What You Should Know before Trekking

Required Equipment

Equipment required when trekking in the mountains of Yakushima Island.

Yakushima Island has steep mountainous terrain. Even if the weather is fine in the village, the weather in the mountains can change suddenly, and rain gear suitable for the mountains is a must. Even for day trips, the following items are necessary to stay safe and enjoy the mountains of Yakushima Island: thermal wear (in winter, clothing appropriate for -10℃ - -15℃), food (chocolate, candy etc.), flashlight, map, compass, whistle, and mobile phone (or 2-way radio).

Hiking equipment and clothing.
Ensure that you have the proper trekking equipment, whether for day trips or for spending the night in the mountains.

Summer Equipment

Typical summer hiking clothing (women). Wear a hat, long sleeves, a rucksack, and hiking shoes.
  1. Point1

    Hats

    Provide protection from sun when the weather is good and helps ensure a good field of view on rainy days.

  2. Point2

    Long-sleeve shirts and long pants

    Prevent injuries and bug bites.

  3. Point3

    Backpacks

    Keeps your hands free to prevent falls and injuries.

  4. Point4

    Trekking boots

    The best trekking boots are those that help prevent slipping and fatigue. Leather shoes and sandals are dangerous because they can lead to slipping and falls.

  5. Point5

    Rain gear

    The weather in the mountains can change suddenly, and becoming wet can result in hypothermia, even in summer.

Typical contents of a summer rucksack. Water bottle with sports drink, food (including emergency rations), rain gear (separate top and bottom), gloves, hiking map, rucksack cover, plastic bag toilets, warm clothes, headlamp.

What to carry in your backpack - examples

Portable toilets, drinks, food, headlamp, and thermal wear (ensures peace of mind even in summer).

Winter Equipment

The mountains of Yakushima Island can receive more than 2 m of snow in winter, with temperatures below freezing. Ensure that you have sufficient physical strength, skills, and experience, and prepare a hiking plan with a margin for unforeseen circumstances.
Beginners should be sure to accompany more experienced trekkers or guides.

Typical winter hiking gear (women) hats - Face protection, rucksack, gloves, warm clothing, ice axe/stock, spats (gaiters), climbing boots, crampons.
  1. Point1

    Hats and face protection

    Do not forget knit-caps that also cover the ears, and protection against snow-burn and blizzards.

  2. Point2

    Thermal wear and tights

    Wear underwear and outerwear appropriate for snowy conditions.

  3. Point3

    Ice axes and trekking poles

    Necessary on frozen and slippery surfaces such as rocks.

  4. Point4

    Winter climbing boots and crampons

    Winter climbing boots with good heat-retention and waterproof qualities.
    Depending on location, you may also need chains, crampons, and snowshoes.

  5. Point5

    Gloves

    Good quality water-resistant and wind-resistant outer gloves, and woolen gloves. Preparation is essential.

Typical contents of a winter rucksack. Drinks and food, Yakushima Etiquette Guide, plastic bag toilet, warm clothing, headlamp

What to carry in your backpack - examples

Be sure to bring a compass, a map, a pocket warmer, and also emergency equipment.

Equipment Suitable for Sight-seeing is Not Enough, Even for Day Trips

According to a 2004 survey by the Yakushima Ranger Office, 58% of visitors to the Jomon-sugi Cedar are not regular trekkers. As more users lack the proper equipment for, or attitude toward trekking, the frequency of accidents and dangers increases. This undermines the quality of the experience (satisfaction) offered by the mountains of Yakushima Island.
You will need thermal wear, food (chocolate, candy etc.), a flashlight, topographic map, compass, whistle, and mobile phone (or 2-way radio) in case of emergency, even for day trips. Clothing should include a long-sleeve shirt, long pants (short pants often result in injuries), mountain footwear (it is easy to slip when wearing sneakers, spiked boots can damage the roots of trees).

Examples of light clothing unsuitable for hiking in five photos. The photo on the far left shows the back view of a woman in a tank top and another in a T-shirt and shorts. The photo second from left shows several people wearing T-shirts and sneakers, while holding various items. The photo third from left shows a person in cotton jeans and sneakers, which do not easily dissipate sweat. The photo fourth from left shows a person wearing sandals with exposed feet and a plastic bag slung over his shoulder. The fifth photo from the left (on the far right) shows a person in a T-shirt, shorts and sneakers, and holding a bag.

More and more tourists arrive lightly equipped with short pants, sneakers, and handbags and this has resulted in accidents.

Graph of the trend in number of accidents and injuries in the Yakushima Mountain area. Approximately 20 accidents and injuries have occurred each year over the past 10 years (FY 2010 to FY 2020) in the Yakushima Mountain area. Occurrences in the three main areas (Jomon-sugi Cedar route, Mt. Miyanoura route and Shirataniunsui-kyo Ravine) account for the majority of the total.

Trend in number of accidents and injuries in the Yakushima Mountain area (unit: cases)

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