Shiratani Unsuikyo Tour

Overview

Shiratani Unsuikyo is relatively easy to access and therefore it is a popular destination. Due to its ease of access, some visitors are tempted to “going-it-alone” at Shiratani Unsuikyo, but they miss so much. The hike around the forest with a YES guide is easily twice as long as it would be if you go by yourself which is an indication of how you much you will miss out. Consider the Shiratani Unsuikyo Tour as a “must do” and leave the forest feeling inspired rather than just ticking it off a list.

Depending on the weather and the specific requests of the guests then the full day Shiratani Unsuikyo tour either goes through the ‘genseirin’ route or the route to Taiko Iwa (an outcrop of granite at 1,050m). Both routes have their merits and the YES guide can explain these before setting off on the tour.

There are many water access points along this hike.

Genseirin Route

The `genseirin` route is the quieter of the two routes and offers a better chance of encountering larger trees along the way. This is a circular route. There are a number of small rivers to cross via boulders running across the river. The noteworthy sugi trees along this route include Nidai Osugi, Bugyo sugi and the photogenic Sanbonashi sugi (3 legged sugi) The genseirin route also has probably the best moss area within the Shiratani Unsuikyo forest.

The genseirin route also utilizes the lower section of the Kusugawa Trail as part of the circular route.

Heavy rain can force the Shiratani Unsuikyo forest to be closed due to some dangerous river crossings, but we are often able to take alternative courses that can avoid these dangerous river crossings.

Taiko Iwa Route

The Shiratani Unsuikyo route to Taiko Iwa utilizes an old logging trail called the Kusugawa Trail. The history of this trail begins around 400 years ago. This route requires the tour to go and return along the same route. Highlights along the Kusagawa Trail include the ‘Moss Forest’ which is often unofficially referred to as the ‘Mononoke Hime Forest.’ As the unofficial name implies, this location is connected with the Ghibli Studio animation Princess Mononoke. You will often find walkers congregating here for the obligatory photo. Admittedly, it is a wonderful setting.

Beyond the Moss Forest is the climb towards Taiko Iwa. It takes around 45 minutes to reach the top of Taiko Iwa and on a clear day it has to be the highlight of the day. The view over to the central mountains are great. The highest mountain on the island – Miyanouradake – stands proud in the background. There are also good views of the Arakawa Valley and Tachudake over in the distance.

Locations Map

Field Data

Level:

Distance:

6km

Time:

5-6 hours

Altitude:

600-1,050m

Images

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Tour fees

Guide with English ability

Open TourPrivate Tour
1 person39,000 yen49,000 yen
2 person40,000 yen50,000 yen
3 person48,000 yen57,000 yen
4 person52,000 yen64,000 yen
More the 4 personcontact uscontact us

Guide with Native English
Open TourPrivate Tour
1 person43,000 yen59,000 yen
2 person44,000 yen60,000 yen
3 person54,000 yen69,000 yen
4 person60,000 yen76,000 yen
More the 4 personcontact uscontact us

Tour Information

What's Included:

  • Lunch Bento
  • Transportation

What's not included:

  • Visitors entering the Shiratani Unsuikyo forest aged 15 years or over are requested to pay a 500 yen National Park entry fee. Please make this payment at the National Park entrance on the day of the tour.

Things to bring:

  • When booking a YES tour then we shall send a full list of extra hiking gear required for this tour.
  • If you do not have the correct gear and don’t wish to carry heavy hiking boots on an international flight then YES can arrange hiking gear rental on Yakushima.
    YES! Yakushima Rental services
  • Please check the YES hiking wear recommendations.
    About Hiking Wear

Additional Info:

  • There are many water access points along this hike.
  • When participating on YES tours all guests must have travel insurance to cover accident and medical costs in Japan. Guests without travel insurance in Japan can receive insurance cover from Tokio Marine Nichido Insurance.
    Please click the banner below for more details.

Cancellation Charges

Date/time of cancellationCancellation Charges
15 days in advanceFree
14–8 days in advance30％
7-2 days in advance50％
1 day or on the day100％

Cancellation Policy

A cancellation charge will be waivered only if adverse weather prevents the guest from arriving to Yakushima, or adverse weather forces us to cancel the tour. Under all other circumstances if a the guest cancels a tour then cancellation charges apply.