The Complete Guide to Yakushima’s “Shitoko Gajumaru Park”! Details on Duration, Access, and Highlights
What Is "Shitoko Gajumaru Park" on Yakushima?
In this column, we’ll take a look at “Shitoko Gajumaru Park,” a popular tourist spot on Yakushima,the time required・Here's a summary of how to get there and the highlights.
Reading this will help you plan an efficient sightseeing itinerary, so if it’s your first time visiting, be sure to use it as a guide.
◆For those who also want to visit nearby tourist attractions
◆For those who want to check how to get there from Miyanoura Port or Yakushima Airport
◆For those who are wondering whether to visit Shidoko Gajumaru Park during their trip to Yakushima
Yakushima Island
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Basic Information on Shidoko Banyan Tree Park
First, let’s start by checking out some basic information about Shidoko Gajumaru Park, such as how to pronounce its name, its history, and admission fees.
Access: 30 minutes by car from Yakushima Airport
Pronunciation and History
Shitogo Gajumaru Park is pronounced "Shitogo Gajumaru Koen."
This nature park, which opened in Heisei 6, preserves the precious subtropical forests that stretch along the coast of Yakushima.
Actually, banyan trees grow wild in this spot.The Northernmost PointIt's also known as...
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Park Hours and Admission Fees
The park is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is closed during the year-end and New Year's holidays (December 29 through January 3).
Admission was 240 yen for adults and 120 yen for elementary, middle, and high school students, but starting in April 2026,freeIt has become.
It’s a great spot to drop by casually, so we recommend it as a stop during your sightseeing trip to Yakushima.
One of Yakushima's Largest Banyan Tree Colonies
The park is densely populated with ancient banyan trees said to be between 300 and 500 years old.
The Largest on YakushimaIt's also known as the Banyan Tree Garden, and you can enjoy tropical trees like the akou and hamabiiwa as well.
It seems that many people find themselves so captivated by the subtropical scenery—which they don’t usually get to see—that they lose track of time.
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How to Get to Shidoko Gajumaru Park
This spot is easier to reach by rental car than by public transportation. Let’s take a look at the different routes.
Access from Miyanoura Port
From Miyanoura Harbor,About a 10-minute drive...which is only about 7 km away.
Since it's close enough to stop by right after arriving on Yakushima, it's the perfect first stop on your trip.
It's about a 7-minute walk from the nearest Shidoko bus stop.
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Access from Yakushima Airport
From Yakushima AirportApproximately 30 minutes by carWe'll arrive in about that long.
If you rent a car, it's easy to make this your first stop on your tour of the island from the airport.
There's parking for 15 cars, and restrooms are available, so you can feel free to stop by.
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How Long It Takes to Visit Shidoko Banyan Tree Park and How to Tour It
Here are some estimates of how long it might take, along with tips for making the most of your visit.
Time Required to Walk the Entire Trail
The walking paths in the park are well-maintained, and if you just walk around the entire park, it takes about10 to 15 minutesYou can get by with just that much.
If you take a shortcut, you can get through in about five minutes, but since you're here, I recommend taking your time and enjoying the walk.
Even if you stop to take photos, 20 to 30 minutes is plenty of time to really enjoy it.
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The walking trail iscounterclockwiseThis is the typical route to take.
There are even spots where you can actually touch the aerial roots of the banyan tree, so be sure to stop and take a look.
Bringing along some insect repellent will make your walk even more enjoyable.
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Highlights of Shidoko Gajumaru Park
There are plenty of highlights to see, from the banyan trees to the coastal scenery.
A giant banyan tree between 300 and 500 years old
The star of the park is, without a doubt,300 to 500 years oldIt's a huge banyan tree.
The sight of countless aerial roots intricately intertwined is truly awe-inspiring—it looks almost like a living creature.
It is said that this is the only place on Yakushima where you can find a banyan tree grove of this size.
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A jungle-like walking trail
When you walk along the well-maintained trail, it feels as if you're exploring a jungle.
Akou, and...OtaninawariYou can also get a close-up look at plants unique to tropical regions, such as these.
It’s a luxurious walking route that lets you experience something out of the ordinary in just a short time.
The View from Shidoko Beach
Right next to the park lies Shidoko Beach.
From the parking lot on the hill, the view is beautiful in the eveningSunsetThere are actually a lot of people who say that's what they're hoping for.
While observing the banyan trees, be sure to enjoy the ocean view as well.
Reviews and Feedback on Shidoko Gajumaru Park
Let's take a look at some real reviews from people who have actually visited.
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Positive Reviews
We often see comments like, “The walking path was well-maintained and easy to walk on.”
"I've never seen a banyan tree this big, andI was moved."Comments like that really stand out, too."
The reasonable admission price and the fact that visitors can enjoy the park in a short amount of time are also popular features.
Reviews That Caught My Attention
On the other hand, some people commented that “it would be nice to have a few more informational signs.”
Also, some people say there are a lot of mosquitoes at certain times of the year, so,Insect Repellent MeasuresIt's a good idea to do this just to be on the safe side.
It is often a stop on group tours, so it can get crowded depending on the time of day.
Nearby Attractions You'll Want to Visit While You're There
There are plenty of popular spots on Yakushima that you’ll want to visit while you’re there.
Okawa Falls
Ooko-no-Taki Waterfall is located at88m dropIt is one of Yakushima’s most iconic waterfalls, selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls.
It's only about a 2-minute walk from the parking lot to the base of the waterfall, so you can experience the powerful spray up close.
It’s a bit of a drive from Shidoko, but it’s a spot you’ll definitely want to include on your drive around the island.
Access: 1 hour drive from Yakushima Airport
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Yakushima Lighthouse
Standing at the tip of Cape Nagata, this historic lighthouse, which was first lit in 1897,The White LighthouseIt is.
Although you can't tour the interior, you're free to view the exterior, and the view of Kuchinoerabu Island is a real highlight.
Please note that access may be restricted due to landslides in some areas, so we recommend checking for the latest information before your visit.
Directions: About a 55-minute drive from Yakushima Airport
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Shidoko Gajumaru Park
It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to walk the entire loop, but if you want to take your time and enjoy taking photos, it’s best to allow about 20 to 30 minutes. If you take a shortcut, you can complete the loop in about 5 minutes.
The park features a parking lot with space for 15 cars and restrooms. It’s an easily accessible spot, located about a 10-minute drive from Miyanoura Port.
It became free starting in April 2026. We recommend checking for the latest information before your visit.
summary
Shidoko Banyan Tree Park is a natural attraction you can easily stop by right after arriving on Yakushima.
Since it only takes about 20 to 30 minutes, we recommend combining a visit here with other nearby tourist attractions.
Be sure to add this to your itinerary as part of your trip to Yakushima.
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