The Jomonsugi tree can only be reached by hiking, most commonly via the Anbo Trail. The trail begins at the Arakawa Trailhead, located about 30 minutes from Anbo Town by bus. From March to November, private vehicles are not allowed on the road to the trailhead due to limited access. Instead, hikers must take a shuttle bus from the Yakusugi Museum to the Arakawa Trailhead. The bus ride takes approximately 40 minutes and costs 2,000 yen for a round trip, plus an additional 1,000 yen conservation fee.
Shuttle buses operate early in the morning between 5:00 and 6:00, and again in the afternoon from 15:00 to 18:00. Tickets can be purchased at Miyanoura, Anbo, the airport, or selected hotels. For those seeking a more challenging route, there is an alternative hike that starts from Shiratani Unsuikyo and connects to the Anbo Trail after about 12 hours of trekking.
Jomonsugi
Jomonsugi (縄文杉, Jōmonsugi) is the most iconic and revered tree on Yakushima Island — and is widely considered the oldest tree in Japan. Estimated to be between 2,000 and 7,200 years old, this ancient Japanese cedar towers 25 meters high with a trunk circumference of over 16 meters. Its gnarled, weathered appearance reflects millennia of survival through storms, rain, and time. First mentioned during the Edo Period and later rediscovered in the 1960s, Jomonsugi played a pivotal role in the conservation movement that helped designate Yakushima’s forests as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, it stands proudly within Yakushima National Park, surrounded by fellow ancient cedars and mist-laden forests.
Reaching Jomonsugi is a rewarding but demanding journey—requiring a full-day hike of about 10 hours round-trip via the Anbo Trail. The hike begins along a former logging railway with a relatively flat and scenic path that eases you into the experience. The second half becomes more challenging, with steep inclines, exposed tree roots, and rugged forest terrain. Along the way, hikers pass notable natural landmarks such as Meotosugi (the “Married Cedars”), Daiosugi, and the moss-covered Wilson’s Stump. For those wishing to hike at a slower pace or catch a sunrise view, overnight mountain huts like Takatsuka and Shin-Takatsuka are available nearby (advance reservations recommended). Proper hiking boots, layered clothing, sufficient food, and plenty of water are essential for this unforgettable trek into Japan’s ancient natural heritage.
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