What to know
Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine (白谷雲水峡) on Yakushima is a lush nature park home to several ancient cedars, including Nidaiosugi and Kugurisugi, the park's most accessible yakusugi, just a 15-minute walk away. It's a popular spot to experience the island's forests without strenuous hiking.
The park features a network of well-maintained hiking trails along the ravine. Recommended circuits range from one to five hours, but you're free to explore and choose your own route. Trails vary from a historic Edo Period (1603–1868) footpath to more developed stone and wood paths. English signs are provided throughout.
One of the main draws is a forest area that inspired Studio Ghibli's animated film Princess Mononoke (Mononoke Hime). The film's lead artist spent considerable time here sketching the forests. The mountains in the film were also inspired by the Shirakami Sanchi Mountains in Akita Prefecture.
The small grove lies at the far end of the park on the trail to Tsuji-toge Pass. Continuing on this trail leads to Jomonsugi via the Anbo Trail, meeting the Okabu Trail entrance about halfway. The round trip to Jomonsugi takes about twelve hours and is more challenging than the route from Arakawa Trailhead.
Shiratani Unsuikyo is a 30-minute drive from Miyanoura Port. Infrequent buses run from Miyanoura Port (35 minutes, 560 yen one way, one bus every 2–3 hours).
How to get to and around Yakushima Island
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- Always open
- Closed
- No closing days
- Admission
- 800 yen (~$5.12)
- English name
- Original name
- Shiratani Unsuikyo
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.