Shiratani Unsuikyo

The mossy forest of Shiratani Unsuikyo is famous for being the setting of "Princess Mononoke." Trees and rocks are covered in thick moss, creating a fantastic atmosphere of deep green primeval forest. While it's possible to visit this mystical forest on your own, joining a guided tour will allow you to hear anecdotes and trivia about the forest from a guide from Yakushima, making your experience even more enjoyable. The guided tours provide detailed explanations of the forest's ecology and historical background, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the forest's charm and have a unique experience. The mossy forest of Shiratani Unsuikyo is a fascinating spot where you can feel the mystery of nature.

Drum Rock in Shiratani Unsuikyo is a unique spot featuring huge granite rocks. Located deep in Shiratani Unsuikyo, it's about 2.8 kilometers from the entrance and at an altitude of 1050 meters. In particular, during the spring season, a colorful natural carpet of pink mountain cherry blossoms, yellow-green new leaves, and green cedar trees spreads out. If you visit Drum Rock during this season, you'll be able to see beautiful flowers and moss-covered rocks, and encounter breathtaking scenery. From Drum Rock, you can enjoy different views depending on the season. In spring, the cherry blossoms and new leaves harmonize, in summer, rich greenery spreads out, in autumn, the autumn leaves are beautiful, and in winter, the scenery is covered in snow. You'll be overwhelmed by the powerful presence of Drum Rock while feeling the changing expressions of nature throughout the seasons.

The Yayoi Cedar Course in Shiratani Unsuikyo is a recommended course that takes about an hour round trip. The path is well-maintained, making it easy for elementary school children, those with time constraints, and beginner hikers with little confidence in their physical abilities to enjoy a casual stroll. The Yayoi Cedar Course does not require professional climbing equipment, so the path is mainly paved with stones and wooden stairs. Therefore, sneakers or light hiking shoes are sufficient for enjoying a leisurely stroll. On this course, you can feel the nature while strolling through the beautiful Yakusugi forest. The surrounding area is filled with Yakusugi trees that are over hundreds of years old, and the lush green scenery stretches out before you. While walking through the forest, you can relax in the clear air and rich natural surroundings. The Yayoi Cedar Course is recommended for those with time constraints or beginners, but it still offers the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful natural environment. It's the perfect course for those who want to easily experience the natural charm of Yakushima!

The Bugyo-sugi Course in Shiratani Unsuikyo is a trekking course of about 4km round trip and approximately 3 hours in duration. On this course, you can view majestic Yakusugi trees over 1,000 years old, such as the Nidai-o-sugi, Sanbon-ashi-sugi, Sanbon-yari-sugi, and the Bugyo-sugi. These giant trees have an overwhelming presence and allow you to feel the rich history of nature on Yakushima Island. Compared to the Yayoi-sugi Course mentioned earlier, the Bugyo-sugi Course has steep ups and downs and is a more advanced hiking trail. Therefore, we recommend wearing trekking shoes or boots. Although it is a popular course, it tends to be less crowded as it does not include landmarks such as the Taiko-iwa or the mossy forest. It is a course suitable for those who want to enjoy nature in a quiet atmosphere. On the Bugyo-sugi Course, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery unique to Yakushima Island and the splendid appearance of Yakusugi trees. Take a stroll through the beautiful forest while feeling the breath of nature!

The Taiko Iwa Round Trip Course in Shiratani Unsuikyo is a trekking course that takes about 4 hours round trip and covers a distance of approximately 5.6km. This course is the most popular route in Shiratani Unsuikyo, leading to both "Taiko Iwa" and the "Mossy Forest". Taiko Iwa, as the name suggests, is a huge rock shaped like a drum, and you can feel its overwhelming power. The Mossy Forest is a beautiful forest covered in moss, offering a fantastic and mystical view. The Taiko Iwa Round Trip Course is the most difficult of the three courses, requiring proper trekking gear such as trekking wear, shoes, and boots. There are steep inclines and rocky areas, so you need to walk carefully. However, this course is within the range of round-trip hiking for elementary school students and above who have the stamina, so even beginners can challenge themselves to climb and trek. Experience the beauty and power of nature and enjoy the great outdoors of Yakushima, including Taiko Iwa and the Mossy Forest!