SHIRATANI UNSUIKYO RAVINE
TAIKOIWA ROCK

Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is widely known as the setting that inspired the film "Princess Mononoke." The hiking course stretches 6.5 km from Shiratani Plaza (600m above sea level) to Taikoiwa Rock (1,050m above sea level). From "Taikoiwa Rock," you can enjoy a panoramic view of Yakushima's central mountains, including Kyushu's highest mountain, Mt. Miyanoura. In the natural recreation forest, you can admire magnificent Yakusugi cedar trees over 1,000 years old. It is also renowned as one of the famous mossy forests in Yakushima.

Season

Year-round (Please check with the Yakushima Tourism Association for latest information, as the access may be restricted or the park may be closed during high water levels.)

Standard Time Required

Course Duration: 4 hours round trip
Estimated Time from Hotel: Depart at 8:00 AM, return at 3:00 PM

Required Items

Forest Environmental Maintenance Fund 500 yen (junior high school students and above)
Hiking boots
Rainwear (top and bottom)
Backpack
Backpack cover (※recommended to rent from local shops)
Bento (Lunch box)
Drinks
Rations (easy-to-eat snacks)

Bento (Lunch box)

You can place an order at the hotel front desk until 7:00 PM the day before.
It will be available for pick-up at the front desk from 4:00 AM.

Schedule

8:00 AM: Depart from the hotel
9:10 AM: Arrive at Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine
10:00 AM: Pass through Kuguri Sugi
10:10 AM: Arrive at Shika no Yado/Shiratani Hut (toilet break)
10:20 AM: Arrive at Mossy Forest
10:50 AM: Arrive at Tsuji no Iwaya (lunch break nearby)
11:10 AM: Arrive at Taikoiwa Rock
11:20 AM: Depart from Taikoiwa Rock (return via Hiryu Footpath)
1:45 PM: Depart from Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine
3:00 PM: Arrive at the hotel

Restroom

Two locations (Shiratani Plaza, Shiratani Hut)

Access

Parking Lot: Available (50 spaces)
Bus: There is a bus service between Shiratani Unsuikyo and Miyanoura.
If using the Shiratani bus from the hotel, a transfer is required at the "Koharamachi" bus stop.
Taxi: Booking in advance is required.

Arrangement for a Guide
Estimated guide fee

About 12,500 yen per person (including tax and insurance, with a private guide option available).
The fee varies depending on the number of participants. Please check the homepage of each guide company for details.

Others

Hiking activities

YAKUSUGI LAND

Yakusugi Land is a nature recreation forest spreading across an elevation of 1,000 to 1,300 meters, where you can easily enjoy the uniqueness of Yakushima. It is one of the few places in Japan where you can admire the primeval cedar forests, which have almost disappeared in the country. The vast forest offers five courses ranging from 30 to 210 minutes, allowing you to choose a course that suits your interest and stamina. The 30-minute course is fully equipped with wooden paths, but for courses over 80 minutes, it is recommended to wear hiking boots. Among the approximately 1,600 species of moss in Japan, Yakushima is home to over 600 species of moss. Yakusugi Land has been selected as one of “Japan's Precious Moss Forests", making it an excellent place to admire a variety of mosses.

Hiking activities

SHIRATANI UNSUIKYO RAVINE
TAIKOIWA ROCK

Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is widely known as the setting that inspired the film "Princess Mononoke." The hiking course stretches 6.5 km from Shiratani Plaza (600m above sea level) to Taikoiwa Rock (1,050m above sea level). From "Taikoiwa Rock," you can enjoy a panoramic view of Yakushima's central mountains, including Kyushu's highest mountain, Mt. Miyanoura. In the natural recreation forest, you can admire magnificent Yakusugi cedar trees over 1,000 years old. It is also renowned as one of the famous mossy forests in Yakushima.

Other

ISLAND SIGHTSEEING

Around Yakushima Island, there are numerous tourist spots. These include the Seibu Rindo Forest Path, where you can drive through a World Natural Heritage area; Oko-no-Taki Waterfall, one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls; Nagata Inakahama Beach, the top nesting site for sea turtles in Japan; Kigensugi-cedar, an estimated 3,000-year-old cedar visible from the car window; and Nakama Gajumaru, brimming with tropical vitality. From prefectural and town roads to lesser-known backroads off the main roads, Yakushima is full of various enchanting landscapes. We recommend renting a car so you can adjust your stay time as you wish.

Water activities

River kayaking

If you have half a day free, we recommend river kayaking. Anbo River, famous for kayaking, is about a 20-minute drive from the hotel. From near the mouth of the Anbo River, you can paddle upstream to reach a beautiful valley surrounded by forest, where you will be greeted by the green of Laurel-forest and the clear emerald-green water. Looking up at Yakushima from the water, you can discover a new side of "Water Island Yakushima." Some guides offer kayak tours in secluded, less-visited areas.

Craft and experiences

Yakusugi cedar craft experience

Handcrafting with Yakusugi wood is recommended not only on rainy days but also on sunny days. As you reflect on the timeless moments spent in Yakusugi, create a unique travel memory with your handmade craft.

Recommended sightseeing
model course

We introduce sightseeing spots and activities, please use this as a reference.
This is not an optional tour by the hotel.