One-Day Private Trek: Jomon Sugi & Shiratani Unsuikyo with Guide Tsumagari
Highlights
Overview
Yakushima
Available Daily
Pick-up available
What to expect
The Jomon Sugi trek is 22 km round-trip and takes about 11 hours. A good level of fitness is required.
If you’re unsure about your condition, please consult in advance.
Self-descent may be required depending on your condition.
\Reserve trekking gear rentals here/
Standard Plan
Overview
Schedule
Pick-up at your accommodation (Miyanoura – Anbo area)
*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.
・15 years of experience / Yakushima-born and raised
・Certified by the Ministry of the Environment’s Ecotourism Program
・Specializes in Jomon Sugi and Shiratani Unsuikyo
・Creates a fun, friendly atmosphere with local stories, nature quizzes, and great conversation along the way
This tour was created with the hope that guests can fully experience Yakushima’s nature with all five senses. Photos and videos will be taken throughout the 10–12 hour trek, and all data will be delivered on the same day. A 3-minute highlight movie will also be edited and given as a keepsake.
The trail begins from the Arakawa Trailhead, which has separate flush toilets for men and women. After getting ready, the long trek starts along the old rail path.
In summer, the sun begins to rise around departure time.
*The route may be reversed, starting from Shiratani Unsuikyo.
A historical logging village that once housed about 540 residents in 1960.
A bio-toilet is available at Kusugawa Junction. About 10 minutes along the rail path from there stands Sandai Sugi, a rare Yakusugi cedar that has survived through three generations—true to its name. In winter, the sun begins to rise near the end of the rail path.
Pass 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).
After passing Okina Sugi, the second-largest cedar after Jomon Sugi, you’ll reach Wilson Stump. This massive hollow stump is large enough to step inside. A natural spring flows from below, and when you look up, you’ll see a heart-shaped opening above.
A massive 3,000-year-old tree standing 25 meters tall with a 16-meter girth.
Two trees joined around 10 meters above ground, resembling a couple holding hands.
The largest and most famous cedar on Yakushima. Its powerful presence will leave a lasting impression.
After crossing Tsuji Pass, the final climb to Taikoiwa begins.
After crossing Tsuji Pass, the final climb to Taikoiwa begins. Take a short rest at the bench before tackling this steep section, suited for more experienced hikers. As you ascend, sunlight breaks through the trees, revealing a breathtaking panoramic view of Yakushima from the top.
The most magical section of the trail, with over 600 types of moss in a mystical atmosphere.
Pass Nanahon Sugi, known for its seven straight branches growing from a single trunk. Continue past Kuguri Sugi and the trail junction before entering the Kusugawa Trail. In winter, sunset typically begins around this section.
Cross the Satsuki Suspension Bridge and pass by the cascading Hiryuu Otoshi Falls and the massive Iwai Rock. The finish point, Shiratani Trailhead, is just ahead. In summer, sunset begins shortly after arrival.
Around 18:30 Tour ends, Drop-off at your accommodation
Location
Pick-up/Check-in Time & Location
Drop-off/Check-out Time & Location
Important activity information
Important activity information
Restrictions
- Participants must be junior high school age or older.
- This is a long and physically demanding course. Please apply only if you are confident in your physical fitness.
- Pregnant individuals cannot participate in this tour.
- This tour is intended for foreign guests who can communicate in basic everyday Japanese.
- Please make sure to call the tour operator after arriving in Yakushima to confirm your participation. If no contact is made, the booking may be automatically canceled.
- The pick-up time shown at the time of booking is tentative. The exact pick-up time will be confirmed the day before the tour.
- About the Pick-up Area:
The Miyanoura–Anbo area refers to accommodations with addresses in Yakushima Town: Miyanoura, Kusukawa, Koseta, Funayuki, and Anbo.
Other requirements
- Guests with physical disabilities or medical conditions are kindly requested to inform the tour operator when making a reservation.
- Participation may be refused at the guide’s discretion if a guest’s clothing, physical condition, or behavior is deemed inappropriate or disruptive to others. In such cases, no refunds will be issued.
- Should the guide judge that a guest's attire is unsuitable for trekking, participation may be declined for the guest and all accompanying members of the same group.
Booking requirements (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.)
- You can book a minimum of 2.
Required items to bring & attire
- Cash
- Clothing:
Wear lightweight, quick-drying synthetic clothing suitable for movement.
Bring extra socks in case they get wet. - What to Bring:
Backpack, rain gear (separate jacket and pants), folding umbrella, hiking boots, flashlight or headlamp, packed lunch, water bottle, work gloves, towel, change of clothes (e.g., shirt and socks, kept in a waterproof bag), and snacks such as candy or chocolate for energy. - Packed breakfast and lunch are required.
- Portable toilet kit
- Pocket tissues
- Wet wipes
- Additional Costs (Pay on-site)
The following fees are not included in the tour price and must be paid on-site:
・Bus Fare (Yakusugi Museum → Arakawa Trailhead)
-Chartered bus: ¥1,250 / Shuttle bus: ¥1,000
・Taxi Fare (Return)
-¥2,000 per person
*Tour is confirmed after taxi reservation is secured.
・Conservation Fees
-Yakushima Mountain Area: ¥1,000
-Shiratani Unsuikyo: ¥500
Additional notes
- As the trekking tour involves a long duration, please take extra care of your health and safety throughout the tour.
- Participation may be declined at the guide’s discretion if a guest’s clothing, physical condition, or behavior is deemed unsuitable or disruptive to others. In such cases, no refund will be provided.
- The tour may be canceled or the course may be altered due to weather, road conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances.
- Pick-up and drop-off are available only at the same location (hotel).
If the drop-off location differs from the pick-up point, drop-off service will not be provided. Thank you for your understanding. - Guests staying outside the Anbo–Miyanoura area are asked to make their own way to a designated pick-up point within that area.
The exact meeting location will be arranged after booking. - If the tour is canceled after departure due to weather or other conditions, no refund will be provided.
- This is a physically demanding course. The route may be adjusted based on the guide’s assessment of your fitness and pace.
- This tour is primarily guided by Tsumagari. However, in certain cases, another guide may lead the tour due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, you will be informed in advance, and if you agree to join the tour, a partial refund will be provided.
- If Guide Tsumagari is unavailable, the tour may be changed to the standard plan (¥25,000) with a different guide. Please indicate at the time of booking whether you wish to proceed with this alternative option.
- The tour will be guided mainly in basic English. If communication becomes difficult, translation apps will be used to assist.
Reviews
Activity Provider yakushimanowa
Activity Provider
FAQ
Payment / Cancellation Policy
Payment Methods
- Credit card payment
-
Cancellation Policy
- Any cancellations made between 17:00 local time, 3 business days to 17:00 local time, 2 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 50% of the total amount.
- Any cancellations made after 17:00 local time, 2 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
Change Policy
- Changes to the number of participants or tour dates after the reservation is confirmed are also subject to the same cancellation fees.
Operation days
- Everyday
Top-Rated Activities for Yakushima
Editor's Picks for Yakushima
- Participants must be junior high school age or older.
- This is a long and physically demanding course. Please apply only if you are confident in your physical fitness.
- Pregnant individuals cannot participate in this tour.
- This tour is intended for foreign guests who can communicate in basic everyday Japanese.
- Please make sure to call the tour operator after arriving in Yakushima to confirm your participation. If no contact is made, the booking may be automatically canceled.
- The pick-up time shown at the time of booking is tentative. The exact pick-up time will be confirmed the day before the tour.
- About the Pick-up Area:
The Miyanoura–Anbo area refers to accommodations with addresses in Yakushima Town: Miyanoura, Kusukawa, Koseta, Funayuki, and Anbo.
- Cash
- Clothing:
Wear lightweight, quick-drying synthetic clothing suitable for movement.
Bring extra socks in case they get wet. - What to Bring:
Backpack, rain gear (separate jacket and pants), folding umbrella, hiking boots, flashlight or headlamp, packed lunch, water bottle, work gloves, towel, change of clothes (e.g., shirt and socks, kept in a waterproof bag), and snacks such as candy or chocolate for energy. - Packed breakfast and lunch are required.
- Portable toilet kit
- Pocket tissues
- Wet wipes
- Additional Costs (Pay on-site)
The following fees are not included in the tour price and must be paid on-site:
・Bus Fare (Yakusugi Museum → Arakawa Trailhead)
-Chartered bus: ¥1,250 / Shuttle bus: ¥1,000
・Taxi Fare (Return)
-¥2,000 per person
*Tour is confirmed after taxi reservation is secured.
・Conservation Fees
-Yakushima Mountain Area: ¥1,000
-Shiratani Unsuikyo: ¥500
- Guests with physical disabilities or medical conditions are kindly requested to inform the tour operator when making a reservation.
- Participation may be refused at the guide’s discretion if a guest’s clothing, physical condition, or behavior is deemed inappropriate or disruptive to others. In such cases, no refunds will be issued.
- Should the guide judge that a guest's attire is unsuitable for trekking, participation may be declined for the guest and all accompanying members of the same group.
- As the trekking tour involves a long duration, please take extra care of your health and safety throughout the tour.
- Participation may be declined at the guide’s discretion if a guest’s clothing, physical condition, or behavior is deemed unsuitable or disruptive to others. In such cases, no refund will be provided.
- The tour may be canceled or the course may be altered due to weather, road conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances.
- Pick-up and drop-off are available only at the same location (hotel).
If the drop-off location differs from the pick-up point, drop-off service will not be provided. Thank you for your understanding. - Guests staying outside the Anbo–Miyanoura area are asked to make their own way to a designated pick-up point within that area.
The exact meeting location will be arranged after booking. - If the tour is canceled after departure due to weather or other conditions, no refund will be provided.
- This is a physically demanding course. The route may be adjusted based on the guide’s assessment of your fitness and pace.
- This tour is primarily guided by Tsumagari. However, in certain cases, another guide may lead the tour due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, you will be informed in advance, and if you agree to join the tour, a partial refund will be provided.
- If Guide Tsumagari is unavailable, the tour may be changed to the standard plan (¥25,000) with a different guide. Please indicate at the time of booking whether you wish to proceed with this alternative option.
- The tour will be guided mainly in basic English. If communication becomes difficult, translation apps will be used to assist.
- You can book a minimum of 2.