Yakushima | Jomon Sugi Epic Hike & Awa River SUP — 3-Day, 2-Night Mountain & River Adventure
| Departure / Meeting Point: | Yakushima Airport or Port (Private pick-up and drop-off) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 days 2 nights |
| Operating Period | 2026-04-01 ~ 2027-03-31 |
| Minimum Number of Participants | 2 ~ 4 people |
| Price (per person) |
Adult: ¥150,000 Child: ¥150,000 |
| Eligible Persons/Age Restriction |
Energetic adventurers, Miyazaki Hayao animation enthusiasts, and deep travelers who want to challenge themselves by paddling on both high mountains and clear streams. Children aged 12 and above (must be accompanied by a parent) |
Itinerary Details
Into the Source of Island Life: Awa River SUP
Begin your Yakushima adventure on the crystal-clear waters of the Awa River, surrounded by pristine forest on both sides. With guidance from a professional English-speaking instructor, even first-time paddlers can learn to stand confidently on a SUP board. Glide gently downstream as fish swim beneath you and lush greenery sways overhead, creating the sensation of floating through the forest. This peaceful three-hour experience is a refreshing introduction to Yakushima’s natural beauty.
Into the Ancient Forest: The Pilgrimage to Jomon Sugi
Jomon Sugi is more than a symbol of Yakushima—it is one of the island’s most powerful reminders of the immense age of its forests. This approximately 22-kilometer round-trip trek takes around 10 hours and follows an historic forest railway before reaching landmarks such as Wilson’s Stump and Nioh Sugi. As the 7,200-year-old Jomon Sugi emerges from the morning mist, the sheer scale and stillness of the ancient forest make every step of the journey worthwhile.
Itinerary
Day 1: Paddle Through Yakushima’s Pristine Waters
From Kagoshima to Yakushima: Island Arrival & Local Flavors
Take a high-speed ferry from Kagoshima to Anbo Port on Yakushima. After arriving, enjoy a taste of the island with a local flying-fish dish. Store your heavy luggage in a station locker, pack light, and get ready to explore Yakushima from the water.
Awa River SUP: Float Through an Emerald Forest
Gear up with a life jacket and join a three-hour SUP adventure on the crystal-clear Awa River, led by a professional English-speaking instructor. Glide across calm waters with fish swimming beneath your board and lush forest rising on both sides of the river. For beginners and experienced paddlers alike, this peaceful “floating through the forest” experience is a perfect introduction to Yakushima. After the activity, collect your luggage and head to your hotel, where you can meet your guide and pick up your hiking equipment.
Day 2: Jomon Sugi — An Epic Journey Through Ancient Forests
Arakawa Trailhead to Jomon Sugi: Into Yakushima’s Ancient Forest
Pick up your breakfast box early in the morning before heading to the Arakawa Trailhead with your guide. Follow the historic forest railway deep into Yakushima’s mountains, passing ancient cedar trees including the Three-Generation Cedar and Nioh Cedar. Along the way, stop at the famous Wilson’s Stump before continuing deeper into the misty forest toward Jomon Sugi.
Meet Jomon Sugi: A 7,000-Year-Old Giant
After hours of hiking through Yakushima’s ancient forest, finally come face-to-face with Jomon Sugi, one of Japan’s most iconic ancient cedar trees. Take in the quiet, powerful presence of this enormous tree and capture a photo to remember the journey. After spending time at the site, begin the long descent with your guide and return to the hotel to rest and return your hiking equipment. The evening is yours to enjoy a well-earned dinner featuring fresh local seafood.
Day 3: Explore Yakushima’s Wild West Coast & Return to Kagoshima
Yakuzaru-go Island Sightseeing Bus Tour
Take a relaxed sightseeing bus tour around Yakushima and discover some of the island’s most scenic spots. Visit the Banyan Tree, admire the 88-meter-high Okawa Waterfall, and explore the western forest where you may spot Yakushima macaques and deer. Continue to Nagata Beach before bringing your three-day adventure to a peaceful close.
A Relaxed Final Lunch & Ferry Back to Kagoshima
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Miyanoura Market before making your way back to the port. At 3:45 PM, board the high-speed ferry from Yakushima and arrive at Kagoshima Port at approximately 6:30 PM. Return from the island with unforgettable memories of ancient forests, crystal-clear rivers, and one of Japan’s most extraordinary natural landscapes.
Important Information & Cancellation Policy
Important
Information &
Cancellation Policy
Important Notes
- A separate nature conservation fee of ¥1,500 is required for the Jomon Sugi hike on Day 2.
- Please wear comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes suitable for a full-day hike.
- For the SUP experience, please bring your own swimsuit, towel, and personal drinking water.
- The Jomon Sugi hike takes approximately 10 hours round trip and covers around 22 km. A good level of physical fitness is required. Please get plenty of rest before the hike.
- Please provide details of any physical conditions or circumstances that may affect your participation in the remarks section when booking.
- Please also inform us of any food allergies or special dietary requirements in the remarks section.
Cancellation Policy
- A 5% system cancellation fee will be charged for cancellations made for personal reasons after the reservation has been confirmed.
- 7–4 days before departure: 30%
- 3–2 days before departure: 50%
- On the day before departure / Same-day cancellation: 100%
