Best trails in Yakushima National Park
Yakushima National Park, located in the southeast of Japan, is said to have been formed by the Philippine Sea Plate pushing up granitic magma to form the island and mountains. There are two parks on this island: Yakushima National Park and Kuchinoerabujima (Kirishima-Yaku National Park). Yakushima has lush forests and mountainous areas, and Kuchinoerabu Island is dotted with many active volcanoes and hot springs.
In Yakushima, stroll through the mysterious forest of Shiratani Unsuikyo Gorge and tour Okawa Falls. Mt. Miyanoura, known as the highest peak in Kyushu, is home to a rich forest and many beautiful wild plants and animals. If you would like to experience and deepen your knowledge of the local culture, please visit the local villages that have inherited the tradition of ``mountain pilgrimage'', which involves praying in the mountains to the mountain gods.
Top trails
- (360)•Hard•3.6 mi•Est. 2.5–3 hrShiratani Unsuikyo Ravine (白谷雲水峡) via Taikoiwa Rock Round Trip Course is located in the northern part of Yakushima. It is known for huge granite rocks spread throughout the area, formed by the erosion of rainfall, which is covered by virgin forest. You can enjoy the views wonderful from Taikoiwa Rock.
- (232)•Hard•13.0 mi•Est. 7–8 hrJomon-sugi Cedar Trail (縄文杉トレイル) Hike to Jomon-sugi (Jōmon Sugi) Cedar from the Arakawa trailhead. This tree is located on Yakushima which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This cedar tree is the largest of all the confirmed Yaku cedars. It is also one of the oldest trees. It's estimated that these trees are around 2,000 to 7,000 years old. The unique shape of the trees indicates how Yaku cedars grow in areas under regular typhoons.
- (109)•Moderate•1.8 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrThis trail is located at the base of Mount Tachu (太忠岳), which runs through Arakawa Sidewalk in Yakusugi Land. This trail is the 150 minutes course in Yakushima. There are also various other courses (180 minutes). Enjoy strolling through the great Yakushima cedar tree forest.
- (56)•Moderate•1.2 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrYakusugi Land（ヤクスギランド） Also known as the azalea river course. This trail is just the middle length of the five courses in Yakusugi Land. From the administration building, first walk on the masonry road or the wooden road. However, there is a mountain trail from Arakawa Bridge in the middle of the course to the area around Buddha Sugi. It is a walking course where you can enjoy the natural recreation forest of Yakushima.
- (20)•Hard•15.6 mi•Est. 10.5–11.5 hrThis long distance hiking course starts from Shirataniunsui-kyo (白谷雲水峡) and heads to Yodogawa Trailhead (淀川登山口) through various Yakushima's famous spots, such as the Jomon-sugi Cedar which is over 1000 years old, and Mount Miyanoura, the highest peak in Kyushu. It is located in Yakushima National Park and offers you an opportunity to experience the rich nature of Yakushima.
- (31)•Hard•3.0 mi•Est. 3.5–4 hrMount Mocchomu-dake (モッチョム岳) is known as the one of the most difficult mountain for climbing/hiking in Yakushima. This mountain may be challenging however there are beautiful views at the top. You will be able to enjoy scenic views of the blue sea and Onoaida from the summit of this mountain. Although the distance is short, it is a trail recommended for experienced climbers.
- (12)•Hard•5.5 miMount Kuromi - Yodogawa Trailhead (黒味岳 - 淀川登山口) Mount Kuromi, nestled deep in the heart of the World Heritage Site of Yakushima Island, is popular for its excellent views. This climbing course starts at the Yodogawa trailhead and heads for the summit of the mountain. Mount Kuromi is characterized by the large granite rocks at the summit, and various uniquely shaped granites also can be seen along the trail. Mount Kuromi is characterized by the large granite rocks at the summit, and various...
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Frequently asked questions
What is the longest trail in Yakushima National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Yakushima National Park is Mount Miyanoura Traverse - Anbo. This trail is estimated to be 27.7 mi long.
Are there camping trails available in Yakushima National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 6 camping trails in Yakushima National Park and the most popular is Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine via Taikoiwa Rock with an average 4.9 star rating from 360 community reviews.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Yakushima National Park?
Yes, there are 10 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Yakushima National Park, including Mount Tachu, Mount Miyanoura - Mount Kuromi - Kigensugi Cedar, Yakushima Trail: Shirataniunsui-kyo - Yodogawa, Mount Mocchomu-dake, and Mount Kuromi - Yodogawa Trailhead.
Are there any trails with huts in Yakushima National Park?
Yes, there are 7 trails with huts in Yakushima National Park, including Mount Miyanoura - Mount Kuromi - Kigensugi Cedar, Yakushima Trail: Shirataniunsui-kyo - Yodogawa, Mount Kuromi - Yodogawa Trailhead, Mount Miyanoura - Yodogawa, and Mount Miyanoura Traverse - Anbo.
Are there any trails with rivers in Yakushima National Park?
Yes, there are 14 trails with rivers in Yakushima National Park, including Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine via Taikoiwa Rock, Jomon-sugi Cedar Trail, Yakusugi Loop, Yakusugi Land, and Onoaida Hiking Trail.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Yakushima National Park?
Yes, there are 2 trails with waterfalls in Yakushima National Park, including Onoaida Hiking Trail and Yakushima Ridgeline Trail.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Yakushima National Park?
Yes, there are 11 trails with scenic viewpoints in Yakushima National Park, including Jomon-sugi Cedar Trail, Yakusugi Loop, Yakusugi Land, Mount Tachu, and Mount Miyanoura - Mount Kuromi - Kigensugi Cedar.
Are there any trails with picnic areas in Yakushima National Park?
Yes, there are 4 trails with picnic areas in Yakushima National Park, including Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine via Taikoiwa Rock, Yakushima Trail: Shirataniunsui-kyo - Yodogawa, Mount Miyanoura Traverse - Anbo, and Mount Miyanoura - Jomonsugi Ceder Traverse Tour.
