basic information

Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a lush green nature park containing a number of the island's ancient cedars such as Nidaiosugi, Kugurisugi and Yayoisugi, the park's most accessible yakusugi which can be reached in a 15 minute walk. Shiratani Unsuikyo is one of the most popular destinations of Yakushima as it is a great place to see the forests without requiring too strenuous hiking.

The park consists of a number of hiking circuits running along a ravine with English signs throughout. The recommended circuits vary in length from one to five hours long, but you are free to wander around and choose your own route among the paths. The trails vary in difficulty from a historic footpath built in the Edo Period to more developed ones paved in stone and wood.

One of the main attractions of Shiratani Unsuikyo is a part of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Stugio Ghibli animated film Mononoke Hime (Princess Mononoke). Oga Kazuo, the lead artist for the film, spent lots of time here working on sketches for the movie's forests. The mountains of the film were further inspired by Akita Prefecture's Shirakami Sanchi Mountains.

The small grove is at the far end of the park on the trail to Tsuji Toge Pass. If you continue on this trail it will lead you to Jomonsugi by way of meeting up with the Anbo Trail about halfway to the entrance of the Okabu Trail. The round trip to Jomonsugi takes approximately twelve hours and is more difficult than the Arakawa Dam Trailhead route.

Boardwalk trail through the forest

Kigurisugi

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how to get there

Shiratani Unsuikyo is located 30 minutes from Miyanoura Port by car. Alternatively, there are four buses per day from Miyanoura Port (530 yen, 35 min).

How to get to and around Yakushima Island

hours and fees

Admission: 300 yen
Hours: None

travel community

Popularity of Shiratani Unsuikyo:
Users who have been to Yakushima: 33
Users who have been to Shiratani Unsuikyo: 12

3rd of 4 most visited sights in Yakushima.
447th of 557 most visited sights nationwide.

Ratings for Shiratani Unsuikyo:

japan-guide.com Rating:		best of Japan
User Rating (by 8 users):	85/100	recommended

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