What Is Yakushima's "Daio-sugi"? Highlights of Yakushima Trekking: Exploring Giant Trees Like the Jomon-sugi and Yakusugi
What Makes Yakushima’s “Daio Sugi” So Fascinating?
Here’s an easy-to-understand guide to the “Daio Sugi” cedar tree, which you’ll encounter on the hiking trails of Yakushima, including its age, characteristics, and how to get there.
We’ll also be introducing the giant Yakusugi cedars in the area—such as the Jomon Cedar, the Yayoi Cedar, and the Husband-and-Wife Cedars—so please use this information to prepare for your hike.
◆For those who want to efficiently tour Yakushima’s giant tree sites
◆For those considering a trek to the Jomon Sugi on Yakushima
◆For those who want to check what to bring and what to wear for a hike in advance
Yakushima Island
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What Is the "Great King Cedar"?
Basic Information on Yakushima’s Iconic Giant Trees
The "Daio Sugi" is a massive Yakusugi cedar that stands along a hiking trail on Yakushima. Until the "Jomon Sugi" was discovered, it was known as the largest cedar on the island.
Directions: About 4 to 5 hours on foot from the trailhead (one way)
Age, Height, and Trunk Circumference of the Great King Cedar
The height of the Great King Cedar isAbout 25 metersIt is said that the tree is estimated to be about 3,000 years old.
The trunk circumference is11.1 mIt’s truly impressive, and just one look at its majestic presence makes it clear why it’s called the “Great King.”
There is a large hollow at the base, allowing you to experience up close the sheer power of a tree that has survived for so many years.
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The Origin of the Name "Daio Sugi"
The name "Daio Sugi" comes from,1966This name comes from the fact that, until the Jomon Sugi was discovered, this tree was considered the largest Yakusugi on Yakushima.
It was given the name “Great King” due to its overwhelming sense of scale, and that grandeur remains to this day.
Even after the Jomon Sugi came into the spotlight, it continues to captivate many hikers.
The History of the Discovery of the Great King Cedar
The Daio Cedar has been known to local residents since ancient times and has long been cherished as Yakushima’s largest cedar—even before the Jomon Cedar.
Although it lost its title as the “largest” following the discovery of the Jomon Sugi in 1966, its presence has not faded to this day.
It has become a popular spot where many people stop to take in the sights along the hiking trail.
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How to Get to the Great Cedar Tree
You can reach the Great Cedar on foot from the Arakawa Trailhead. Here, I'll explain the specific route and estimated travel time.
Route and Travel Time from the Arakawa Trailhead
From the Arakawa trailhead, you first follow the trolley track for about8.5 km...We'll walk for about three hours.
After entering the Oka-bashu Trail, we followed the mountain path, passing the Wilson Stump, andAbout 40 minutesAnd then we'll arrive at the Great Cedar.
It takes approximately 4 to 5 hours one way from the trailhead to the Daio Cedar.
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Location along the Jomon Sugi Trail
The Daiō Cedar is located halfway along the hiking trail leading to the Jōmon Cedar.
Around the time you pass the Wilson Tree, the trail begins to get steeper, and the Daio Cedar is a prominent landmark that appears just ahead.
Once you pass the Daio Cedar, the trail continues on to the Meoto Cedar and then the Jomon Cedar, so this is a great spot to take a break.
Transportation to the Trailhead
You cannot reach the Arakawa Trailhead by rental car or other private vehicles.
Departing from locations such as in front of the Yakusugi Nature Centermountain busOr, take a taxi to get there.
It's best to buy your mountain bus tickets in advance to make things go more smoothly.
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Things You'll Encounter While Hiking on Yakushima
The Giant Yakusugi Trees
In addition to the Great King Cedar, Yakushima is home to many other impressive Yakusugi cedars. Here are some of the most notable giant trees.
Jomon cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)
The Jomon Sugi is one of the largest Yakusugi cedars on Yakushima, standing 25.3 meters tall with a trunk circumference of16.4 mThe number of such products reaches as high as
There are various theories about its age—some say it’s over 2,000 years old, while others say it’s over 7,000 years old—and it is truly the lord of the forest.
For conservation purposes, visitors are currently asked to view the area from a spot slightly away from the observation deck.
Access: 30 minutes by car from Yakusugi Nature Center to the trailhead, then 10 hours of trekking round trip.
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Yayoi Cedar
The Yayoi Cedar is a Yakusugi located in Shiratani Unsuikyo in northern Yakushima; it is said to be approximately 3,000 years old.
It’s located on a different trail from the Great Cedar, and I was drawn to how easy it was to get there—it only took about 20 minutes from the entrance.
However,Typhoon Damage in 2024As a result, the trunk broke, and it is currently not visible on-site.
Access:About a 20-minute walk from the entrance to Shiratani Unsuikyo
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married couple's cedar
The "Couple Cedars" are Yakusugi cedars in which two trees extend their branches high above the ground and are connected as if they were leaning against each other.
After passing the Great Cedar and walking for a while, it comes into view, and it’s just likeA Couple Holding HandsThat's what makes it so distinctive.
It’s a spot along the trail to the Jomon Sugi where you’ll find yourself stopping to take in the view.
Directions: About a 10-minute walk from the Daio Cedar
Wilson stock
The Wilson Stump is the stump of a massive Yakusugi cedar that was felled during the Edo period.
The interior is a large hollow space, and depending on the angle from which you look up,heart shapeIt's also popular for the way it looks.
Since it’s located just before the Daio Cedar, be sure to stop by and check it out as one of the highlights early on in the Jomon Cedar Trail.
Access: Halfway along the Jomon-sugi trekking route (about a 3-hour walk from the Arakawa trailhead)
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Things to Keep in Mind and Recommended Attire When Visiting the Great Cedar Tree
Since this will be a long trek, advance preparation is very important. Here are some tips on what to bring and what to wear.
Essential Gear for Hiking
Hydration drinks and snacks,Rain GearBe sure to bring it with you.
Since the one-way distance from the Arakawa trailhead to Jomon Sugi is about 11 km, it’s a good idea to bring some snacks to keep on hand in case you get tired.
It’s reassuring to have a headlamp and a first-aid kit on hand in case of an emergency.
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Recommended Clothing and Shoe Choices
Since the weather on Yakushima's mountain trails can change quickly, we recommend wearing layers.
At your feet istrekking shoesChoose shoes that are slip-resistant and comfortable to walk in, such as these.
Since there are wet boardwalks and stairs, you'll feel more secure in waterproof shoes.
Regarding Restroom Use Requiring Advance Reservations
There are restrooms at several locations along the Jomon Sugi Trail, including Kosugidani and just before the Daio Sugi.
Some of them areportable toiletSince it's a dedicated booth, you'll need to buy your tickets in advance.
You can purchase these at the Yakusugi Nature Center and at the shops near the trailhead, so be sure to bring them along.
Yakusugi Trekking
Tips for Getting More Out of It
Here are some key points to keep in mind so you can enjoy your first trek with confidence.
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Benefits of Taking a Guided Tour
Since the Jomon Sugi Trail is a long hike that requires a lot of stamina,guided tourParticipation in the
With a guide by your side, you won’t have to worry about getting lost, and you can enjoy learning about the Yakusugi cedars.
Since you can adjust your pace as you like, even beginners can walk with confidence.
Best Time to Visit and Weather Considerations
Yakushima is an island known for its heavy rainfall—so much so that it’s said to rain “35 days out of every month.”
It is said that the weather tends to be relatively stable from spring through early summer and in the fall.
Typhoon SeasonSince hiking trails may be closed at times, be sure to check the latest information in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Great Cedar Tree
The Daiō-sugi was considered the largest Yakusugi on Yakushima until the discovery of the Jōmon-sugi; it is approximately 3,000 years old and has a trunk circumference of 11.1 meters. The Jōmon-sugi is even larger, standing 25.3 meters tall with a trunk circumference of 16.4 meters, and is currently recognized as the largest cedar on record.
Starting from the Arakawa trailhead, follow the Trolley Trail and the Okabu Trail; the hike takes about 4 to 5 hours one way. You’ll arrive about 40 minutes after passing the Wilson Stump.
Since it’s a long hike—about 11 km one way and taking roughly 10 hours round-trip—we recommend joining a guided tour if you’re not confident in your stamina. You can leave pacing and navigation to the guide, so you can hike with peace of mind.
summary
The Daiō-sugi is a historic Yakusugi tree that was considered the largest on Yakushima until the Jōmon-sugi was discovered.
age of a treeAbout 3,000 years, trunk circumference11.1 mThe sheer scale of this place has a grandeur that can only be truly appreciated by visiting in person.
Be sure to plan a trek on Yakushima that includes nearby attractions like the Wilson Tree and the Husband-and-Wife Cedars.
▼Click here for articles to read in conjunction with this article.
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