Jomon-sugi Cedar Trekking Advice and Etiquette

The Jomon-sugi Cedar, the symbol of Yakushima Island, is more than a thousand years old. It has been visited numerous times since 1962 when this fact became generally known. Soil has been washed away exposing the roots, and protective measures have therefore been put in place. These measures include keeping visitors at a distance, and installing a viewing deck. Your cooperation is appreciated.

• Stay on the viewing deck.
• Pitching tents and overnight stays in the area are generally prohibited.
• Please eat at the nearby rest area, or at the Takatsuka Hut.
• Toilets are located at the Arakawa Trail entrance, Sandai-sugi Cedar, Okabu Trail entrance, and Takatsuka Hut.
• Follow the instructions of guides when using the deck at peak times such as during Consecutive holidays in May.
• Consider other photographers when taking your photos.

The Wilson-kabu Stump is one of the largest Yakusugi stumps. Concerns have grown in recent years over deterioration of the surrounding environment due to inconsiderate use by hikers. Your cooperation in protecting the Wilson-kabu Stump is appreciated.

• Do not damage the trunks.
• Do not climb on the trunks.
• Do not enter areas designated as No Entry (areas other than trails and rest areas).
• Consider other photographers when taking your photos.

Smoking areas have been established on the Jomon-sugi Cedar Trail between the Arakawa Trail entrance and the Takatsuka Hut to ensure that trekkers are able to enjoy the grand nature of Yakushima Island while helping to prevent forest fires. Please ensure that you smoke only in the designated areas.

Smoking areas

1. (1)Behind the Arakawa Trail entrance toilets.
2. (2)Behind the Kosugidani gazebo.
3. (3)Behind the Okabu Trail toilets.
4. (4)Behind the Takatsuka Hut toilets.

Please observe the following when smoking in the designated areas.

• Use portable ashtrays.
• Try to prevent forest fires.
• Consider the natural environment, and others around you.

To reduce environmental impact and congestion due to excessive vehicle use in mountain areas, entry of ordinary vehicles to the Arakawa Trail (the start of the trek to the Jomon-sugi Cedar) is restricted during all day hours throughout the following period. Visitors heading to the Arakawa Trail Entrance during this period are requested to take the Arakawa hiking bus from in front of the Yakusugi Museum.
Even when driving in the area outside the restricted period, ensure that you do not park in a prohibited area as it will interfere with the passage of large trucks.

Details

• See the Yakushima Mountain Environmental Management Council website.

It takes 9 - 10 hours to hike from the Arakawa Trail Entrance to the Jomon-sugi Cedar and back. Try to depart between 5:00 am and 7:00 am.

There are no public phones at the Arakawa Trail Entrance, however some service providers maintain a mobile phone service. Check your mobile phone service provider's website in advance.

You may meet a railcar on the track when hiking between the Arakawa and Okabu Trail Entrances. Be sure to comply with the following rules when walking on the track.

• Walk on the track in-line (not shoulder-to shoulder).
• Take breaks at the passing places, not on the track.
• Move quickly to a safe place (e.g. to a passing place) when a railcar approaches.
• Be careful particularly on extremely windy days - some bridges do not have complete handrails.
• Do not damage trail/forest railway track facilities.
• If your pace on the trail is slow, give way to others to avoid congestion.
• Note that the ends of the sleepers on the railway track are slippery, and are the cause of many accidents.