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Best trails in Yakushima National Park

Best trails in Yakushima National Park

4.6(1,211 reviews)

·

Japan
: 
#3 of 29 national parks

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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

  1. #1 - Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine via Taikoiwa Rock

    4.9(423)
    ·Hard
    ·3.7 mi
    ·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    This trail is a journey into the ancient, moss-covered forest of Yakushima Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hike is on well-maintained paths and wooden boardwalks, but the stone paths and tree roots can be very slippery, especially after a rain. The path takes you deep into a primeval forest, following a crystal-clear river through a ravine filled with giant granite boulders. The main highlight is the Moss Forest, where a vibrant, green carpet of moss covers every rock, log, and...

  2. #2 - Jomon-sugi Cedar Trail

    4.8(281)
    ·Hard
    ·13.4 mi
    ·Est. 7–8 hr
    This trail begins on the Arakawa Trail, where hikers will walk on the flat, wooden planks of an old logging railway. This path takes visitors deep into a magical, primeval forest. After the tracks, the hike continues with a steep climb up the mountainside, which involves many wooden staircases and navigating a boneyard of tree roots. Along the way, hikers will pass famous ancient cedars and the massive, hollowed-out stump that they can walk inside, which features a heart-shaped opening when...

  3. #3 - Yakusugi Loop

    4.9(128)
    ·Moderate
    ·1.9 mi
    ·Est. 1–1.5 hr
    The path is a beautiful and well-maintained network of wooden boardwalks and stone paths that wind through a spectacular, primeval forest. Along the way, you will be surrounded by a stunning landscape of giant, ancient Japanese cedar trees, many of which are over 1,000 years old. The forest floor, rocks, and trees are all covered in a thick, green carpet of moss, which is especially beautiful in the rain. You will cross picturesque bridges over clear streams and pass famous named trees, like...

  4. #4 - Yakusugi Land

    4.9(65)
    ·Moderate
    ·1.2 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    The trail is a botanical marvel, showcasing a dense, multi-layered forest. The ultimate highlight is the sheer age of the trees. The forest is filled with numerous ancient cedar trees, many of which are over 1,000 years old, including some massive, named specimens such as the Buddhasugi and Kigensugi. The unique, misty, humid climate of the island has cultivated an atmosphere often described as magical, with moss and ferns covering every surface. An entrance fee is required to access the...

  5. #5 - Mount Tachu

    4.8(70)
    ·Hard
    ·4.9 mi
    This trail is a hike to the summit of Mount Tachu, an iconic peak on the Yakushima UNESCO World Heritage Site. The journey begins in Yakusugi Land, taking you through a mossy primeval forest. You will walk among giant, ancient Yakusugi trees, some of which are thousands of years old. The trail is famous for its final rock scramble. The reward for this climb is the Celestial Stone, a massive, 40-meter-high granite monolith at the summit. From its base, you get a breathtaking panoramic view of...

  6. #6 - Onoaida Hiking Trail

    4.6(78)
    ·Hard
    ·4.4 mi
    This trail is a beautiful journey through a primeval forest. You will be climbing over a boneyard of massive, slippery tree roots and moss-covered rocks. The path takes you deep into a forest of giant, ancient Japanese cedar trees. Along the way, you are very likely to see native deer and macaques. The trail starts or ends in the village of Onoaida, which is famous for its onsen.

  7. #7 - Mount Miyanoura - Mount Kuromi - Kigensugi Cedar

    4.8(60)
    ·Hard
    ·8.9 mi
    ·Est. 5.5–6.5 hr
    This trail begins at the Yodogawa Trailhead, where you are immediately greeted by the Kigensugi, a massive, 3,000-year-old ancient cedar tree. The path is a climb up slippery, root-covered trails and wooden ladders, taking you deep into the primeval mossy forest. You will pass the Yodogawa Hut and climb through high-altitude marshes covered in dwarf bamboo. The route includes a detour to Mount Kuromi, a steep rock scramble that requires the use of ropes and ladders. The final push to the...

  8. #8 - Yakushima Trail: Shirataniunsui-kyo - Yodogawa

    4.6(20)
    ·Hard
    ·15.9 mi
    ·Est. 11–12 hr
    This trail connects the ancient Jomon Sugi tree and the summit of Mount Miyanoura. The journey climbs through a primeval forest. The path is a scramble over a boneyard of tree roots, up steep, rocky sections, and across ladders. You will be walking through the Moss Forest and high-altitude moors covered in dwarf bamboo. You will stand before the Jomon Sugi, a massive cedar tree thousands of years old, and scramble over giant granite boulders to the panoramic view from Mount Miyanoura.

  9. #9 - Mount Kuromi - Yodogawa Trailhead

    4.7(17)
    ·Hard
    ·5.6 mi
    Mount 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...

  10. #10 - Mount Mocchomu-dake

    4.8(33)
    ·Hard
    ·3.3 mi
    ·Est. 4–4.5 hr
    Known for its sharp, rocky profile, this mountain is a prominent landmark in the southern part of the island. The hike is a steady ascent that involves climbing over massive tree roots and using fixed ropes to pull yourself up near-vertical rock faces. The path winds through a dense, primeval forest filled with ancient Yakusugi cedars (including the famous Mocchomu Sugi) and giant banyan trees. The main reward for the climb is the panoramic view from the exposed, rocky summit pinnacle. From...
Showing results 1–10 of 15
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Yakushima National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Yakushima National Park is Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine via Taikoiwa Rock, which has a 4.9 star rating from 423 reviews. This trail is 3.7 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,318 ft.

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 28.2 mi long.

How many trails are in Yakushima National Park?

There are 15 trails in Yakushima National Park.These trails have an average 4.6-star ratingfrom NaN AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Yakushima National Park?

Yakushima Ridgeline Trail has the most elevation gain with 8,815 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Mount Miyanoura Traverse - Anbo, which has 8,750 ft of elevation gain.

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 423 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 Kuromi - Yodogawa Trailhead, and Mount Mocchomu-dake.

Are there any trails with huts in Yakushima National Park?

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 Mount Tachu.

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 springs in Yakushima National Park?