Reviewed by: さとさと
In late February, I went trekking to Jomon Sugi on Yakushima. It was my first time on this trail, and I completed the tour safely with my companion.
We stayed in Miyanoura, so we started the day with a pickup from our guide at 4 AM. There were only the two of us participating. After about an hour's drive, we arrived at the Arakawa trailhead, where we had breakfast in the car.
Since it was February, it was still dark when we began trekking (a light is essential in winter!). It was thrilling! Our guide led the way and called out warnings for icy spots, allowing us to walk safely. Fortunately, there was no snow. We welcomed the sunrise around the middle of the trolley road. Being off-season meant there were few people, and we could walk at our own pace amidst the sounds of nature. In winter, it's important to adjust your clothing to avoid getting cold during breaks, as your body cools down quickly. I believe there were two restrooms along the way, so it's wise to follow the guide's advice on when to use them.
As someone who doesn't exercise much, I found the uphill paths and stairs challenging, and there was a moment when I thought, "Oh, this is tougher than I expected." However, I continued to walk, taking breaks as needed. Our guide jokingly said, "It's tough for me to carry you, so please let me know if it gets too hard," which was comforting (in reality, it takes time to call for rescue in that area, so he encouraged us to speak up).
Despite being a bit tough, the mountain trail was truly enjoyable, immersed in Yakushima's nature. We walked between giant trees, through clear puddles, and over moss-covered rocks. Along the way, the guide took photos at highlights like the Wilson stump and the Great King Cedar (his photography skills were impressive). He also pointed out interesting spots he discovered beyond the famous sights.
We arrived at Jomon Sugi before 11 AM! It was breathtaking. The challenging journey made it even more moving. We had about 20 minutes to admire the view. However, eating is prohibited on the deck around Jomon Sugi, so we couldn't have lunch there.
On the way back, we had lunch. We retraced our steps, and since it was mostly downhill, I utilized rocks and ropes to help me walk. I was lucky to encounter monkeys and deer. The scenery of the trolley road, which was dark on the way in, was enjoyable on the return trip. Honestly, I wanted to ride the trolley. By the way, if you encounter a patrol from the Forestry Management Office, you can see the running trolley (but you can't ride it). We took a break by a beautiful stream, which was very soothing. We returned to the trailhead around 2:30 PM after about 9 hours of trekking. Thanks to our guide, we finished without any injuries.
Unfortunately, the second day's trek to Shiratani Unsuikyo was canceled due to bad weather. There's nothing you can do about that. Later, I received an email regarding a refund for the second day.
As it was my first time participating, I had some anxiety about the preparations, but the tour company was very helpful, responding quickly to my email inquiries. They also arranged rental items upon request.
I was very satisfied with Yakushima's nature, as well as the guide and the tour company's service. I hope this review helps anyone considering joining a tour!
2月下旬の屋久島で縄文杉トレッキングでした。2人での参加で、両名とも縄文杉までの道のりは初めてでしたが、無事にツアーを終えることができました。
宮之浦で宿泊していたので、当日朝4時にガイドさんの送迎からスタート。参加者は我々2人のみ。1時間ほど車で走り、荒川登山口に到着。車の中で朝食です。
2月なのでまだ真っ暗の中、トレッキング開始(冬季はライト必須です!)でスリル満点!ガイドさんが先導し、凍結した箇所等は呼びかけてくれたので安全に歩けました。積雪が無かったのは幸い。トロッコ道の半ばくらいで日の出を迎えました。オフシーズンなので人も少なく、自然の奏でる音の中自分達のペースで歩けました。冬は休憩中に体が冷えていくので、汗をかかないよう着衣で調整が大切ですね。トイレは片道の間に2ヶ所だったかと思うので、ガイドさんの言う通りに済ませるのが吉です。
普段あまり運動しない私は、勾配や階段道が増える山道に入ってからは「あっ、これ思ったよりしんどい」となる瞬間が訪れましたが、休憩を挟みつつ歩を進めます。「僕が運ぶの大変だから、キツくなったら無理せず言ってください」と、少し冗談っぽくガイドさんが声かけしてくれました(実際、レスキュー呼ぶにも時間がかかる場所なのですぐ話して欲しいそうです)。
すこーしキツいとはいえ、山道はまさに屋久島の自然の中という感じで楽しいです。大樹の間を抜け、澄んだ水たまりや苔むす岩の転がる中を歩いていきます。途中、ウィルソン株や大王杉などの見所でガイドさんが写真撮ってくれました(写真のワザマエも流石のもの)。有名な見所以外にもガイドさんの見つけた面白スポットを紹介してくれます。
11時前には縄文杉に到着!圧巻です。ここまでの道のりが結構大変だったのもあって尚更グッときました。20分くらい自由に眺める時間。なお縄文杉周りのデッキでは食事禁止なのでここでお昼は食べられません。
帰り道の途中で昼食。来た道をひた戻ります。当然下りの道が多いので、脚にきてる私は岩やロープをフル活用して歩きました。猿と鹿にも遭遇できてラッキーでした。行きは暗かったトロッコ道の景色も帰りに楽しめます。正直トロッコに乗りたかった。ちなみに森林管理署のパトロールに遭遇すると走るトロッコが見られます(乗れません)。途中、沢のほとりで休憩しました。この沢がまた綺麗で癒されます。14時半頃には登山口に帰り着きました。9時間程度のトレッキングでした。ガイドさんのおかげでケガもなく終了することができました。
2日目の白谷雲水峡はあいにくの荒天で中止となりました。こればかりはどうしようもないですね。後日、2日目の分については返金の案内メールがありました。
初めて参加ということで、事前の準備等にも不安がありましたが、ツアー会社にメール問い合わせするとすぐに返信がくるのでとても助かりました。レンタル品の手配も頼めばやってくれます。
屋久島の自然は勿論、ガイドやツアー会社の対応にもとても満足しました。ツアー参加を考えている方の参考になればと思います!
| Rating: | |
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2019/03/01 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/02/18 |
Reviewed by: arima
We participated as a couple in our 60s and 50s. I felt anxious about going alone, so we chose this guided tour. There were many younger participants, but thanks to our guide, we were able to complete the 11-hour Jomon Sugi course even as older adults. The guide had extensive knowledge of Yakushima's flora and fauna and stopped at various points to explain things. This course, which also has elements of an eco-tour, is very appealing. We were tired from two consecutive days of hiking, but we thoroughly enjoyed the essence of Yakushima and were very satisfied.
60代と50代の夫婦で参加しました。個人では
不安なので、このガイド付きツアーにしました。
参加者は若い人が多かったですが、ガイドさんの
おかげで私たち高齢者でも縄文杉コース11時間を
最後まで歩き切ることができました。
ガイドさんは屋久島の動植物の知識が豊富で所々で
立ち止まって説明してくださいました。エコツアー
の要素もあるこのコースは魅力的です。
2日間連続の山歩きで疲れましたが、屋久島の醍醐味
を堪能して大満足でした。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2019/02/12 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/02/10 |
Reviewed by: しましま
I signed up for two days on January 27 and 28, 2019. I was the only participant. Since a cold wave was coming, there was a light dusting of snow remaining on the mountain, but I was able to walk without any issues on both days. Moreover, it was the off-season with few people around, so I almost had the places to myself!
On the trolley path, I crossed over the river several times in the dark. The moon was beautifully reflected on the water's surface. The guide was a local person. They provided thorough explanations to my questions, speaking just the right amount—not too much and not too little—and I could feel their love for the area, making our conversations enjoyable.
What was disappointing was that I could only see Jomon Sugi from about 20 meters away. A friend who saw Jomon Sugi ten years ago mentioned that they could get much closer... I also heard from the guide that the tree is weakening.
As for the itinerary, I think "hiking" is a more accurate description than "trekking." In the latter part of the hike, there are some steep sections that can leave you breathless. However, if you can manage the steep stairs at the shrine or climb the stairs of the Oedo Line subway by skipping a step, I think you’ll be fine.
Regarding equipment... I don't think those who don't usually use trekking poles need to rent them. Also, a light that hangs around your neck is fine instead of a headlamp. Since it was winter trekking, I focused on my base layers (which have moisture-wicking and thermal properties), but for me, the thermal function was unnecessary... As I climbed higher, there were small icicles and ice on puddles, but I quickly started sweating from the movement.
2019/1/27、28の2日間で申し込みました。参加者は私のみでした。
寒波が来ていたので、山の上の方は、薄っすら雪が残っているところがありましたが、両日ともに支障なく歩けました。しかも、オフシーズンで人が少なく、各所ほぼ貸し切り❗️
トロッコ道では、暗い中、川の上を何度か横切ります。丁度、月が水面に映って綺麗でした。
ガイドさんは、地元の方でした。質問に対して丁寧に説明して下さり、喋りすぎず、寡黙すぎず、そして、ガイドさんの地元愛を感じることができ、会話も楽しかったです。
残念だったのは、縄文杉は20mくらい離れた距離からしか見ることができなかったこと。10年前に縄文杉を見たという友人の話では、もっと近くから観れたそうで…木が弱っているとガイドさんからも伺いました。
行程ですが、トレッキングと言うよりハイキングの方が近い表現かと…後半の方では、息の弾む勾配もあります。とは言え、歩幅の合わない神社の急な階段とか、地下鉄大江戸線の上り階段を一段跨ぎで上がることが出来れば、支障はない気がします。
装備について…
普段からストックを使わない人はレンタルする必要はないと思います。また、ヘッドライトでなくても、首から下げるタイプのライトでもOKでした。
冬トレッキングなので、アンダーギアに気合を入れましたが(吸汗速乾保温効果あり)、私にとって保温効果機能は不要でした…。上に登るほど小さい氷柱があったり、水溜りに氷が張ったりしていましたが、動くのですぐ汗をかきます。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2019/02/01 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/01/27 |
Reviewed by: とくちゃん
Although the weather was not very good with mist and rain at Jomon Sugi and Kumoi Gorge, thanks to our guide's accurate judgment, we were able to fully enjoy the majestic Jomon Sugi and the mystical forest of Kumoi Gorge. Especially at Kumoi Gorge, as it started to rain along the way, we had to give up on Taiko Rock, but with the guide's suggestion, we changed our route to walk through the primeval forest on the way back. Because of this suggestion, we were able to see many unique trees and giant trees, which in turn gave us a lot of emotional experiences. Thanks to our guide, we were healed by the great nature of Yakushima for two days. Thank you very much.
縄文杉も雲水峡も霧や雨と天気はあまりよくありませんでしたが、ガイドさんの的確な判断で雄大な縄文杉や雲水峡のもののけの森を満喫することができました。特に雲水峡では途中で雨が降り始めたため太鼓岩を断念し、ガイドさんの提案で復路を原生林を歩くコースに変更となりましたが、この提案のおかげたくさんの奇樹や巨木を見ることができ、逆に多くの感動を頂きました。ガイドさんのおかげで2日間屋久島の大自然に癒されました、本当にありがとうございました。
| Rating: | |
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| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2018/12/11 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/12/08 |
Reviewed by: 四つ葉のクローバー
Both the Jomon Sugi tour and the Shiratani Unsuikyo tour were shrouded in rain and mist, but they were very magical and enjoyable. On the way back, the rain stopped for a short while, and a little light shone through. The raindrops made the leaves sparkle, showcasing a brilliant green glow, allowing us to experience a completely different and wonderful scenery compared to the rain and mist.
縄文杉ツアーも白谷雲水ツアーもどちらも雨と霧がかかっていましたがとても幻想的でよかったです。帰り工程では少しの間雨が止み、少し光が射し、雨の雫で木の葉がキラキラ、キラキラ緑の輝きを見せてくれ、雨と霧の時と全く違う素晴らしい情景を体験できました。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2018/10/19 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/10/15 |
Reviewed by: デニー
The guide was very polite and kind. Not only did they provide explanations on-site, but they also taught us how to walk in a way that minimizes foot pain on the mountain, ensured we took appropriate breaks, and even gave us snacks. They also looked for opportunities for us to take photos freely and helped us capture various poses. Thanks to the excellent support from the guide, I had a very satisfying travel experience.
ガイドさんが非常に丁寧で親切でした。
現地での説明はもちろん、
山での足が痛くなりにくい歩き方を説明下さったり、
適度に休憩を取って頂いたり、お菓子を下さったり、
写真も自由に撮れるタイミングを見てくださったり、色んなポーズで写真撮影もして下さり、
非常にガイドさんの対応が良かったおかげで、
とても満足のいく旅が経験できました。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2018/10/10 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/10/08 |
Reviewed by: スーパー
Everything, including the guide, was excellent. I highly recommend this tour to anyone considering a tour in Yakushima. Thank you very much.
ガイドさん含め、全てが最高でした。屋久島でのツアーを迷っている方はこのツアーをご利用するかのとをおススメします。
本当にありがとうございました。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/09/20 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/09/18 |
Reviewed by: Harukozo
As part of our honeymoon activities, we participated in this tour.
Overall, I am extremely satisfied! I am really glad to have joined this tour.
The tour guides from the tourism association were all very kind and gentle. Both the person who answered the phone and the guides were calm and reassuring, which made me feel at ease.
Regarding the tour, due to weather conditions, the plans for the first and second days were switched. I received a call about this first. They accurately reported, communicated, and consulted about the situation, and their subsequent handling was efficient and clear, allowing us to adapt to the sudden changes without hesitation.
One point to note is that this tour reflects the individual personalities of the guides quite a bit.
Some guides consider the participants' physical fitness and adjust the pace accordingly, while others walk at a steady pace. Some take photos at each tour point, while others hardly take any. Some explain to the entire tour group, while others only explain to those close to them. Depending on the participant, the latter type of guide might not be a good fit. I was fortunate to have the former type during the Jomon Sugi trekking, as we were able to progress with appropriate breaks, but honestly, if I had the latter type for the Jomon Sugi trekking, it would have been physically challenging.
Still, the reason I give a rating of 5 is that both guides had truly wonderful personalities. I was able to create unforgettable memories with two people I would love to meet again. Thank you very much!
新婚旅行のアクティビティとして、今回のツアーに参加させていただきました。
全体的な感想としては、大満足!
こちらのツアーに参加させていただけて、本当に良かったです。
ツアーガイドをして下さった観光協会の方達はとても親切で優しい方達ばかりでした。電話応対をして下さった方も、ガイドの方も、皆さん穏やかで、ほっとするようなお人柄で安心できました。
ツアーに関して、今回は天候の影響で、1日目と2日目のプランが入れ替わりました。その事について、まずお電話を頂きました。状況を正確に報告、連絡、相談して下さり、その後の対応も無駄がなく、わかりやすいものだったおかげで、急な変更にも迷わず、問題なく対応する事ができました。
1点、注意事項をあげるとしたら、このツアーはガイドさんの個性がかなり反映されるということです。
参加者の体力などを考慮してペース配分をして下さる方もいれば、淡々と歩かれる方もいます。写真撮影をツアーポイントごとにして下さる方もいれば、ほとんどしない方もいます。ツアーグループ全体に説明をして下さる方もいれば、ガイドさんの側にいる方にしか説明をされない方もいます。参加者によっては、後者のタイプのガイドさんは、本当に合わないと思います。縄文杉トレッキングでは前者の方にお世話になり、適度な休憩を挟みながら進んで行けたので良かったのですが、正直なところ、縄文杉トレッキングが後者の方だと、体力的に辛かったと思います。
それでも、私が評価5をつけるのはなぜかというと、どちらのガイドさんも本当に素敵なお人柄だったからです。また会いたいと思えるようなお二人に案内して頂けて、一生忘れない思い出を作ることができました。本当にありがとうございました!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/09/06 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/09/04 |
Reviewed by: namiyu
A typhoon was approaching, but miraculously, it cleared up. On the first day, I walked about 22 km and felt great doing it. Yakushima is mystical, and the air is fresh; I think it's worth visiting. The world of Princess Mononoke is all around, and it made me want to watch the movie again.
台風が近づいていましたが奇跡的に晴れてくれました。1日目は約22km疲れましたが気持ちよく歩けました。
屋久島は神秘的で空気もよく行く価値はあると思います。
もののけ姫の世界が広がっていて、またもののけ姫映画を観たくなりました。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2018/09/04 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/09/02 |
Reviewed by: yuki
I participated in a two-day course!
The first day's Jomon Sugi course was so tough that I thought it was a struggle for someone like me who doesn't usually exercise...
The second day's Shiratani Unsuikyo was a perfect course! The guide provided a lot of explanations, which was fantastic. ^ ^
2日間コースに参加しました!
初日の縄文杉コースは、普段運動しない私からすると
苦行かと思うほど辛かった…
2日目の白谷雲水峡は程よいコース!
ガイドさんも色々説明してくださって最高でした^ ^
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/08/27 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/08/24 |
Reviewed by: 東北の親父
Although the weather was unstable due to the typhoon, we somehow completed two days safely. Jomon Sugi and Taiko Rock are wonderful places. For rain protection, a folding umbrella was more necessary than a raincoat in the summer. As a man in my mid-50s, it was a tough two days, but the guide's consideration was very helpful.
台風が発生していた事もあり、不安定な天気でしたが、何とか2日無事終了。縄文杉、太鼓岩素晴らしい所です。雨対策だけで夏はカッパよりも折畳み傘必要でした。50代中盤のおじさんとしては厳しい2日間ですが、ガイドさんの配慮も大変助かりました。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/08/26 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/08/17 |
Reviewed by: きっしー
My first time in Yakushima!
I went trekking to Jomon Sugi and Shiratani Unsuikyo.
Wow, the negative ions were incredible, it was so much fun!
You should definitely go at least once!
初めての屋久島!
縄文杉と白谷雲水狭にトレッキングしてきました。
いやーマイナスイオンはんぱなかったですね、楽しかったです!
一度は行くべき!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/05/29 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/05/27 |
Reviewed by: ykc
Day 1 and Day 2 were both lucky with clear skies!
Thanks to our veteran guide, it was a very enjoyable trekking experience.
The view from Taiko Rock in Shiratani Unsuikyo was especially amazing!
1日目、2日目とも幸運の晴れ!
ベテランガイドさんのおかげで、
とても楽しいトレッキングとなりました。
特に白谷雲水峡の太鼓岩からの景色は最高でした!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/05/15 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/05/05 |
Reviewed by: ぐるぐる
Initially, we requested a course to visit Jomon Sugi and Shiratani Unsuikyo in one day, but we received a prior notice and decided to split it into two days considering the weather. In the end, I think this was a good decision. Given our physical stamina and the fact that we had requested a private guide, we were able to walk at our own pace and learned a lot about Yakushima, the history of Yakusugi, and nature in a broader sense. We were able to meet Jomon Sugi safely and return! It was certainly not easy, but after resting for a day, we were able to recover our stamina to walk early the next day at Shiratani Unsuikyo. We progressed comfortably to Taiko Rock, and since there were no other visitors at that time, we could take our time and enjoy the experience. Although we had a different guide from the previous day, we had a great time hearing various stories from a different perspective. I truly felt that learning from the locals is the best! I would love to sign up again when I visit next time.
当初は縄文杉と白谷雲水峡を1日で回るコースをお願いしていましたが、事前に連絡をいただき天候を考えて2日に分けることに。これが結果的に良かったと思います。体力面を考え、プライベートガイドをお願いしていたこともあって、私たちのペースで歩け、屋久島、屋久杉の歴史だけでなく大きな意味での自然についていろいろ教えてもらいながら無事、縄文杉に対面、帰ることが出来ました!決して楽ではありませんでしたが1日寝ることで体力もある程度回復でき翌日の白谷雲水峡も早朝から歩けました。太鼓岩まで無理なく進み、ちょうど他の方がいなかったこともあってゆっくり過ごすことができました。前日とは別のガイドの方でしたが、違った角度からいろいろお話いただき楽しい時間を過ごせました〜地元の方に教えてもらうのが一番だなぁと実感!再訪の際はまた申込したいなと思いました。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2017/12/02 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/11/26 |
Tips and suggestions
Reply from activity provider
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Guruguru-sama,
Thank you for your hard work on the 1-day trekking to Jomon Sugi and Shiratani Unsuikyo (over 2 days). Many customers visiting Yakushima usually have a 2-night, 3-day itinerary. If you want to visit both Jomon Sugi and Shiratani Unsuikyo (Taiko Rock), it's better to do both in one day, but it's quite a tough course. If your transportation on the last day is in the afternoon, it would be easier on your body to split it over two days.
This time, two guides were in charge of Jomon Sugi and Shiratani Unsuikyo (Taiko Rock), so it was nice to hear different stories from each guide, wasn't it? Please come back to see Yakushima in a different season as well.
Yakushima Road Station Tourism
Tsugimachi
ぐるぐる様
縄文杉1日+白谷雲水峡(2日間)のトレッキング、大変お疲れ様でした。
屋久島に来るお客様は、2泊3日行程が多く、縄文杉にも白谷雲水峡(太鼓岩)にも行きたい場合は、1日で両方回る方が良いですが、
かなりキツイコースですので、最終日の交通手段が昼過ぎであれば、2日間に分けた方が体的にも楽です。
今回は、縄文杉と白谷雲水峡(太鼓岩)を二人もガイドが担当し、それぞれのガイドの話が聞けて良かったのではないでしょうか?
また違う季節の屋久島も見にお越しくださいね。
屋久島道の駅観光
津曲