What You Should Know before Trekking

Using Toilets

Water and electricity are not available in the deep forest. Your help is appreciated.

There are a limited number of toilets in the mountain areas of Yakushima Island.
Note that waste is carried out to a collection point.
Please use a portable toilet.

Assumed users

  • Persons trekking on Mt. Miyanoura, and spending long periods in the mountains traversing ridges etc.

    A limited number of toilets are available in the mountains. Please ensure that you bring a portable toilet.

  • Persons trekking to the Jomon-sugi Cedar.

    Although toilets are available on the Jomon-sugi Cedar route, the use of a portable toilet is recommended to reduce the cost of carrying out waste, and in case of emergencies.

image: shape of deers
Carry them with you.
Show your concern for Yakushima Island by using a portable toilet.

Why Is It Necessary to Use Portable Toilets?

Current toilet situation in mountain areas of Yakushima Island.

  • Considerable costs are involved in removing waste and maintaining toilets.
  • There are long waits on busy days.
  • Toilets are available in a limited number of locations.
Human waste must be back-packed out of the mountains. Many people are required to carry these packages of waste along narrow tracks.
Removal of waste from the area. Each person is able to carry 20 - 40 kg.
Human waste must be back-packed out of the mountains. Many people are required to carry these packages of waste along narrow tracks.
Overcrowding at toilets at entrance to Okabu Trail.

Benefits of a portable toilet

  • Eliminates waste from mountain areas, and reduces maintenance costs.
  • Reduces waiting time at toilets in mountain areas.
  • Huts in the mountain areas ensure peace of mind and convenience.
  • Eliminates unpleasant odors, and is more hygienic since there is no direct contact with the toilet seat.

Carry out your own waste.
We need everyone’s help. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Guidance on a portable Toilet

Location of Toilet Booth for Using Portable Toilets and Collection Boxes

Toilet huts are tents, or of wooden construction. Wooden toilet huts for use with plastic bag toilets are located at the Shiratani Hut, the Daio-sugi Cedar, the Shin-takatsuka Hut, Mt. Okina, the Hananoego Marsh, the Yodogawa Hut, and the Jamon-sugi Cedar. Tent toilet huts for use with plastic bag toilets are located at the Kosugidani Elementary and Junior High School site, the Okina-sugi Cedar, the Daio-sugi Cedar, the Takatsuka Hut, the Shikanosawa Hut, and the Ishizuka Hut. Collection boxes for used plastic bag toilets are located at the Shirataniunsui-kyo Ravine Entrance, the Arakawa Trail Entrance, the Yakusugi Land Entrance, the Yodogawa Trail Entrance, the Oko Woods Road Entrance, and the parking area in front of the Yakusugi Cedars Nature Center.

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Types of a portable Toilet

Timber huts

There are two types of booths for plastic bag toilets in the mountain areas of Yakushima Island. The wooden booths have an internal area of approximately one square meter, and are of sturdy wooden construction, with a door, lock, and roof. A toilet seat is installed inside, and the plastic bag toilet is used by placing it over the seat. Toilet paper and trash cans are not provided, so please bring your own toilet paper and take it home with you after use.

A toilet seat is provided. Instructions are also shown.

Toilet tents

Tent booths are of a size sufficient for one person and can be entered by opening the zippered entrance. A lock is not provided. A toilet seat is installed inside, and the plastic bag toilet is used by placing it over the seat. Toilet paper and trash cans are not provided, so please prepare your own toilet paper and take it home with you after use.

A toilet seat is provided.

How to Use a portable Toilet

How to use

  1. Step1

    Setting up

    Spread out the plastic bag on the toilet seat. Use the toilet in the normal manner. Men are asked to sit while urinating.

    Plastic bag toilets contain a water-absorbent sheet inside a sealed plastic bag. To use, open the mouth of the plastic bag along the perforations. Spread the mouth of the bag, place it over the toilet seat, and set it in place. Make sure that the absorbent sheet is spread out on the toilet seat.
  2. Step2

    Remove the plastic-bag.

    When finished, remove the plastic bag from the toilet seat and seal it firmly.

    Plastic bag toilets contain a water-absorbent sheet inside a sealed plastic bag. To use, open the mouth of the plastic bag along the perforations. The torn-off portion of the bag is used to tie the mouth of the plastic bag after use.
  3. Step3

    Place the plastic bag in the deodorizing bag.

    Carry it out with you.

    After use, place the toilet bag in the deodorant bag supplied. The photo shows the used toilet bag in the deodorant bag.
  4. Step4

    Dispose of the bag in a collection box.

    Dispose of the bag in one of the collection boxes located at trail entrances (urine and feces separately please).
    If you carry a bag back to the village, dispose of it as burnable garbage.

    Collection box for used plastic bag toilets. Signage warning that disposal of general garbage is strictly prohibited. Gray plastic box

Notes for Using a portable Toilet

Do not sit directly on the toilet seat.

Be sure to place a portable toilet on the seat.
You cannot use toilet huts/tents unless you have a portable toilet.

Dispose of a used portable toilet only in collection boxes.

Do not leave a used portable toilet in the huts/tents. Dispose of them at collection boxes located at trail entrances or at the Yakusugi Museum. If you carry a bag back to the village, dispose of it as burnable garbage.
Only dispose of a portable toilet in collection boxes.
Unused portable toilets can be taken home and kept for use in disaster emergencies, nursing care, or in the car.

Purchasing a portable toilet

Sold at various venues including mountain-climbing stores, souvenir shops, hotels, rental car outlets, and tourist information centers.
Contact the following for details.

Inquiries regarding sales of portable toilets:

  • Yakushima Tourism Association
    Tel: 0997-46-2333 (in Japanese)

Inquiries regarding portable toilets:

  • Ministry of the Environment’s Yakushima Ranger Office
    Tel: 0997-46-2992 (in Japanese)
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