Trekking Yakushima Island

What Are User Experience Levels?

Know the Trekking Environment, and Experience the Mountains of Yakushima

User Experience Levels refer to five categories of trails based on the quality of the user experience from the perspective of 'what type of experience we want each type of user to have' in 5 - 10 years. Determined by a comprehensive evaluation based on the appeal of each trail, the potential experience, the physical strength required, the assumed risks, and the maintenance status, and is therefore not an evaluation of the difficulty of each trail.
The practice of mountain worship continues, even today, on Yakushima Island. Regardless of the level of experience, one must be aware of the harshness of the natural environment of Yakushima Island, and to use the trails with respect and appreciation for the mountains.

  • Level1

    Sight-Seeing Trails to Experience the Natural Environment of the Mountains

  • Level2

    Trekking Trails to Enjoy the Natural Environment of the Mountains

  • Level3

    Climbing Trails to Experience the Natural Environment of the Mountains

  • Level4

    Climbing Trails to Experience the Pristine Natural Environment of the Mountains

  • Level5

    Climbing Trails Providing a Deep Experience of the Magnificent Pristine Natural Environment of the Mountains

    Many sections are not maintained, and there are serious risks when crossing streams, and of becoming lost. Risk management is based on personal-responsibility.

The climbing environments described here assume no snow or stormy weather. Note that risks associated with use (flooding at crossings, poor visibility, risk of falls etc.) will be higher than expected while snow is falling or has accumulated, and during stormy weather.

To know and enjoy Yakushima's natural environment in a safe manner, we recommend the Official Certified Guide of Yakushima approved by Yakushima Town.

  • Level1

    Sight-Seeing Trails to Experience the Natural Environment of the Mountains

    The Yakushima Mountain Exploration Trail. On the left of the photo is a ravine typical of the mountains of Yakushima Island, while on the right are well-maintained concrete steps provided for hikers. A lone hiker admires the view from the steps.

    Easy access (by bus, rental car etc.). Trails for general tourists with itineraries of less than half a day.
    These sight-seeing trails give consideration to safety and convenience, for example boardwalks, steps, and bridges over rivers, and let users experience the natural environment of Yakushima Island.

    Assumed users General tourists
    Assumed itinerary Half a day
    Footwear Shoes appropriate for walking (sandals, high-heals, and similar shoes are not appropriate)
    Required equipment Protection from rain (rain wear etc.)
    Contact with other users Constant encounters with other users, and crowding
    Naturalness Many man-made structures (boardwalks, bridges) provided for safety and convenience
    Noise Man-made sounds (cars etc.) audible at times
  • Level2

    Trekking Trails to Enjoy the Natural Environment of the Mountains

    A hiking trail in the mountains of Yakushima Island ideal for enjoying the natural environment. Two hikers admire the seven giant cedars from the stone path.

    Easy access (by bus, rental car etc.). Trails for novice climbers with itineraries of half - full day. For enjoyment of Yakushima's natural environment on trekking trails prioritizing convenience, for example boardwalks and steps in appropriate locations, and bridges over rivers.

    Assumed users Trekkers and novice climbers
    Assumed itinerary Day trips (half - full day)
    Footwear Trekking shoes
    Required equipment Protection from rain, emergency food, measures to avoid becoming lost, headlamp etc.
    Contact with other users Frequent encounters with other users
    Naturalness Many man-made structures (boardwalks, bridges) provided for safety and convenience
    Noise Man-made sounds (cars etc.) audible at times
  • Level3

    Climbing Trails to Experience the Natural Environment of the Mountains

    A hiking trail in the mountains of Yakushima Island that provides the natural mountain experience. Two hikers climb through the lush forest on an unpaved trail covered in exposed tree roots.

    Access is basically by vehicle on paved or unpaved roads. Day trips (full day) for experienced climbers. These climbing trails give greater priority to preserving a natural atmosphere than convenience in experiencing the natural environment of Yakushima.
    Small boardwalks and steps are installed at dangerous locations, however it is sometimes necessary to cross streams, and in bad weather it may be necessary to change the itinerary. Climbers need to manage risk themselves, and make personal judgments on their activities.

    Assumed users Mountain climbers (novice - intermediate)
    Assumed itinerary Day trips (full day)
    Footwear Trekking shoes or mountain boots (with a certain degree of water resistance, and ankle support)
    Required equipment General mountain climbing equipment, protection from rain, emergency food, measures to avoid becoming lost, headlamp etc.
    Contact with other users Sometimes (several times per hour)
    Naturalness Few man-made structures (boardwalks, bridges) provided. Priority given to maintaining a natural atmosphere.
    Noise Man-made sounds (cars etc.) audible infrequently
  • Level4

    Climbing Trails to Experience the Pristine Natural Environment of the Mountains

    A hiking trail providing an experience of the pristine natural environment of the mountains of Yakushima Island. Two climbers walk along a narrow trail on a mountain ridge. The mountains are dotted with many large, craggy boulders.

    Access is basically by vehicle on unpaved or bad roads. Day trips (full day) or overnight for experienced climbers. These trails give priority to preserving a natural atmosphere. They have few users, and allow contact with Yakushima's pristine natural environment. They generally do not have boardwalks or steps. It may be necessary to cross streams, and there are only a minimal number of trail markers. In stormy weather, users must manage risk and be capable of advanced decision-making, for example changing the itinerary as necessary.

    Assumed users Climbers (intermediate)
    Assumed itinerary Day trips (full day), and overnight in some cases
    Footwear Climbing boots (highly water resistant, and firm ankle support)
    Required equipment General climbing equipment (including sleeping gear), protection from rain, emergency food, measures to avoid becoming lost, headlamp etc.
    Contact with other users Rarely (several times per day)
    Naturalness Very few man-made structures. Focused on experiencing the pristine natural environment.
    Noise Quiet. Limited almost exclusively to the sounds of nature.
  • Level5

    Climbing Trails Providing a Deep Experience of the Magnificent Pristine Natural Environment of the Mountains

    Many sections are not maintained, and there are serious risks when crossing streams, and of becoming lost. Risk management is based on personal-responsibility.

    A hiking trail providing a deep natural experience of the primeval and majestic nature of the mountains of Yakushima Island. Hikers well-equipped with overnight equipment at left, with a huge Harigiri tree (castor aralia) at center. The trail is not maintained, and the route is unclear.

    Access is basically on foot. Trails for experienced climbers on treks entailing an overnight stay or longer.
    These climbing trails give the greatest priority to preserving a natural atmosphere. They have few users (other users almost never encounter), and provide users with a deep experience of the magnificent pristine natural environment of Yakushima. They generally do not have boardwalks or steps. It may be necessary to cross streams, and there are only a minimal number of trail markers. In stormy weather, users must manage risk and be capable of advanced decision-making, for example changing the itinerary as necessary.

    Assumed users Highly experienced climbers (advanced)
    Assumed itinerary Overnight or longer
    Footwear Climbing boots (highly water resistant, and firm ankle support)
    Required equipment General climbing equipment (including sleeping gear), protection from rain, emergency food, measures to avoid becoming lost, headlamp etc.
    Contact with other users Other users almost never encountered on day trips
    Naturalness Few man-made structures. Focused on experiencing the pristine natural environment.
    Noise Quiet. Limited almost exclusively to the sounds of nature.

Select your trail

Select based on user experience levels
Page top