, and birds inhabit this area. For the protection of plants and wildlife in the national park, hikers should remain on the trail at all times and refrain from feeding animals, polluting water sources, stepping on live moss, or leaving any trash behind. Camping in unauthorized areas, starting fires in the forest, and catching or harming living things are all prohibited by law. In addition, please show respect for the small shrines along the trails.
Cellular phone service is largely unavailable, but some areas do get signal, so hikers should carry a phone in case of emergency. Weather conditions on the island can change quickly. The Jomonsugi Cedar route is in one of the rainiest parts of the island, and in heavy rain it can be very hard to see the path. This drastically increases the difficulty of the final climb, as well as the risk of injury or other mishap. When considering whether to proceed, remember that rescue operations can be difficult and expensive, and hikers generally bear the cost.
A biological toilet is located near the Kusugawa-wakare Junction, and there is an outhouse at the entrance to the Okabu-hodo Mountain Trail. Permanent disposable-toilet booths and seasonal tent-style booths (available between March and November) are located near Kosugidani, the Daiosugi Cedar, and the Jomonsugi Cedar. Hikers are advised to carry a disposable-toilet pack for emergencies and to use the facilities here at the trail entrance before entering the forest.
