山並み
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Kigensugi Cedar

4.5
·447 reviews·Yakushima, Japan

An ancient, imposing cedar tree estimated to be 3,000 years old, accessible via a forest boardwalk near Yakusugiland.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mid-day

Bus stops are brief

CrowdMedium
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山並み

Kigensugi Cedar

Best Time

Mid-day

Bus stops are brief

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An ancient, imposing cedar tree estimated to be 3,000 years old, accessible via a forest boardwalk near Yakusugiland.

4.5
(447 reviews)

"Great to see if you couldn't get to the Jomon Sugi tree."

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TIP

Quick Stop Potential

See Kigensugi Cedar during a brief bus stop (approx. 18 mins) en route to/from Yakusugiland. Don't linger too long!

Car Rental Recommended

Renting a car offers the most flexibility for reaching Kigensugi Cedar and exploring Yakushima's other sights.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Kigensugi Cedar

Kigensugi Cedar

Near Yakusugiland

An ancient, imposing cedar tree estimated to be 3,000 years old, accessible via a forest boardwalk.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Kigensugi Cedar

Kigensugi Cedar is a magnificent ancient tree, but access can be tricky. Many visitors find it's best viewed as a quick stop on a larger Yakushima itinerary, rather than a primary destination. Consider combining it with Yakusugiland for a more efficient exploration of the island's natural wonders.

Transportation to Kigensugi Cedar

Reaching Kigensugi Cedar requires some planning. While buses do stop nearby, the time allotted is often brief. Renting a car offers more flexibility to explore at your own pace and access other Yakushima attractions, making the journey smoother.

Best Times

When
Mid-day
Why
Bus stops are brief
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Yakushima Itinerary Advice – May 2025

Quick Stop Potential

See Kigensugi Cedar during a brief bus stop (approx. 18 mins) en route to/from Yakusugiland. Don't linger too long! Reddit

Car Rental Recommended

Renting a car offers the most flexibility for reaching Kigensugi Cedar and exploring Yakushima's other sights. Reddit

reddit.com

Itinerary: Can I manage both Okinawa and Yakushima?

Combine with Yakusugiland

It's more efficient to visit Kigensugi Cedar before or after Yakusugiland, rather than walking between them. Reddit

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Tips

from all over the internet

Quick Stop Potential

See Kigensugi Cedar during a brief bus stop (approx. 18 mins) en route to/from Yakusugiland. Don't linger too long! Reddit

Car Rental Recommended

Renting a car offers the most flexibility for reaching Kigensugi Cedar and exploring Yakushima's other sights. Reddit

Combine with Yakusugiland

It's more efficient to visit Kigensugi Cedar before or after Yakusugiland, rather than walking between them. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(447 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Kigensugi Cedar is appreciated as an ancient and imposing tree, often viewed as a convenient stop on a larger Yakushima itinerary. While its accessibility is a plus, some visitors feel it's not a destination that warrants significant time or a dedicated trip, especially when other impressive cedars are available nearby.

"Totally not worth it, can’t see much beyond another thick Cedar. I would suggest doing the hiking tours instead or Tomonguchi that’s quite impressive"

Pedro Molina Cabrera

"It's a large tree close to the road. Takes around 15 or so minutes to reach down a windy road from Yakusugiland"

Mathew Fedley

"Great to see if you couldn't get to the Jomon Sugi tree.
🚌 Getting there: If you're taking the bus, I would recommend going directly before or after Yakusugi Land. The bus will stop at this stop for 18-ish minutes. You can get off the bus, walk down the steps, see this tree, and walk back to the bus and get on before it does its U-turn to go back to Yakusugi Land and finally Anbo. You don't need to spend more than the 18 minutes here, and walking to/from Yakusugi Land is kind of a waste because the point is to walk INside Yakusugi Land."

Stephanie C (StephySays)

What People Like

Ancient and imposing tree
Easy boardwalk access
Convenient stop

What People Dislike

Not worth extra drive
Brief viewing time
Other cedars are better

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Kigensugi Cedar is accessible by bus, with stops near Yakusugiland. However, the bus typically only allows about 18 minutes for viewing. Renting a car is highly recommended for more flexibility and to combine your visit with other Yakushima attractions like Yakusugiland. Reddit

Yes, driving is the easiest way to reach Kigensugi Cedar. The roads are generally well-maintained, and having a car allows you to control your schedule and easily access other parts of the island. Reddit

While technically possible, walking between Yakusugiland and Kigensugi Cedar is generally not recommended as it can be time-consuming and detracts from the experience of exploring Yakusugiland itself. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no separate ticket required to see Kigensugi Cedar itself. However, if you plan to visit Yakusugiland, there will be an admission fee for that area. Reddit

Kigensugi Cedar is located in a natural forest area and is accessible during daylight hours. There are no specific opening or closing times for viewing the tree itself. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Most visitors find that 15-20 minutes is sufficient to see Kigensugi Cedar, especially if you are on a tight bus schedule. If you have a car, you might spend a little longer, but it's not an attraction that requires extensive time. Reddit

Kigensugi Cedar is viewed from a forest boardwalk that leads you close to the tree. The path is generally well-maintained and easy to navigate. Reddit

Yes, Yakushima is famous for its ancient cedar trees. Yakusugiland itself features many impressive cedars, and some visitors feel they are equally or more impressive than Kigensugi Cedar. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Kigensugi Cedar can be a quick and easy stop for families. The boardwalk is generally accessible, making it manageable for strollers or for children to walk. It's a good opportunity to introduce kids to the concept of ancient trees and the importance of nature conservation. Reddit

To make the most of it with children, consider combining this visit with Yakusugiland, which offers more space for exploration and a greater variety of natural sights. Having a rental car will also make the journey less stressful for families, allowing for flexibility with nap times and snack breaks. Reddit

🚗 Road Trippers & Car Renters

If you've opted for a rental car on Yakushima, Kigensugi Cedar is a straightforward addition to your itinerary. The drive up is scenic, and parking is generally available near the access point. This allows you to easily integrate it into a day of exploring the island's natural beauty, perhaps before or after a longer hike or visit to another forest area. Reddit

With a car, you can decide how long you want to spend at Kigensugi Cedar without being tied to a bus schedule. This flexibility is key for road trippers who want to savor the journey and make spontaneous stops. It also means you can easily visit other less accessible, but equally stunning, natural spots on Yakushima. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding Kigensugi Cedar's Significance

Kigensugi Cedar is a truly ancient yakusugi, a cedar tree native to Yakushima Island. Estimated to be around 3,000 years old, it stands as a testament to the island's unique ecosystem and longevity. The tree is accessible via a boardwalk, allowing visitors to get a close-up view of its immense trunk and venerable presence. While impressive, some visitors note that it's a relatively quick stop, often best integrated into a broader Yakushima exploration. Reddit

Many travelers suggest that while Kigensugi Cedar is a notable sight, it might not be worth a dedicated, lengthy trip if time is limited. The consensus from online discussions is that its value is often as a convenient stop, particularly when combined with nearby attractions like Yakusugiland. This allows visitors to maximize their time on the island and experience a variety of Yakushima's natural wonders without excessive travel between points of interest. Reddit

Navigating Yakushima's Transport for Kigensugi Cedar

Getting to Kigensugi Cedar involves understanding Yakushima's transportation options. Public buses do service the area, and a stop is conveniently located near Yakusugiland. However, the bus schedule can be restrictive, often allotting only about 18 minutes for visitors to disembark, view the tree, and re-board. This makes it a very brief encounter with the ancient cedar. Reddit

For a more relaxed and comprehensive experience, renting a car is frequently recommended by travelers. This provides the freedom to set your own pace, spend more time at Kigensugi Cedar if desired, and easily connect it with other destinations on the island. The drive itself offers scenic views of Yakushima's lush landscapes, making the journey part of the adventure. Reddit

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