The Tachudake Tour is a combination of a forest hike 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 offers the lot. Most visitors to Yakushima are led to believe that only the Shiratani Unsuikyo forest is where the moss forests of Yakushima are found. The Tachudake Tour has wonderful moss scenes throughout the day.

The Tachudake Tour begins in the Yakusugi Land forest and meanders around the many rivers and streams, passing some giant sugi trees as well as large hemlock and fir trees. There are a few suspension bridges to cross which usually means that this trail is safe during rainfalls (other areas have restricted access due to rivers becoming impassable). During rainstorms the river at Yakusugi Land makes for exciting viewing, although caution should always be taken when around the rivers in such conditions. This area has an interesting logging history and the YES guide will explain this along the way. Remainders of this history lie all over the forest floor.

Leaving the Yakusugi Land trail, the ascent begins towards Tachudake.  Gradually the vegetation changes as it begins to enter the alpine regions: most notably the rhododendrons appear.  The climb is steep in places, but anyone in good health should be able to successfully manage this ascent.  Near the top, the trail follows a ridge where evidence of the winds battering the trees is clearly visible.  At the summit of Tachudake there is a remarkable (and culturally important) monolith called Tenchu Rock.  This is a 40 meter pillar of granite that sits upon the very top of the mountain.  Tachudake is the destination for local pilgrims at certain times of the year.  There are hokora at the summit and the YES guide can explain their significance and the history of the pilgrimage.  On windy days the Tenchu Rock can often provide a good shelter and this is usually where we enjoy the lunch.  From the top (on a clear day) there are views as far as Tanegashima.  There are also views of Aikodake, Anbo and the Arakawa Dam.  There are a few water points along this route so filling up is possible.  The summit of Tachudake is exposed to the sun and a hat is essential.  It can also be windy on the top, so warm garments are required between October – May.

Although water can be found along this hiking trail, it would be good to come with at least a liter.  The summit of the mountain is exposed to the sun and hats are recommended.