Respect the mountains, learn from the mountains, enjoy the mountains.
Yakushima has more than 40 rugged peaks, including Mt. Miyanoura (elevation 1936 m), the highest in the Kyushu region. The mountains receive 10,000 mm of annual rainfall, and this water forms countless waterfalls and crystal-clear mountain streams flowing down to the sea. With forests of massive trees several thousands of years old such as the Jomon-sugi Cedar, and a vertical distribution of vegetation that ranges from subtropical to cool temperate, the island is a treasure trove of wild fauna and flora.
Help us protect and pass on the wonderful natural environment of this World heritage site to future generations as a treasure for all.
Take care with animal and plant life
Do not capture, collect or harm vegetation or wildlife.
Yakushima is home to much unique vegetation and wildlife. Each plant and insect is an integral part of the rich ecosystem of the island and its beautiful natural landscape. Do not capture, collect, or damage vegetation or wildlife.
Do not take animals into the mountains.
There are concerns about the negative impact of an invasion of non-native species on the precious ecosystem, and the effects of infectious diseases on animal life. Please refrain from bringing your pets as this may be an annoyance to other trekkers. Note that this does not apply to guide dogs and service dogs.
Do not step on moss growing on rocks or fallen trees.
To protect and prevent the devastation of marshlands and mossy streams, do not unnecessarily enter areas outside of the trails.
Unless walking on snow, use trekking poles with rubber tips.
When using a staff, be sure to attach a rubber cap to the tip to protect the trail and the vegetation.
Do not feed macaques, deer, or other wild animals
Animals acquiring a taste for human food change their location and lifestyle, attack people, and come down to human settlements, causing crop damage. Do not feed the animals under any circumstances.
Do not contaminate or damage the environment
Carry out all trash when you leave.
Minimize the number of items that will become trash before starting your trek, and carry out all trash generated while hiking using a trash bag prepared in advance. Help us maintain the natural beauty of Yakushima Island.
Do not contaminate mountain water.
Urinating outside toilets and washing dishes in streams contaminates mountain water. Carry a portable toilet in preparation for unavoidable circumstances, and wipe-off dirty dishes with paper and carry them home with the paper waste.
Toilets are located at designated points. Cooperation in using a portable toilet is appreciated.
Ensure that you go to the toilet before beginning your trek. Once in the mountains, use a designated toilet or a portable toilet. Particular cooperation is requested when traversing ridge lines and climbing Mt. Miyanoura.
Do not flush items that could clog mountain toilets.
It is very difficult to maintain toilets in mountain areas. Never dispose of clothing, sanitary products, plastic bags, or other non-water-soluble items in the toilets as they may interfere with cleaning and cause blockages. Use toilet paper or water-soluble tissues.
Do not light campfires.
Campfires can cause forest fires and are strictly prohibited.
Rules for safe climbing
The trekking registration form tells us where you are.
Be sure to submit a trekking registration form before starting out. In the unlikely event that you get lost, submitting a form will ensure that the search proceeds smoothly and increase your chances of being found. Trekking registration forms can be obtained and submitted at the World Heritage Center.
Even if the weather is fine in the village, it can change suddenly in the mountains, and rain gear suitable for the mountains is a must. Also, warm clothing, food, flashlight, a topographical map, a compass, a whistle, and a cell phone (or radio) are necessities for emergencies even on day trips. Ensure you have long sleeves, long pants, and climbing shoes.
Some trails may have become damaged or unusable. Check in advance. It takes 9 - 10 hours round trip from the Arakawa Trail Entrance to the Jomon-sugi Cedar, and from the Yodogawa Trail Entrance to Mt, Miyanoura.
Pay attention to closures of roads up to trail entrances, and suspension of trekking bus services.
In case of abnormal weather on Yakushima Island (rainfall of 220 mm or more in 24 hours, or snow), roads to trail entrances (Arakawa Trail Entrance, Yakusugi Land Trail Entrance, Yodogawa Trail Entrance, and Shirataniunsui-kyo Ravine Entrance) are closed and the trekking bus service is suspended. Carefully consider traffic controls, weather conditions, and other factors before beginning a trek.
Always stay on the trail.
If you leave a trail on Yakushima Island you may cause serious damage to the forest ecosystem such as stepping on precious vegetation, or you may become lost. There is also a danger of falling rocks and branches when trekking.
Stay where you are if you become lost.
If you become lost, conserve energy by not moving about more than is absolutely necessary. When following a stream down, walk beside the stream rather than in it to avoid the dangers of the many waterfalls.
Stay calm if you need help in the event of an accident.
If you suddenly become ill or require rescue due to an accident while climbing, ask others in the area for assistance. Call for an ambulance, especially if you are unsure of the symptoms. Also, make a note of the injured person's condition and pass it on to the paramedics when they arrive. Since cell phones do not work well in the mountains, ask for help from a guide with a radio.
Request for rescue
Yakushima South Detachment - Tel: 0997-47-2125 (in Japanese)
Yakushima North Detachment - Tel: 0997-42-0119 (in Japanese)
Request for rescue
Report the following when calling for a rescue.
1. Location and time of the accident
2. Name, age, gender, weight, and blood type of the injured or sick person
3. Injury status and condition,
and any changes in the situation until it is handed over to the paramedics.
Overnight stays in shelter huts in the mountains.
Use shelter huts when staying overnight in the mountains. Huts are crowded in all seasons except winter. Please cooperate in sharing space.
Generally give way to others ascending on narrow trails.
Pay attention to climbers in front and behind you, and give way to faster-moving groups behind you to avoid congestion.
Do not make loud noises.
When trekking, do not ring bells to scare off bears, avoid playing radios or music, and keep noise to a minimum to avoid bothering others in the vicinity.
Think about where you are going to eat.
Refrain from eating in areas likely to be crowded or at photography viewpoints, and be considerate of the natural environment around you.
Be careful at sacred places such as shrines.
The mountains of Yakushima Island are a sacred place, and shrines have been built in areas around mountain peaks. Always be aware that you are intruding in these areas.
Use mobile phones only in emergencies.
Although there is no mobile phone service in most mountain area, some mobile phones can be used at Arakawa Trail Entrance, the Jomon-sugi Cedar deck and the peaks of Mt. Miyanoura, Mt. Nagata, Mt. Kuromi, Mt. Kurio and Mt. Tachu.
Note that excessive use of mobile phones will bother others in the vicinity and interfere with their enjoyment of the natural environment. Use mobile phones only for emergencies.
Switch off vehicle engines when stopped.
Do not idle vehicles for long periods at trail entrances or in parking lots. Do not park where it will disturb other climbers.
Warnings and Etiquette for Trekking
Submit a Trekking Registration Form
Required Equipment
Using Toilets
Use of Shelter Huts
Jomon-sugi Cedar Trekking Advice and Etiquette
