activity

    Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine

    A moss-covered forest and stunning views from Taikoiwa Rock—
    a place to encounter the primal landscape of Yakushima.With crystal-clear mountain streams meandering through a deep moss-covered forest, Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is rich with nature’s beauty.On sunny days, shafts of sunlight filter through the trees; when shrouded in mist, the forest transforms into a mystical world.Ever-changing expressions offer a fresh sense of wonder with each visit.Climb through this enchanting forest and up to Taikoiwa Rock to be greeted by a breathtaking panorama of the central mountains of Yakushima, including Mt. Miyanoura.Here, stillness and grandeur meet—an otherworldly landscape found nowhere else.

    Basic information

    Season
    Year-round (access to Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is restricted in the event of a weather warning or while snow cover is present)
    Standard Duration
    Activity time
    Taikoiwa Rock Trail: Approx. 6 h round-trip
    Schedule when departing from Sankara: Depart at 8:00am, return at 4:00pm
    Moss-covered Forest Trail: Approx. 3 h round-trip
    Schedule when departing from Sankara: Depart at 8:00am, return at 1:30pm
    Required Hiking Gear
    Forest Environmental Maintenance Fund (junior high school students and above): ¥500
    Hiking boots, rain gear for hiking (jacket and pants), backpack and cover.
    (Hiking equipment is available for rental. As availability is limited, please inform us of the items you require in advance.)
    Packed meals (lunch)
    Drinks (at least 500 ml, refill points available)
    Snacks (easy-to-eat foods)
    Recommended Additional Gear
    Trekking poles, folding umbrella
    Packed meals
    Packed lunch: Orders are accepted until 7:00pm the day before.
    *Orders must be collected prior to departure for the trailhead.
    Schedule
    8:00am: Depart from hotel
    9:00am: Arrive at Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine (toilet break)
    9:15am: Start hike
    11:30am: Shiratani Hut (toilet break)
    12:00pm: Moss-covered forest (the half-day tour ends here)
    12:30pm: Tsujitoge Pass (lunch break)
    1:15pm: Taikoiwa Rock
    3:30pm: Arrive back at Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine
    4:40pm: Arrive at hotel
    Restrooms
    2 restrooms (Shiratani Plaza, Shiratani Hut)
    Access
    Rental car: The Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine Trailhead is 1 h 10 min. from Sankara.
    Parking lot available (60 spaces).
    Bus: Take the bus bound for Miyanoura from Botanical Research Park, the closest stop to Sankara. Transfer at Oharamachi to the bus bound for Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine.
    Taxi: Advance booking is required.
    Guide Fee (Reference)
    From ¥12,500 per person (including tax and insurance. Private guided tours are available for an additional fee)
    The fee varies depending on the number of participants.
    Advice
    A detour is currently in place due to typhoon damage in August 2024 that caused a landslide near the Satsuki Suspension Bridge.As a result, a section of the hiking trail has been extended, making the hike more physically demanding.Please allow extra time and ensure you are physically prepared before setting out.