Kigensugi Cedar: A Living Ancient

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Witness the ancient majesty of Yakushima's Kigensugi Cedar, a 3,000-year-old natural wonder easily accessible and surrounded by serene forests.

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Kigensugi Cedar

The Kigensugi Cedar is a celebrated ancient tree estimated to be around 3,000 years old, located in Yakushima, Japan. Easily accessible, it's a majestic sight and a testament to the island's ancient forests.

A brief summary to Kigensugi Cedar

Onoaida, Yakushima, Onoaida, Kumage District, Kagoshima, 891-4404, JP
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Kigensugi Cedar.

If traveling by bus, plan your visit strategically around the Yakusugi Land schedule to maximize your time.
Consider renting a car for flexible exploration of the island and easy access to Kigensugi Cedar.
Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Yakusugi Land for a richer experience of Yakushima's ancient cedar forests.

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Getting There

Car

From Anbo, drive along the Route 592 towards Yakusugi Land. Continue past Yakusugi Land for another 15-20 minutes. Kigensugi is located along the road. Parking is available near the site. Note that the road can be winding.
Public Transport

Take the bus from Anbo towards Yakusugi Land and Kigensugi. The bus ride to Kigensugi takes approximately 60 minutes. Get off at the Kigensugi bus stop, which is located right in front of the tree. The bus makes only two round-trips per day. The one-way fare from Anbo is ¥1260.

Discover more about Kigensugi Cedar

The Kigensugi Cedar, towering along the Yodogawa line on Yakushima Island, is a profound symbol of nature's enduring power. Estimated to be around 3,000 years old, this ancient Yakusugi cedar offers visitors an accessible glimpse into the island's primeval forests. Standing at a height of 19.5 meters with a trunk circumference of 8.1 meters, it is the largest Yakusugi cedar that can be reached by car, making it a unique and popular destination for those exploring Yakushima. While the tree's upper part is withered, the lower section bursts with life, hosting over a dozen species of plants, including Japanese cypress, maple, and rhododendron. This vibrant coexistence highlights the resilience and biodiversity of Yakushima's ecosystem. The Kigensugi's mossy humps and gnarled appearance tell a story of centuries weathered, creating a humbling experience for all who visit. Located approximately 22 km from Awa along the Yodogawa line, the Kigensugi Cedar is easily spotted near the road, about a 15-20 minute drive from Yakusugi Land. Though some find a quick visit sufficient, others recommend combining it with a trip to Yakusugi Land for a more immersive experience of Yakushima's ancient cedars. In winter, the tree is dusted with snow, adding to its majestic beauty.