A splendid natural garden created from virgin forest, moss, rock and water
Shiratani Unsui Gorge is one of the most popular sightseeing sites on Yakushima Island. Reached by car in 30 minutes some 12 km away from Miyanoura, it can also be accessed by regular bus from Miyanoura Port. Located at a range from 600-1100m in altitude, the huge 424ha recreational forest begins with the 3000-year-old Yayoisugi and is a place where you can easily see a primeval forest with Yakusugi cedars and an evergreen forest. The area is carpeted with low-lying vegetation such as ferns and moss, and along the mountain streams, there are many types of flowering plants. Through viewing the clear Shiratani River flowing through the middle of the forest, the layers of huge rocks, the waterfalls gushing between the gaps in the rocks, you can appreciate the delights of this sheer ravine, and since the forest has been preserved in its natural state, you can easily enjoy the recreation there through activities such as hiking.
Walking courses matched to your stamina
Within this recreational forest, there are 3 courses available according to your physical ability: the Yayoisugi Course (60min), the Bugyosugi Course (3 hours), and the Taikoiwa Round-Trip Course (4 hours). There are also two very popular spots which are the Kokemusu Mori (Moss Woods) which was the model for the Hayao Miyazaki film “Princess Mononoke” and Taikoiwa (Drum Rock) at 1050m in altitude where you can see Mt. Miyanoura and Mt. Oku in the distance while seeing the Anbogawa River in the Kosugi Valley area below. You can individually and easily enjoy hiking but there are also various tours available so with advance reservations, you can also do so with a guide. Also, in Shiratani Unsui Gorge, there is a mountain trail which heads for the highest peak of Mt. Miyanoura while passing through Tsuji Pass, Wilson Stump, Daiousugi and Jomonsugi.