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Yakusugi Museum: A Journey Through Ancient Cedars

Explore Yakushima's ancient cedar forests and learn about the island's unique ecosystem at the Yakusugi Museum.

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The Yakusugi Museum on Yakushima Island is dedicated to the island's ancient Yakusugi cedar trees. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the trees' biology, sustainable harvesting practices, and cultural significance, as well as the island's forestry industry.

A brief summary to Yakusugi Museum

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Allow at least 45 minutes to fully explore the museum's exhibits and grounds.
  • Consider visiting the museum before hiking to Jomon Sugi, as it provides valuable context about the island's forests.
  • Check the museum's schedule in advance, as it is closed on the first Tuesday of each month and during the New Year holidays.
  • Take advantage of the English audio guide to enhance your understanding of the exhibits.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From Anbo Port or Miyanoura Port, take a Yakushima Kotsu or Matsubanda bus towards Yakusugi Land. The Yakusugi Museum is located on the bus route to Yakusugi Land. Get off at the Yakusugi Shizenkan (Yakusugi Museum) bus stop. From March to November, this is also the departure point for the Arakawa shuttle bus to the Jomon Sugi trailhead. Bus fares vary depending on the distance. A one-day bus pass costs ¥2,000 for adults. Keep in mind that the bus pass is not valid for the Arakawa shuttle bus.

  • Car

    The Yakusugi Museum is located approximately 5 minutes by car from Anbo Port. From Miyanoura, it's about a 30-minute drive. Follow the road signs towards Yakusugi Land. The museum is located on the way. Parking is available at the museum. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Yakusugi Museum

Nestled in the hills above Anbo, the Yakusugi Museum offers a captivating introduction to Yakushima's unique natural history, focusing on the island's legendary ancient cedar trees, known as Yakusugi. These cedars, some over 1,000 years old, are a defining feature of Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The museum intricately intertwines the stories of the island's lush flora and fauna with comprehensive exhibits that educate visitors about the ecological significance of the Yakusugi trees. Inside, you'll find displays showcasing the biology of the cedars, their ancient growth patterns, and the sustainable harvesting practices that have allowed these majestic trees to thrive for centuries. Exhibits also highlight the history of logging on Yakushima, including traditional tools and techniques used since the Edo period. Notable exhibits include a cross-section of a 1,660-year-old Yakushima cedar, a branch of the Jomon-sugi that fell due to heavy snow, and a virtual reconstruction of Wilson's Stump, the remains of a massive tree felled in the Edo Period. The museum also features a collection of local handicrafts made from cedar. The museum's design itself is noteworthy, constructed with cedar and traditional Japanese carpentry techniques. Visitors can also enjoy a documentary film about the logging village of Kosugidani and the Yakusugi logging industry.

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