The Tachudake tour is a combination of a Yakushima forest and mountain hike. If you only have a day to hike on the island and wish to experience the great variation of Yakushima’s environment then this trek is as good as any.
The hike begins in the Yakusugi Land forest where there is a magnificent array of large conifers including some giant sugi trees as well large hemlock and fir trees. There are a few suspension bridge crossings and during rainstorms the rivers make for exciting viewing. The Yakusugi Land area has a logging history and reminders of the forest`s past story lie all over the forest floor.
Leaving the Yakusugi Land trail, we begin to climb up towards Tachudake. Gradually the vegetation changes as we begin to enter the alpine regions: most notably the rhododendrons appear. Near the top we walk along a ridge where evidence of the winds battering the trees is clearly visible. Upon the summit of Tachudake is the remarkable (and spiritual) Tenchu Rock. This is a 40 meter granite monolith sitting upon the very top of the mountain and it has to be the highlight of the Tachudake Tour. On windy days Tenchu Rock can often provide a good shelter. From the top we can see as far as Tanegashima. Nearer to us are Aikodake, Anbo and the Arakawa Dam.
The Tenchu Rock has significant spiritual value to the local inhabitants. It is visible from the coastal region on the east side of the island. It is also the destination of pilgrims who bring their offerings to the mountain in the spring and fall.
The top of Tachudake is exposed to the sun and a hat is essential. It can also be windy on the ridge and summit so bring something warm to wear as we shall have lunch at the top.
There are a few water locations along this trail.
Level 4/5 | Distance: 8km | Time 8 hours | Altitude 1000 ～ 1497m
Guide Rate (per person)
１person: 57,000円
2 people: 29,000円
3 people: 23,000円
4 or more: 20,000円
Included in the guide rate： lunch bento | transportation
Excluded from the guide rate ： 500 yen per adult National Park entry fee