You can't visit Yakushima without doing this trek. Highly recommend to hire or bring proper raincoats (top and bottom) and hiking boots. The weather can change on a dime here and as one of the wettest places on earth the moisture somehow just seeps in.
I was extremely out of shape but took the trek very slowly with my elderly parents and finished return trip in around 5.5hrs, much longer than most people would take. The final leg to the top is very steep and a continuous climb up so may not be suitable for everyone.
Not much to say about the trail that others have not said. But the photos barely do it justice. The place is magical and mesmerising. Don't forget to stop and look around.
There is limited parking but somehow the attendants managing it make it work. You can also borrow a wooden walking stick from hr pile at the ticket entrance.
A beautiful forest trail. I definitely recommend it! We arrived by bus from the harbor stop. ¥560 per person – the last stop – entrance to the park. Almost all the trails were closed due to the weather. We were worried that this trip wouldn't go ahead, but the hotel staff, before we left, let us know which trail was open. During our visit, we had a brief period of better weather (about 1.5 hours), and then a downpour brought us down. It's cooler at the park level than at the harbor level, making it more pleasant, but the humidity is high. There are many streams and creeks. I recommend being well-prepared for rain ☺️. If necessary, there are places in town where you can rent equipment.
4 hour hike to the top for great view lookout. hiking boots were needed as there were tiny streams to cross. we went on 15 May 2026, and it did not rain. Weather was great. you get to see moss covered forest that inspired princess mononoke from studio ghibli. we didn’t get a guide, but if you have mobility issues or want peace of mind, we saw some people with guides.
Amazing trail, especially the moss covered forrest. I found the trails not difficult, but please come prepared with proper equipment and food.
If you're a fan of Hayao Miyazaki's films—especially *Princess Mononoke*—then this place is perfect for you. Whether it's raining or the sun is shining, everything is beautiful.
