Nestled deep within Yakushima’s lush forests, Jōmon Sugi is a monumental cryptomeria tree, believed to be between 2,170 and 7,200 years old.

Standing at 25.3 meters tall with a trunk circumference of 16.4 meters, it’s the oldest and largest of its kind on the island.

Discovered in 1968, Jōmon Sugi played a pivotal role in the conservation efforts that led to Yakushima’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

Accessible via a challenging 4-5 hour hike, visitors are rewarded with a glimpse of this ancient giant from a designated observation deck, preserving its sanctity while allowing appreciation of its grandeur.