What other travelers are saying about Shiratani Unsuikyo
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.
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.
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.
Part of the driveway towards the valley was very narrow, which might be difficult for some drivers to pass with confidence. Free carpark was available beyond the ticketing office. There were toilets here. A small fee was required to enter the area. The staff introduced a few routes with different levels of difficulty and time required. A one hour walk was minimal. The forest was misty during my visit, like a fairy tale. After several visits to this kind of sightseeing point, it was not so unique without trees aged more than three thousand years old. But it was worth going on the island.
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.