Famous Yakusugi Cedars

Yakushima Island has the most southern distribution of Japanese cedar called “Yakusugi”. Cedars in Yakushima over 1,000 years old are called “Yakusugi” and the younger cedars are called “Kosugi” which means child cedar. All other cedars, planted cedars in man-made forests are called “Jisugi”.
Yakusugi cedars grow in mountainous areas above 500 meters above sea level and are known for its close annual rings (growth rings). Most of Yakushima is made of granite. The soil in which Yakusugi grow is poor due to the abundant rainfall leaching away its nutrients. Moreover, the harsh environment; typhoon, winter snow, and poor sunshine, is a big factor on the slow growth rate of Yakusugi trees.
Massive and ancient Yakusugi cedars such as “Jomonsugi cedar”, estimated to be thousands of years old with a 43 meter circumference root spread, can still be seen. In addition, there are many Yakusugi stumps. “Wilson’s Stump” the most famous stump has a trunk circumference of 13.8 meters at 5 meters above ground level.

1. Jomonsugi Cedar

• Height 25.3 meters
• Chest Height Trunk Circumference 16.4 meters
• Presumed age 2,000 – 7,200 years old
• Altitude 1,300 meters
• Location Along the Ohkabu Mountain Trail

Jomonsugi Cedar is considered to be the largest Yakusugi with a trunk, circumference of 16.4 meters, the largest in Japan. Jomonsugi’s stocky and short shape is characteristic of Yakusugi cedars growing in the harsh environment of Yakushima’s high meantime.
 Because of its shape, Jomonsugi Cedar was not valued during the Edo period and survived the massive logging done at that time. The age of Jomonsugi Cedar has been estimated to be from 7,200 years old to 2,000 years old. Being hollow a more precise dating of Jomonsugi Cedar difficult.
 In 1996 a wooden observation deck was built to protect Jomonsugi Cedar from the increase in visitors.

2. Meotosugi Cedar ( Couple Cedar )

• Height
  • The husband (right side): 22.9 m
  • The wife (left side): 25.5 m
• Chest Height Trunk Circumference
  • The husband (right side): 10.9 meters
  • The wife (left side): 5.8 meters
• Presumed age
  • The husband cedar: 2,000 years old
  • The wife cedar: 1,500 years old
• Altitude 1,230 meters
• Location Along the Ohkabu Mountain Trail

 Meotosugi Cedar is actually two Yakusugi cedars standing three meters apart and connected by a branch ten meters above the ground. There are many examples of cedars connected at the base root but rarely higher.
 Meotosugi appears to be a cedar couple holding hands, a heartwarming sight.
 Also in Autumn, the leaves of the epiphyte plants growing on Meotosugi are very colorful and beautiful.

3. Daiosugi Cedar

• Height 24.7 meters
• Chest Height Trunk Circumference 11.1 meters
• Presumed age 3,000 Years old
• Altitude 1,190 meters
• Location Along the Ohkabu Mountain Trail

 Daiosugi Cedar is a hollow Yakusugi growing on a steep slope with a 5.3 meter gap between the upper and lower roots. To protect the upper roots, the path of the trail was moved to go around the lower side of Daiosugi Cedar.
 Before the discovery of Jomonsugi, Daiosugi was considered to be the largest Yakusugi. The name Daiosugi literally means the great king of cedars.

4. Wilson’s Stump

• Chest Height Trunk Circumference 13.8 meters
• Presumed age 2,000 years old
• Altitude 1,030 meters
• Location Along the Ohkabu Mountain Trail

 Wilson’s Stump is a remnant of a large Yakusugi cut down around 300 years ago.
Wilson’s Stump is hollow and has a spring springing out from it. There are also three young cedars, descendant of Wilson’s Stump, growing at its side. This is a good example of regeneration a stump.
 Dr. E. H. Wilson, a notable English plant collector, researched Yakusugi cedar and introduced this large stump to the world. Wilson’s Stump was named after him.

5. Okinasugi Cedar

• Height 23.7 meters
• Chest Height Trunk Circumference 12.6 meters
• Presumed age 2,000 years old
• Altitude 1,000 meters
• Location Along the Ohkabu Mountain Trail (Caution) Fell over in September, 2010

The top of Okinasugi Cedar is damaged. However, there are many epiphytes living on this tree. The appearance of Okinasugi Cedar with epiphyte’s root crawling on the trunk is a characteristic of very old Yakusugi.
 The humidity around here is high because there is a small stream and wetland, and therefore Okinasugi Cedar is covered by moss, a typical forest on Yakushima.

6. Niosugi Cedar

• Height 22.8 meters
• Chest Height Trunk Circumference 8.3 meters
• Presumed age Uncertain
• Altitude 860 meters
• Location Along the Forest railroad

Niosugi Cedar is located on a steep slope like a bluff facing the Anbo river. Because of this situation there are many falling rocks and the ground is unstable. Therefore this cedar inclines downward.
Niosugi Cedar seems to have been left alone by loggers and it is surrounded by the shrubs which seem to be second vegetation.

7. Sandaisugi Cedar

• Height 38.4 meters
• Chest Height Trunk Circumference 4.4 meters
• Presumed age 500 years old
• Altitude 740 meters
• Location Along the Forest railroad

The first generation of Sandaisugi Cedar fell down at an estimated age of 2,000 years. The second generation, which germinated on a fallen first generation of Sandaisugi, was cut down at estimated age of 1,000 years. The third generation, which germinated on the stump of the second generation, is estimated to be several hundred years old. This Yakusugi is passing on life for more than 3,000 years. （Supplement）Sandaisugi means three generations of cedars.
The third generation of Sandaisugi Cedar is juvenile and is a remarkable example of Yakusugi cedar’s regeneration. It is designated as a cedar having an excellent gene by the Japan Forest Agency.

8. Aikosugi Cedar

• Height 26.2 meters
• Chest Height Trunk Circumference 5.7 meters
• Presumed age Uncertain
• Altitude 620 meters
• Location Along the Forest railroad

There are many large Yakusugi along the trolley trail between Kosugi-dani site and Arakawa.The Yakusugi around here stand on a steep slope.The barks of these cedars do not appear fresh and have much less foliage because the bottom is a deep ravine and get strong winds.
One can say that they grow in an extremely severe environment and also the aspects of the forest are very poor. Aikosugi Cedar stands on unstable ground and declines generally like a situation of Niosugi Cedar.

9. Kawakamisugi Cedar

• Height 27.0 meters
• Chest Height Trunk Circumference 8.9 meters
• Presumed age 2,000 years old
• Altitude 1,280 meters
• Location Along the Forest railroad

Kawakamisugi Cedar stands on unstable ground and a steep slope. Kawakamisugi Cedar’s location is not the best place to grow for cedars because the forest path runs through below this cedar and it is surrounded by shrubs from three directions; nevertheless the crown of Kawakamisugi Cedar is solid and the bark is well, so it is very lively.
Kawakamisugi Cedar is named after the man who changed the road- construction program to protect this cedar.

10. Kigensugi Cedar

• Height 19.5 meters
• Chest Height Trunk Circumference 8.1 meters
• Presumed age 3,000 years old
• Altitude 1,230 meters
• Location Along the Anbo Forest Road

The head of Kigensugi Cedar is dead, however it looks full of energy when you see it from down below. It is a characteristic of Kigensugi Cedar that it coexist with many epiphytes, which are very big, even grows on the tree. These epiphytes glowing on Kigensugi Cedar, such as Yakushima rhododendron and Japanese rowan, bloom various flowers in each season.

11. Futagosugi Cedar ( Twins Cedar)

• Height
  • Left side: 22.2 meters
  • Right side: 22.7 meters
• Chest Height Trunk Circumference
  • Left side: 1.7 meters
  • Right side: 2.1 meters​
• Presumed age Uncertain
• Altitude 1,010 meters
• Location In Yaku-sugi Cedar Land

Futagosugi cedar (Twin cedar) can be seen on the 30 minute hiking trail in Yakusugi Land. Futagosugi cedar is young cedars and growing on one stump, which is known as stump regeneration. Futagosugi Cedar will be a good example to observe a generation change due to logging and a sustainable forest management.
Many of evergreen broad-leaved trees can be seen around here, and it is interesting to see the forest vegetation that close to the upper limit of the laurel forest area.

12. Kugurisugi Cedar

• Height 25.7 meters
• Chest Height Trunk Circumference 3.2 meters
• Presumed age Uncertain
• Altitude 1,010 meters
• Location In Yaku-sugi Cedar Land

（Supplement）People walk through Kugurisugi Cedar’s trunk like a tunnel.
It seems that a cedar above, what is now becoming a part of Kugurisugi Cedar, fell to another cedar down below and then united together. Although Kugurisugi Cedar is still young, it is a well-known cedar that crosses a hiking trail because it is located on one of the popular courses in Yakusugi Land where many tourists visit every year.

13. Buddha-sugi Cedar

• Height 21.5 meters
• Chest Height Trunk Circumference 8.0 meters
• Presumed age 1,800 years old
• Altitude 1,010 meters
• Location In Yaku-sugi Cedar Land

Buddha-sugi Cedar grows on the flat, high humidity and thick forest. The trunk has hollowed out considerably and the health of this cedar has declined remarkably.
Buddha-sugi Cedar is located in Yakusugi Land, which is a popular tourist spot. Thus, the Ministry of the Environment built an observation deck in 1997 to protect from many hikers stepping.

14. Iwatosugi Cedar

• Height 19.3 meters
• Chest Height Trunk Circumference 6.2 meters
• Presumed age 2,600 years old
• Altitude 1,040 meters
• Location In Yaku-sugi Cedar Land

Iwatosugi Cedar grows on a slope at Yakusugi Cedar Land, about 70 meters upward of Buddha-sugi Cedar. The scale of Iwatosugi cedar looks much bigger than Buddha-sugi Cedar when you look at it from below. Yet actually, half of the trunk is lacking and the aging is remarkably fast. Iwatosugi Cedar has already lost its shape. Soon it will collapse and die, and then second generation will be seen through the regeneration on the fallen tree.

15. Jamonsugi Cedar

• Height 23.6 meters
• Chest Height Trunk Circumference 8.3 meters
• Presumed age 2,000 years old
• Altitude 1,080 years
• Location In Yaku-sugi Cedar Land (Caution) Fell over due to typhoon in 1997

Jamonsugi Cedar grew on the mountain where the density of the Yakusugi is high, but fell down completely in the typhoon in September, 1992. When you look at the place where Jamonsugi Cedar stood, there is no surface soil but instead bare granite. It will show you that Yakusugi grow on soil not completely rich.
Falling such a big tree means that the ground of the forest can receive a lot of sunlight. At the same time, it means that the forest already has the right condition for Regeneration on a fallen tree, which is characteristic of Yakusugi’s growth condition.

16. Odasugi Cedar

• Height 28.6 meters
• Chest Height Trunk Circumference 8.2 meters
• Presumed age 2,500 years old
• Altitude 1,060 meters
• Location In Yaku-sugi Cedar Land

Odasugi Cedar has a good appearance and is tall. The trunk of Odasugi cedar is covered by moss and the large Trochodendrones grow on its bottom. The place around Odasugi Cedar growing is called Tenmon Forest (meaning astronomical forest), which is famous for the beauty and many broad-leaved trees growing, and large Yakusugi cedars are outstanding in this forest.

17. Tenchusugi Cedar

• Height 33.8 meters
• Chest Height Trunk Circumference 8.2 meters
• Presumed age 1,500 years old
• Altitude 1,030 meters
• Location In Yaku-sugi Cedar Land

Tenchusugi Cedar stands in the hollow near the stream which is not affected by the wind very much. ‘Tenchu’ means a pillar which supports the sky from below and it can be said that Tenchusugi Cedar deserves the name for its considerable height.
The Trochodendrones grow on its root and its figure sticking to the tree is interesting. This is a good example of how epiphytic plants coexist with the Yakusugi cedars.

18. Hahakosugi Cedar

• Height
  • Mother: 31.3 meters
  • Child: 29.5 meters
• Chest Height Trunk Circumference
  • Mother: 9.0 meters
  • Child: 6.3 meters
• Presumed age
  • Mother: 2,600 years old
  • Child: 2,600 years old
• Altitude
  • Mother: 1,030 meters
  • Child: 1,030 meters
• Location In Yaku-sugi Cedar Land

Two cedars unite at the roots so that it seems as if a mother and child are cuddled up together. Thus, these two Yakusugi cedars were named Hahakosugi Cedar, meaning Mother and child. The mother cedar has already died; however, it seems the child, young cedar, supports the mother from below. The forest around Hahakosugi Cedar is a mature forest where many large Yakusugi cedars grow.

19. Mitsunesugi Cedar

• Height 26.1 meters
• Chest Height Trunk Circumference 9.3 meters
• Presumed age 1,100 years old
• Altitude 1,030 meters
• Location In Yaku-sugi Cedar Land 

Mitsunesugi Cedar grows on a broken Yakusugi. Because Mitsunesugi cedar grows by wrapping around the former broken cedar stump, the bottom of Mitsunesugi Cedar becomes very big. It is a good example in which the cedar’s regeneration can be seen.

20. Yamatosugi Cedar

• Height 34.9 meters
• Chest Height Trunk Circumference 10.2 meters
• Presumed age 3,000-4,000 years old
• Altitude 1,260 meters
• Location In Yaku-sugi Cedar Land 

Yamatosugi Cedar has the secondly big trunk next to Jomonsugi Cedar among Yakusugi surveyed. The height of the Yamatosugi is considerably higher than other Yakusugi cedars and the bark of this tree is fine because it stands in hollow ground and is less affected by wind.
Yamatosugi Cedar quietly stands below the Hananoego Mountain Trail where mountain climbers rarely walk through. However, Yamatosugi Cedar is actually a massive cedar when you approach and see its bottom.

21. Bandaisugi Cedar

• Height 13.2 meters
• Chest Height Trunk Circumference 8.6 meters
• Presumed age 3,000 years old
• Altitude 800 meters
• Location About 2 hours upward from the Mocchomu Mountain Trail (Senpiro-no-taki Waterfall Route)

Bandaisugi Cedar grows on the end of the ridge which stretches through the valley of Tainoko River from Mt. Mocchomu. The wind is very strong here. Bandaisugi Cedar wraps its thick roots around the rock. There are few big trees around Bandaisugi Cedar, so Bandaisugi Cedar is a rare find. Its stocky and short figure is suitable to survive and avoid strong wind.

22. Mocchomu Taro Cedar

• Height 24.5 meters
• Chest Height Trunk Circumference 9.4 meters
• Presumed age Uncertain
• Altitude 820 meters
• Location About 2 hours upward from the Mocchomu Mountain Trail (Senpiro-no-taki Waterfall Route)

Mt. Mocchomu is a towering mountain facing the sea; nevertheless the area behind this mountain is not affected by the wind. Consequently, massive Yakusugi cedars are growing at there. Mocchomu Taro Cedar grows on the back of Mt. Mocchomu, where the rocky slope is covered by much humus soil, thus this huge tree has an abundant crown and a sturdy appearance. The unique and unusual name that is rare to the Yakusugi cedar, Mocchomu Taro, was given in 1976 by a public name offering.

23. Mocchomu Hanako Cedar

• Height 19.5 meters
• Chest Height Trunk Circumference 6.3 meters
• Presumed age Uncertain
• Altitude 680 meters
• Location Mocchomu Mountain Trail

Mocchomu Hanako stands on a cliff, on the south side of Mt. Mocchomu. Although the area which this cedar lives is a windy and harsh environment, it is possible to survive because it stands on a ledge of small flatland near the river. It shows the strength of the vital force of Yakusugi cedars.

24. Ohdosugi Cedar

• Height Uncertain
• Chest Height Trunk Circumference 8.3 meters
• Altitude 1,070 meters
• Location Along the Former Kurio Mountain Trail

Ohdosugi Cedar is a log which was cut down in the Edo Period and it has been remained at the same place. Even though the inside of the log is hollow, it has a visible scar after having cut the usable part. There is also a remaining stump which corresponds to this log and these tell us how people in the Edo era used Yakusugi cedar trees.

25. Dairyusugi Cedar

• Height 12.8 meters
• Chest Height Trunk Circumference 7.1 meters
• Presumed age Uncertain
• Altitude 1,220 meters
• Location Along the Hanayama Mountain Trail

Two-thirds of the upper part of Dairyusugi Cedar has already died and there is a hint that three cedars once stood separately. Only the lower part is fine, and the branches extend widely and transversely at 7 or 8 meters above the ground. It can be seen along the Hanayama Mountain Trail.

26. Hachihonsugi Cedar

• Height 25.4 meters
• Chest Height Trunk Circumference 2.8 meters
• Presumed age Uncertain
• Altitude 980 meters
• Location Along the Ohko Forest Road

Hachihonsugi Cedar, meaning eight cedars, germinates in line on a fallen tree, and that is a remarkable example of ‘regeneration on fallen trees’. Because there are many remained stumps, fallen trees and scattered chips of wood, Hachihonsugi cedar seems to be fallen Yakusugi’s descendants which were cut by humans. These eight cedars seem to be from the same generation, but the difference of the growth is remarkable. Eventually one of the biggest cedars will survive among these young eight cedars and become thousands years old Yakusugi.

27. Yayoisugi Cedar

• Height 26.1 meter
• Chest Height Trunk Circumference 8.1 meters
• Presumed age 3,000 years old
• Altitude 710 meters
• Location In Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine

Yayoisugi Cedar is a huge cedar in Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine and a large number of people visit there to see it. Yayoisugi cedar is the representative Yakusugi that was not cut in Edo era because it was judged unusable because of its appearance and complicated shape of the trunk and upper branching. Yayoisugi Cedar is a Yakusugi which grows in relatively low altitude. There is a beautiful Distylium racemosum grove around Yayoisugi Cedar. The forest vegetation around Yayoisugi Cedar is interesting because it is a Yakusugi which grows in the laurel-leaved forest

28. Sanbon-ashi-sugi Cedar

• Height 25.0 meters
• Chest Height Trunk Circumference 3.9 meters
• Presumed age Uncertain
• Altitude 800 meters
• Location In Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine

Sanbon ashi-sugi Cedar, ‘sanbon ashi’ meaning three legs, is a relatively young Yakusugi cedar whose bottom is divided into three directions and stretches widely. Its figure is unusual as its name suggests. Sanbon ashi-sugi Cedar seems to have germinated on a fallen tree or rocks and then grew up while wrapping it. It is said the shape became like this because the rocks or fallen tree under the roots was eventually washed away or rotten.

29. Sanbon-yari-sigi Cedar

• Height 25.0 meters
• Chest Height Trunk Circumference 2.7 meters
• Presumed age Uncertain
• Altitude 830 meters
• Location In Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine

Three cedars, called Sanbon-yari-sugi Cedar, grow on the inclined trunk. (“Sanbonyari” means three spears.) It seems that the two of cedars which grow in the middle of this trunk did “the regeneration on the fallen tree” and then united it.
It is interesting to be able to see the growth process (the development of Yakusugi cedars) when you observe over again, not only Sanbon-yari-sugi Cedar but also the other unusual shape of Yakusugi cedars.

30. Bugyosugi Cedar

• Height 24.0 meters
• Chest Height Trunk Circumference 8.5 meters
• Presumed age Uncertain
• Altitude 820 meters
• Location In Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine

Bugyosugi Cedar is the biggest Yakusugi in Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine among Yakusugi surveyed. It has an old Yakusugi cedar’s presence with entire trunk covered by moss and the trunk which is wound around by epiphytic plants. Bugyosugi Cedar has a “test cut” scar from a test which was performed to judge the quality of the Yakusugi timber during the Edo era on its trunk. Because this cedar was judged as unusable timber at that time, it was remained in the forest.

31. Tenbodaisugi Cedar

• Height 18.0 meters
• Chest Height Trunk Circumference 4.9 meters
• Presumed age Uncertain
• Altitude 830 meters
• Location In Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine

Tenbodaisugi Cedar is a young Yakusugi which germinates on a stump by wrapping a root around the stump. The view from Tenbodaisugi Cedar is superb so it is called Tenbodaisugi, meaning Observatory Cedar. There are few people who visit this cedar today because a new mountain trail was made in a different location.

32. Kugurisugi Cedar (in Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine)

• Height 22.0 meters
• Chest Height Trunk Circumference 3.1 meters
• Presumed age Uncertain
• Altitude 850 meters
• Location In Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine

Kugurisugi Cedar is located near the Shiratani Mountain Hut. The shape of this cedar which is divided by roots into two like a tunnel is relatively common as a Yakusugi and step over the Kusugawa Mountain Trail. It is thought that Kugurisugi Cedar might have grown on a perishable tree such as a Japanese hemlock because there is no evidence of the fallen tree which became the foundation of Kugurisugi Cedar.

33. Nanahonsugi Cedar

• Height 18.0 meters
• Chest Height Trunk Circumference 8.3 meters
• Presumed age Uncertain
• Altitude 850 meters
• Location In Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine

Nanahonsugi Cedar, meaning seven cedars, is a straight wonderful yakusugi, but not tall. The seven branches on the upper part rose themselves up and re-formed this cedar’s crown which is replacing the damaged upper trunk by strong wind with other branches. As a result, Nanahonsugi Cedar can get adequate sunlight. Even though this area which Yakusugi cedars grow is frequently attacked by typhoons, Nanahonsugi Cedar is a remarkable example and representative shape of Yakusugi cedars which keeps longevity without falling down.

34. Sharano-osugi Cedar

• Chest Height Trunk Circumference 5.7 meters
• Presumed age 1,600 years old
• Altitude 730 meters
• Location In Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine (Caution) Fell over due to typhoon in 1995

The place where Sharano-osugi Cedar grows is very windy and Sharano-osugi Cedar was broken at seven meters height by a typhoon in 1995.
Even when survey was held in 1992, Sharano-osugi Cedar’s height was short with 14.3 meters. It can be said that because of the effect of the wind and there are not many leaves left on the crown.

35. Shiratani-ohsugi Cedar

• Chest Height Trunk Circumference 6.3 meters
• Presumed age Uncertain
• Altitude 730 meters
• Location In Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine (Caution) Fell over in 1988

Shiratani-osugi Cedar seems to have been broken around 1988. There is a stump remaining which is 3.2 meters high and also a fallen upper part of its trunk. A lot of young Yakusugi cedars germinating on this fallen tree were confirmed by a survey held in 1992. This germination is the beginning of the regeneration of a fallen tree. What we are seeing now would be a dramatic moment of Yakusugi cedars life on the thousand year scale.

36. Sanbonsugi Cedar

• Height 23.4 meters
• Chest Height Trunk Circumference 4.9 meters
• Presumed age Uncertain
• Altitude 550 meters
• Location Along the Kusugawa Mountain Trail

Sanbonsugi Cedar stands at the lowest altitude of all the surveyed Yakusugi cedars. (Yakusugi cedars make their appearance from around 800 meters above sea level.) There are no big differences in the appearance of Sanbonsugi Cedar and ordinary cedars.
 Sanbonsugi Cedar is located along the mountain trail which people used when Yakusugi timbers were carried out from the forest in the Edo period.

37. Taikosugi Cedar

• Height 17.6 meters
• Chest Height Trunk Circumference 8.5 meters
• Presumed age Uncertain
• Altitude 1,280 meters
• Location Along the Former Miyanoura Mountain Trail

Taikosugi Cedar is rather short because it stands on the ridge where chilly northwest winds blow through in winter. However, the bark of Taikosugi Cedar is young in appearance and its branches are firm. It is said that Taikosugi Cedar is like a young Jomonsugi Cedar and a very lively Yakusugi.
Taikosugi Cedar is located along the old trail which is rarely-used today and where visitors are infrequent.