Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine
Map
Shiratani Unsuikyo is a ravine along the Shiratani River in northern Yakushima, within the Yakushima Recreational Forest and a special zone of Yakushima National Park. Heavy rainfall has eroded the granite, leaving huge boulders scattered through a mossy primeval forest with a mystical atmosphere. The 'Princess Mononoke Forest' area, said to be one of the models for the setting of the film Princess Mononoke, is especially famous.
Nature Info
- Type
- Old-growth forest
- Elevation
- Elevation 600-1,050m (around Taikoiwa)
- Access
- About 20 minutes by car from Miyanoura Port on Yakushima; a shuttle bus also runs (varies by season)
History & Origins
The Kusugawa trail, built in the Edo period to haul out cut granite, remains today and is used as a walking path. After Yakushima was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993, it drew international attention, and many hikers and tourists have visited since. The Yayoi Sugi, a giant cedar estimated to be about 3,000 years old, is a symbol of the area.
Highlights
In the area known as the 'Mononoke Forest,' moss covers rocks and fallen trees, creating a fantastical forest world. The roughly 3,000-year-old Yayoi Sugi and the view from Taiko-iwa rock are also popular, conveying the grandeur of Yakushima's nature. Waterfalls large and small are scattered through the ravine.
Visitor Guide
A mountain entry cooperation fee is requested. There are several courses, from the 'Satsuki Suspension Bridge Course' (about 1 hour) to the 'Taiko-iwa Course' (4 to 5 hours). Because it rains a lot here, waterproof rain gear and non-slip hiking shoes are essential.
Best Season
The fresh green of April to June and autumn from September to November are good times to visit. Yakushima receives heavy rainfall throughout the year, and the green of the moss is especially vivid after rain.
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