Yakushima's giant cedar trees

Yakushima's giant cedar trees

The land before time: Yakushima Island is home to cedar trees over 7,000 years old.

The dense, thousand year old rainforests of Yakushima Island are home to a huge number of cedar trees including the oldest trees in Japan. Known as yakusugi (the yaku from Yakushima and sugi meaning cedar) some of the cedars are thought to be 7,000 years old. 

Several of the ancient trees have their own affectionate names including the oldest tree, Jomonsugi, which dates back to the Jomon Period (13000 BC to 300 BC). Meotosugi is a pair of trees said to resemble a couple embracing, while Daiosugi is one of the largest trees on the island.  

The cedar forests of Yakushima provided the inspiration for Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli animated film Princess Mononoke, a must-see before travelling to the island.  

Footpaths and hiking trails lead to the cedar trees; some paths are quite gentle while other trails take 10 or more hours and are best for experienced hikers only. InsideJapan can arrange guided hikes with a local expert.

Make an Enquiry

For more information email us: [email protected] or call: 303 952 0379

Important notice: We are pleased to be able to offer so many amazing experiences in Japan. However, we are sorry that we can only include these as a part of a full Japan holiday package which includes your accommodation and transport alongside the experiences presented in this section of the web site.
 

Yakushima's giant cedar trees

located in Yakushima

Read more >

Interested in this Experience? It is included in this tour:

  • Get off the beaten track as you explore the cosmopolitan cities, traditional hot spring towns and primeval forests of Japan's third-biggest island.

    Kyushu Elements

    Kyushu is a little-visited oasis filled with steaming volcanoes, bubbling hot springs, lush rainforests and sandy beaches. Not only is its countryside some of Japan's finest, but Kyushu's cities have plenty of cosmopolitan charm – without the crowds that Tokyo is famous for!

    Read more >

    Get off the beaten track as you explore the cosmopolitan cities, traditional hot spring towns and primeval forests of Japan's third-biggest island.

Other Sightseeing experiences

View more >
  • Peace Park & museum tour

    Peace Park & museum tour

    Take a sobering tour of Hiroshima's Peace Park with a volunteer from an NPO that provides support to A-bomb survivors.

    Read more >