Trekking through the ancient cedar forests is the quintessential Yakushima experience, and one of the most profound hikes in Japan. The island’s misty, moss-blanketed primeval forest — said to have inspired the film ‘Princess Mononoke’ — is home to the yakusugi, venerable Japanese cedars over 1,000 years old. The most famous trek leads to Jomon Sugi, the island’s largest and oldest cedar, thought to be thousands of years old — a demanding full-day hike of around 10 hours return, partly along an old forest railway. A gentler, hugely popular alternative is the Shiratani Unsuikyo ravine, a network of well-maintained trails winding through an enchanting, deeply mossy forest that directly inspired the film’s landscapes. Guided ‘forest spirit’ nature walks with local experts reveal the ecology, legends and hidden beauty of the forest. Wet, green and otherworldly, a Yakushima forest trek is unforgettable — come well prepared for rain and mountain conditions.

🗓️ At a Glance
Location Yakushima, Kagoshima
Hours Full-day treks; start early
Admission Free (guides/permits vary)
Time needed Half to full day
Best time Year-round; very wet — bring gear

What to Experience

  • Ancient yakusugi cedars, including Jomon Sugi.
  • The enchanting mossy Shiratani Unsuikyo forest.
  • The ‘Princess Mononoke’-inspiring landscapes.
  • Guided ‘forest spirit’ nature walks with local experts.

Combine Your Visit

Getting There

  • By ferry/air: to Yakushima from Kagoshima, then to trailheads.
  • By car/bus: to Arakawa (Jomon Sugi) or Shiratani trailheads.

Tips

Hire a local guide, especially for the demanding Jomon Sugi trek, and start very early (some treks are ~10 hours return). Be fully prepared for rain — Yakushima is one of the wettest places in Japan — with waterproofs, proper hiking boots and layers, and choose the gentler Shiratani Unsuikyo forest if you want a shorter, easier but equally magical walk.