Shiratani Unsuikyo trekking guide

Shiratani Unsuikyo is a beautiful area where you can fully experience the great nature of Yakushima, and its mysterious atmosphere attracts many climbers and tourists. This is a trekking area with particularly beautiful moss in Yakushima, with a fantastic view of the moss-covered forest, also known as ``Princess Mononoke's Forest,'' and a highly transparent mountain stream, making you feel as if you have stepped into another world. You can.

The Shiratani Unsuikyo trekking course is suitable for beginners to intermediates, and is relatively short compared to the Jomonsugi Climb, and can be enjoyed in about 2 to 3 hours one way. There are three types of routes that allow you to fully enjoy the beauty of nature, and each has its own unique charm. Another major attraction of this course is that it is close to Miyanoura Port and has convenient access from the area where the hotel is located.

Currently, due to the effects of the typhoon that occurred in 2024, two routes, the Yayoisugi Course and the Bugyosugi Course, are closed to traffic. Therefore, this time we will introduce the representative Taikoiwa course.

Source: Yakushima Recreation Forest Protection Management Council

Taikoiwa course

The Taikoiwa course takes approximately 4 to 5 hours round trip and has a total distance of approximately 5.6km, allowing you to fully enjoy Yakushima's rich nature.
It has a moderate difficulty level that can be enjoyed by beginners to intermediate climbers, making it very popular among beginners. Taikoiwa Rock, located at the end of this course, offers a breathtaking view of the mountains in central Yakushima, including Kyushu's highest peak, Mt. Miyanoura.

View from Taikoiwa

Taking photos while sitting on Taikoiwa (Courtesy of Yakushima Tourism Association)

Along the way, you will pass various famous spots as you walk along the Taikoiwa Course.

walk under the cedar

Magnificent Yakusugi (Nanhonsugi)

Pay attention to the amount of rain during rainy days

On the way to the moss-covered forest, there is a point where you cross a stream. Be especially careful during rainy days, as rising water may make it impossible to cross. Even if you can cross on the way out, the water level in the stream may rise on the way back and make it impossible to cross. Overconfidence is extremely dangerous, as water accidents have occurred in the past. When the water rises, it is not only impossible to cross the stream, but it can also be life-threatening. Therefore, please climb at a comfortable pace and prioritize safety according to the situation.

Prepare for rain before climbing

Yakushima is an area with a lot of rain, so we recommend wearing layered clothing that can be adjusted according to the temperature and amount of exercise when climbing. The official website of the Yakushima

Source: Yashima Tourism Association
Yakushima Tourism Association (climbing clothing)

Climbing equipment rental

THE HOTEL YAKUSHIMA rents mountaineering equipment. Even if you come to the island empty-handed, we will show you the best clothing for mountain climbing, so please feel free to come. When it rains, the roads become muddy and slippery in many places. Therefore, it is better to have waterproof trekking shoes. THE HOTEL YAKUSHIMA also has rental shoes available, so please feel free to use them if you need them.

French outdoor brand Salomon

Don't forget to arrange your hiking lunch

Since it will be a long trek, you will need to have lunch while climbing. Lunch boxes can be arranged at the hotel. Please let us know the number of items you need at check-in. The lunch fee will be settled at the time of check-out. There is also a supermarket near the hotel, so there is no problem if you arrange your own packed lunch.

Lunch box (920 yen including tax)

Access to Shiratani Unsuikyo

Shiratani Unsuikyo Gorge can be accessed by rental car or bus.

How to go by bus

You can take the Yakushima Kotsu bus from the Miyanoura Port (first bus stop) near the hotel. ‍Buses

[To]

  • Departure: 8:10 Miyanoura Port
  • Arrival: 8:45 Shiratani Unsuikyo

【return】

  • Departure: 16:10 Shiratani Unsuikyo
  • Arrival: 16:45 Miyanoura Port

How to go by rental car

If you head to Shiratani Unsuikyo in a rental car from your hotel, you can enjoy climbing freely without having to worry about bus schedules. It takes about 30 minutes by car from the hotel to Shiratani Unsuikyo. The parking lot is free and can accommodate up to 50 cars, but it is often full during peak seasons, so we recommend leaving early.

  • Parking fee: Free
  • Number of parking spaces: up to 50
  • Time from hotel: about 30 minutes

Bus fare and mountain entry fee

The following fares are required for the bus to Shiratani Unsuikyo. Buses in Yakushima only accept cash and IC cards cannot be used, so please be sure to have 1000 yen bills (old bills only) ready. In addition, a mountain entry fee is required for climbing the mountain, and this fee must be paid at the entrance to Shiratani Unsuikyo.

  • bus fare
    • One way 560 yen (adult)
    • Cash only
  • Mountaineering cooperation fund
    • 500 yen (adult)
    • any

Guided tour with transportation

THE HOTEL YAKUSHIMA offers guided tours led by Yakushima-certified veteran guides. The guide will guide you along the way and explain the highlights in detail, so you can enjoy the mountain with peace of mind. Transportation from the hotel is also included, making it convenient to access.

Particularly in Shiratani Unsuikyo, there are multiple streams to cross, and in rough weather it can be difficult for beginners to make decisions. For a safe and enjoyable experience, we recommend using a guided tour.


In addition, there are two ``Mountain God Days'' every year, once on the New Year's Day according to the lunar calendar. On this day, people who work in the mountains do not climb the mountains, but instead pray for safety and give thanks to the mountains in their villages. Therefore, guided tours will be suspended.

"Yakushima Official Guide" is a guide recognized by Yakushima Town who has passed a special examination. Yakushima's weather is very changeable and it has a rich natural environment, so some places are dangerous to enter. That's why Yakushima's certified guides are insured in case of an accident or injury, and have first aid skills. Furthermore, since he actually lives in Yakushima Town, he is able to guide you not only to famous places such as Jomon Cedar and Shiratani Unsuikyo, but also to unknown and attractive places.

Tour information is posted on the activity page.
For details, please check the tour application page.

Implementation periodRuns all year round
Application deadlineUntil the day before your stay
Time required8:00-15:30 (Currently departing around 7:00 due to detour course)
itinerary

08:00 Hotel Departure
08:30 Shiratani Unsuikyo Arrival
(trekking)
15:00 Shiratani Unsuikyo Departure
15:30 Hotel Arrival
Please check the tour application page for details.

CapacityFrom 1 person (this will be a shared tour with other customers)
FeeFrom 9,000 yen
What's included in the priceInsurance, transportation expenses
Payment methodPay at checkout
remarks