Ryujin Sugi: Encounter the Dragon God on Yakushima
Discover Yakushima's hidden gem: Hike through ancient forests to the majestic Ryujin Sugi, the Dragon God Cedar.
Hike to Ryujin Sugi, a majestic 2,000-year-old cedar on Yakushima Island, offering a tranquil alternative to the popular Jomon Sugi. This challenging trail rewards experienced hikers with stunning forest scenery and a sense of serene isolation.
A brief summary to Ryujin Sugi
- Miyanoura, Yakushima, Miyanoura, Kumage District, Kagoshima, 891-4205, JP
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- This is a challenging 13km hike, allow 8-9 hours for the round trip.
- Wear appropriate hiking boots and clothing, and carry plenty of water and snacks.
- Be prepared for stream crossings; the water level can rise in bad weather.
- Consider calling ahead to reserve a spot at Yu no Kono Yu, a small public bath with heated spring water near the trailhead.
Getting There
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Car
From Miyanoura Port, drive towards the Yakusugi Museum. Continue past the museum towards the Comprehensive Nature Park (総合自然公園). From the parking lot, you can either drive 3.3km up the gravel road (if you're brave) or continue 1km by foot up the logging road to reach the official trailhead. Parking is free at the Nature Park.
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Bus
From Miyanoura or Anbo, take a bus towards the Yakusugi Museum. From the museum, it's a 1km walk to the trailhead. Bus fares vary depending on the distance, check the local bus timetable for accurate pricing. Be aware that buses are infrequent, especially to the interior.
Discover more about Ryujin Sugi
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