Jōmon Sugi

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Jōmon Sugi

remarkable tree

Jōmon Sugi is a huge, very old Cryptomeria (yakusugi) tree on Yakushima, Japan, famed for its great age and size and visited for its primeval forest setting.

Jōmon Sugi Map data © OpenStreetMap contributorsKagoshimaJōmon Sugi

Jōmon Sugi essentials

Address: Yakushima, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan

Jōmon Sugi stands on the north face of Mount Miyanoura on Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site noted for ancient cedar forests and rich biodiversity. It is the largest and best known of the island’s old-growth cryptomeria trees and its name refers to the Jōmon period of Japanese prehistory.

Scientific studies and ring counts suggest Jōmon Sugi is at least two thousand years old, with some estimates far older, and the tree has a towering form with a massive trunk and extensive buttresses. Discovery of the tree in 1968 helped trigger protection measures for Yakushima’s forests and the development of tourism on the island.

Visiting is a wilderness experience: after the World Heritage designation access to the tree was limited to an observation deck located about 15 m from the trunk to protect the root zone, and reaching the deck requires a long mountain hike through mossy cedar forest and boardwalk sections.

  • Observation deck: A raised platform set about 15 m from the tree provides the main, protected viewpoint for Jōmon Sugi.
  • The trunk and buttresses: The tree’s enormous trunk circumference and sprawling root flanges are visible from the deck and speak to its great age.
  • Mossy cedar forest: The hike passes through dense old-growth yakusugi and moss-covered ground that give a primeval, cathedral-like atmosphere.
  • Trail scenery and mountain views: On clear days the approach offers upland forest scenery and views toward Mount Miyanoura.
  • Kusugawa and Arakawa trails: The two main routes to Jōmon Sugi feature boardwalks, steep sections and long forest stretches, each offering a different approach to the tree.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Jōmon Sugi#

Yakushima receives very high rainfall for much of the year; the clearest, driest period for hiking to Jōmon Sugi is in late autumn to winter.

Winter (best)
November - February · 1°C - 13°C (34°F - 55°F)
Relative to the rest of the year these months are generally cooler and drier, offering more reliable trail conditions for the long mountain hike.
Autumn (good)
October - November · 8°C - 18°C (46°F - 64°F)
Early autumn can be pleasant with reduced humidity and still-fair conditions, though rainfall can increase at times.
Early summer (avoid if possible)
June - July · 15°C - 24°C (59°F - 75°F)
Rainfall peaks in early summer, making trails muddy, slippery and more challenging for the long approach to the tree.

Weather & Climate near Jōmon Sugi#

Climate

Jōmon Sugi's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 24°C. Heavy rainfall (3437 mm/year), wettest in June.

Air Quality: AQI 50 Good
Best Time to Visit
AugustJulySeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
6°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor 1° - 7° -2° 155 mm overcast 75% 8.3 m/s 0.5 moderate 10.3h
February Poor 1° - 7° -1° 184 mm overcast 74% 7.3 m/s 0.8 moderate 11.0h
March Poor 4° - 10° 3° 250 mm overcast 73% 6.7 m/s 1.1 high 11.9h
April Poor 8° - 14° 11° 304 mm overcast 74% 6.3 m/s 1.4 high 12.8h
May Acceptable 12° - 18° 15° 396 mm overcast 78% 5.4 m/s 1.6 very high 13.6h
June Acceptable 15° - 21° 18° 564 mm overcast 86% 5.0 m/s 1.5 very high 13.9h
July Very Good 18° - 24° 21° 412 mm partly cloudy 85% 4.9 m/s 2.1 extreme 13.8h
August Very Good 19° - 24° 21° 354 mm partly cloudy 81% 4.9 m/s 2.1 extreme 13.1h
September Good 17° - 22° 19° 300 mm partly cloudy 79% 4.6 m/s 1.6 very high 12.2h
October Acceptable 12° - 18° 15° 200 mm partly cloudy 74% 6.5 m/s 1.1 high 11.3h
November Poor 8° - 13° 11° 179 mm overcast 73% 7.9 m/s 0.7 moderate 10.5h
December Poor 3° - 9° 2° 139 mm overcast 74% 8.3 m/s 0.5 low 10.1h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Jōmon Sugi#

Nearest town on the island: Miyanoura; the tree sits inland on Yakushima and the closest road access points are via the Kusugawa or Arakawa trailheads near mountain roads and the Arakawa Dam.

Major transport links: ferries and flights connect Yakushima with Kagoshima on Kyushu and the island also has an airport; on the mainland the nearest major railway hub is Kagoshima-Ch‘6B‘41 Station. From island towns you cover the last stretch to the trailheads by taxi or local bus, then follow a 4-5 hour mountain hike along marked trails to the observation deck.

Tips for Visiting Jōmon Sugi#

  • Start very early on the trail to allow time for the long 4-5 hour approach and return in daylight.
  • Bring waterproof clothing and layers: Yakushima is very wet and weather can change quickly in the mountains.
  • Wear sturdy hiking boots; trails include steep, muddy and boardwalk sections.
  • Respect restrictions and stay on the boardwalk and the observation deck to protect the tree’s roots and habitat.
  • Check local information for trail conditions, bus or taxi timetables and any access notices before you go.