Australia
USA
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.
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380
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.
Interested in this Experience? It is included in this tour:
-
Discover the impressive landscapes and vibrant cities of Kyushu on this journey from the forests of Yakushima to Kurokawa Onsen's hot springs
Kyushu Adventure
Discover the vibrant cities and impressive natural landscapes of the Kyushu region, from Kurokawa Onsen's hot springs to the primeval forests of Yakushima, staying in superior accommodation and enjoying some of the finest in Japanese cuisine.
Other Sightseeing experiences
View more >
Shitamachi Tokyo old town
Experience the old town Tokyo atmosphere in the Shitamachi district.
Gunkanjima cruise
Take a boat trip to see the mysterious island of Gunkanjima - aka 'Battle Ship Island'.
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.
Beginners' Japanese lesson
Get your holiday on the right track with a lesson in survival Japanese.
Inside Japan UK office
Inside Japan US office
Inside Japan Australia office
Inside Japan - Japan office
