YakushimaFestival Jomon Cedar and Yakusugi Giant Trees

Jomon Cedar and Yakusugi Giant Trees

The cedar that grows naturally in the mountains of Yakushima at elevations over 500 meters is called Yakusugi.
Of these trees, those that are 1,000 years old or more are called "kosugi" (small cedar), while those that are less than 1,000 years old are called "kosugi" (small cedar).
The forest where the Yakusugi cedars grow is the largest remaining cedar community.
The area was recognized as an important element of Japan's natural landscape and an excellent habitat for cedar, an endemic plant, when it was registered as a World Heritage site.

Jomon Cedar and Yakusugi Giant Trees

Jomon cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)

Tree height　25.3m
Chest height circumference　16.4m
Estimated age　2,170-7,200 years
Altitude　1,300m
Location　Along the Ohkabu Trail

Discovered in 1966, the Jomon cedar is the largest Yakusugi cedar known today.
The short, stocky form of the tree is characteristic of the Yakusugi cedar that grows in typhoon-prone areas.
A 1,000-year-old branch (5 m in length and 1 m in diameter) that was broken in 2005 was named "Jomon Cedar Life Branch" and is on display at the Yakusugi Museum as a clue to the life force of Jomon Cedar trees that live for thousands of years and the origin of the forest.

NEW

Daio cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)

Tree height　24.7m
Chest height circumference　11.1m
Estimated age　3,000 years
Altitude　1,190m
Location Jomon Cedar Climbing Route　Along the Ohkabu Trail

Located on a steep slope, there is a 5.3-meter drop between the top and bottom of the base. There is a large crack at the bottom and the inside is hollow.
Until the Jomon cedars became known, it was said to be the largest Yakusugi cedar and was given the name "Daio".

NEW

Kigen cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)

Tree height　19.5m
Chest height circumference　8.1m
Estimated age　3,000 years
Altitude　1,230m
Location Along Anbo Forest Road

The Yakusugi cedars can be easily seen because they are located along the roadway. It takes 50 minutes by car from Anbo and 15 minutes from Yakusugiland.
Kigen cedars are particularly rich in epiphytic trees, with more than 10 species.
The dead tip was detached for safety in April 2012 and displayed at the Yakusugi Museum. (Total length 150 cm, diameter 60 cm)

NEW