Shiratani Unsuikyo

4.7 (200)・Hiking Area・Park・Point Of Interest・Establishment

Shiratani Unsuikyo on Yakushima Island is a forest that feels like time has stood still. This old forest is famous for its moss, tall cedar trees, and clear streams. It was the inspiration for the forest scenes in the movie “Princess Mononoke” and has captivated visitors from around the world.

The forest has trails for all levels of hikers. One of the most popular trails is the Shiratani Creek Trail to Taikoiwa Rock. The views from the top are amazing. Another important trail leads to the Jomon Sugi, a cedar tree over 7,000 years old, one of the oldest and largest in Japan.

Shiratani Unsuikyo is a forest of great biodiversity. The humidity fosters a wide variety of mosses and ferns, covering the forest floor and trees in a lush green carpet. The air is fresh and clean and the sound of the streams is soothing.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s recognized globally for its ecological and cultural significance. It’s largely untouched and a rare glimpse of Japan’s natural heritage. The paths are well maintained but it still has an air of mystery.

Hours:

Open 24 hours

Closed:

No closing days

Available:

All Year

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome

Admission Fee:

500 yen (15 years and older) - National Park

Hours

Monday: Open 24 hours

Tuesday: Open 24 hours

Wednesday: Open 24 hours

Thursday: Open 24 hours

Friday: Open 24 hours

Saturday: Open 24 hours

Sunday: Open 24 hours

Phone

+81 997-42-3508

Website

y-rekumori.com

The area

Address

Miyanoura, Yakushima, Kumage District, Kagoshima 891-4200, Japan

Top ways to experience Shiratani Unsuikyo

4hrs

Yakushima 1DAY Shiratani Unsuikyo Walking With Eng Speaking Guide

From $150 /person

Private Yakushima Trekking Tour: Unveiling Shiratani-Unsuikyo's Beauty

From $408 /person

5hrs

Explore Yakushima's Enchanting Forests on our Yakusugi Land Walking Tour

From $389 /person

What other travelers are saying about Shiratani Unsuikyo

A beautiful piece of nature not far from the harbor town. There are several routes, some easy and well maintained, others more wild and challenging. You can walk all three or combine them as you like. I spent 5 hours here and still didn't see everything. There are no vending machines and toilets only at the entrance. There is a hut halfway up the mountain with drinkable water, but be sure to bring enough supplies.

Katharina

Jun 5, 2024

Only a single trail course is available as of October 2024 due to heavy rain, and lots of people were there for hiking including large groups. ETA of a round trip to Taiko Iwa is about 3 hours if you are used to walking but depends on how you walk. Taking lots of pictures with taking time for posing would need more time. Since the trail is well-maintained, easy to trace the course and there are lots of people, you wouldn't need to hire a guide(for distress prevention), and wouldn't need heavy-duty gear.

csp

Oct 9, 2024

Easier hiking trails than some of the higher / full day experiences. Different length courses depending on your ability. Facilities available and a fee to enter.

Joshua Sohn

Sep 12, 2024

We chose the green route to walk into the mossy 🌳 forest, blessing us with a fine day in the morning hike. Surroundings are stunning giant cedars and mossy plants on the trees and stones. The formed wooden stairs and the stone steps are well maintained, not a difficult climb all the way. We haven’t climb up to the Taiko Rock due to the knee pain. Indeed, it is a wonderful place to enjoy the beauty of nature.

Rene Kam

Apr 18, 2024

Magical forest it took me around 5hrs, walking slowly taking it all in. It was lightly raining throughout, at 25+ degrees it added to the experience for me. Absolutely beautiful. I chose to do the green route, then doing the little loop red route at the end. The orange was closed off due to the weather. I get the impression most people do the green route. Notes about travel, I took the local bus from Miyanoura harbor to Shiratani Unsuikyo 500+ YEN, be careful they run once every 2hrs and finish after 4/5pm so plan ahead.