Half of this hike is through the Yakusugi Land forest which is a relatively easy forest trail. After about 90 minutes there is a shelter and a fallen sugi known as Jamon Sugi. The Tachudake junction leaves the Yakusugi Land trail and begins to ascend through a lovely area of forest. Even if you don’t go all the way up to Tachudake, just walking the first 30 minutes after leaving the Yakusugi Land path is worthwhile. There are some big trees in this area and many leftover signs from the logging days. Before the climb really begins there is a small plateau known as Tenmon no Mori .
Around halfway along this trail it begins to gain altitude quickly and when you arrive at a HUGE granite boulder that makes a good shelter from the rain to have lunch then you can feel satisfied that the hardest ascent is over. This doesn’t mean that it’s easy thereafter!
Gradually the trail makes it way upon the ridge of Tachudake and should you be upon the ridge on a windy day then you will certainly know about it. There are some lovely rhododendron along this ridge and if you climb the mountain at the end of May and into June then you should be able to see them in bloom. The ridge is also littered with granite boulders and the trail meanders through and around these rocks. There are a few rope sections to climb, but nothing too taxing.
Finally, the trail comes out at the incredible Tenchuseki (Heavenly Pillar). This is a 40 metre monolith stuck on the very summit of the mountain. Trying to look up to the top of it strains the muscles in your neck! There is a final rope to a granite plateau where you can sit and either eat your lunch or sunbathe (if you are lucky enough to have a sunny day for the hike), but do be careful with the rope climb to the rock as there is a small section that will test the nerve of some hikers.
Tachudake can be seen from the Anbo down by the coast and it is little wonder that it is a revered pilgrimage mountain. As such, please treat the summit with respect as it has ancient and profound spiritual meaning for the local inhabitants.
Due to Tachudake having such a cultural connection with the people of Yakushima, we highly recommend you consider taking the YES Tachudake Tour so that you can better understand where you are walking as well as receiving a wealth of other information regarding the flora and fauna of the area.
Book a Tachudake Tour with YES and we’ll be happy to help you with your Toppy jetfoil reservation.
