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Yakushima Half-Day Shiratani Unsuikyo Trekking Tour to Mossy Forest

4.70· 118 reviews

Highlights

Trek through the lush mossy forest of Shiratani Unsuikyo in just half a day
Visit the famous "Mossy Forest" said to have inspired Princess Mononoke
Enjoy a guided hiking experience ideal for beginners and casual trekkers
Choose a convenient rental gear set to travel light and stay prepared
Admire the mystical Yakushima forest filled with rich greenery and streams

What to expect

Choose from morning or afternoon departures to fit your schedule♪
Fresh air and a lush green world await you. ＜Available with the Complete Gear Set Plan＞
■ Separate-Type Raincoat
A must-have item in Yakushima, where sudden rain is common. Also serves as protection against the cold.
■ Hiking Backpack
A rain cover is helpful for weather protection. May also be placed on the ground during breaks.
■ Trekking Shoes
Protects your ankles and feet on uneven, rocky paths. Keeps water out even when walking through puddles.

What's included

Round-trip transportation between accommodation and Shiratani Unsuikyo Entrance (Miyanoura–Anbo area), and travel accident insurance included.
Japanese-speaking guide

About this experience

Starting at: 07:30, 11:30

Schedule

Pick-Up Available at All Accommodations in Miyanoura to Koseda to Anbo Area
Please have breakfast before the tour.
Arrive at Shiratani Unsuikyo Entrance
After using the restroom and warming up, the trek begins.
Ikoino Oiwa Rock → Hiryuu Otoshi Waterfall
Walk across a massive granite slab toward Hiryuu Otoshi Waterfall. Its pure white stream flows with a powerful sense of life from nature.
Satsuki Suspension Bridge
Cross the suspension bridge and venture into the deep green forest. Below, the crystal-clear Shiratani River flows through a gorge shaped over countless years, where a cool breeze gently drifts.
Kuguri Sugi (Pass-Through Cedar Tree)
A powerful tree root arches up from the ground, forming a tunnel-like structure large enough for people to walk through. It's said that the roots originally grew over a fallen log, and once the log rotted away over time, this unique shape remained. It's a popular photo spot!
Shiratani Mountain Hut
This mountain hut also serves as an emergency shelter for overnight stays. Take a break and refresh yourself with spring water nearby. You might even spot a Yakushima deer or other forest creatures peeking out.
Nanahon Sugi (Seven-Trunk Cedar)
Look up, and you'll understand how it got its name. Seven strong branches grow from a single cedar trunk, reaching skyward as gentle sunlight filters through the leaves, warmly embracing all who pass beneath.
Mononoke Forest (Moss-Covered Forest)
The highlight of the Shiratani Unsuikyo tour is the Moss-Covered Forest, a mystical, rain-nourished woodland that evokes scenes from the film *Princess Mononoke*. Surrounded by water and lush greenery, enjoy a serene moment as you melt into the quiet of the forest.
Begin Descent
Arrive Back at Shiratani Unsuikyo Entrance
Drop-Off at Each Accommodation

Location and Directions

Shiratani Unsuikyo Gorge
Miyanoura, Yakushima, Kumage District, Kagoshima 891-4200, Japan

Restrictions

Children up to 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Guests with physical disabilities or significant medical history must inform us at the time of booking. Please note that participation may be declined on the day of the tour at the guide’s discretion.
Pick-up and drop-off times may vary depending on reservation volume and traffic conditions.
If less than 3 participants are booked, the activity may not operate.
In the event the tour is canceled after departure due to weather or other reasons, refunds cannot be provided.
Participants must be between 8 and 70 years old.
This activity is offered in Japanese only. Thank you for your understanding that English support cannot be provided.

What to bring

A separate ¥500 Shiratani Unsuikyo conservation fee is required.
Long pants are required (jeans are not recommended as they become heavy when wet and dry slowly). Track pants are highly recommended.
Emergency food (snacks)
Water bottle or plastic bottle
Towel or similar item
A long-sleeved top is required.
*Warm clothing is also necessary during the winter season.*
Light hiking boots or athletic shoes
Rain gear (a two-piece set with separate jacket and pants)

Other requirements

You will receive a phone call three days before the tour to confirm your gear, and again the day before to finalize the meeting location and departure time.
Guests who book the Complete Set Plan are requested to visit the tour operator’s office located in front of Yakushima Airport to pick up their rental items between 10:00 and 19:00 on the day before the tour.

Additional notes

Each guide will lead up to 8 participants. This is a shared tour with other guests.
Restrooms are only available at the Shiratani Unsuikyo entrance and Shiratani Hut. Please use only biodegradable tissues or toilet paper when using the facilities.
The tour may be canceled due to weather conditions or road construction.
Please return the rental items to the tour operator’s office located in front of Yakushima Airport by the day after your tour.

Operated by

Yakushima Tour Operations (Code:196520)

Cancellation policy

8-11 business days before (by 6:00 PM local time): 20%
2-8 business days before (by 6:00 PM local time): 30%
1-2 business days before (by 6:00 PM local time): 40%
0-1 business day before (by 6:00 PM local time): 50%
Within 1 hours of start (local time): 100%

Reviews

4.70

118 reviews

593

420

Guest photos 119

The best guide!

Posted Date: 2026/06/26

かえ

The local guide shared various stories about the nature of Shiratani Unsuikyo, as well as the local history, which deepened my understanding and made for a very enjoyable time. I also had freshly squeezed juice from tankan oranges grown at home, making it a very satisfying half-day. Thank you very much!地元の方がガイド担当で白谷雲水峡の自然のことはもちろん、地元の歴史など色んな話をしてくださり、すごく理解が深まり、とても楽しい時間になりました。お家で採れたタンカンの生搾りジュースもいただき、とても満足の半日でした。ありがとうございました！

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Happy trekking

Posted Date: 2026/06/21

まなちゃん

I learned about the ruggedness, fun, and freshness of nature from the guide. Throughout the journey and on the way back, they shared a lot about Yakushima, making it a very enjoyable trekking experience. Thank you very much!自然の中の、険しさ。楽しさ、爽やかさを、ガイドさんに教えていただきました、また、道中や、帰り道まで、屋久島のことを、教えてくださって、とても、楽しいトレッキングでした、
ありがとございました、

Machine translated from Japanese

The best forest bathing.

Posted Date: 2026/06/11

Yuco

On the day of our trip, we set off in the morning under cloudy skies, but after that, we hardly encountered any rain. The weather was pleasant, neither too hot nor too cold, with occasional gentle sunlight filtering through the trees. Mr. Manabe's guiding was meticulous and wonderful, clearly reflecting his deep love for this island, its nature, and its plants, as well as the pride he has taken in his work over the years. It was an experience that made me want to come back again.当日は雨模様の中を朝に出発し、その後は殆ど雨に降られず、暑くもなく寒くもなく、薄い木漏れ日が時折さす心地の良い天候でした。マナベさんのガイドは、この島と自然と植物をこよなく愛し、誇りを持って長年やって来られた事がよくわかる、丁寧で素晴らしいものでした。また、来たいなと思わせてくれる体験になりました。

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The guide was very good.

Posted Date: 2026/06/02

At first, I was a bit worried because the guide was somewhat older, but once the tour started, he turned out to be the best guide. He had a wide range of knowledge about Yakushima's history, nature, and recent events, along with a great sense of humor, making the tour very fulfilling. Additionally, when other tour participants were damaging nature to take photos, he didn't hesitate to firmly caution them, showing how much he truly cares about Yakushima's natural environment.少々お年を召したガイドさんだったので最初は少し不安に思ったが、ツアーが始まるとその方は最高のガイドさんだった。
屋久島に歴史のこと、自然のこと、最近のことまで幅広い知識とユーモアがあり、ツアーとても充実したものだった。また、他のツアー客が写真を撮るために自然を壊す行為をしてしまっている時には躊躇せずにしっかりと注意をし、屋久島の自然をとても大切にしているのが伝わってきた。

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I had a great time.

Posted Date: 2026/05/24

コウジ

The guide's talk was interesting. They provided detailed information about the best photo spots and took great pictures that looked amazing. I really enjoyed it. Highly recommended!ガイドさんのトークが面白かったです。
撮影ポイントを細かに教えてくれたり、映えする写真撮ってくれたり、非常に楽しめました。
オススメです。

Machine translated from Japanese

I was healed in nature.

Posted Date: 2026/05/11

Theぶーとん

The guide's extensive explanations about Yakushima's history, geography, cedar trees, and flora allowed me to enjoy the Shiratani Unsuikyo even more deeply.

I was able to relax both my body and mind in this extraordinary environment, listening to the constant dripping of water on the moss, the chirping of birds, and enjoying the forest bathing. Seeing the cedars that have been growing for hundreds and thousands of years made me feel small in comparison.

Since the trekking included breaks, I was re… The guide's extensive explanations about Yakushima's history, geography, cedar trees, and flora allowed me to enjoy the Shiratani Unsuikyo even more deeply.

I was able to relax both my body and mind in this extraordinary environment, listening to the constant dripping of water on the moss, the chirping of birds, and enjoying the forest bathing. Seeing the cedars that have been growing for hundreds and thousands of years made me feel small in comparison.

Since the trekking included breaks, I was relieved that I could go at a comfortable pace.

The photos taken by the guide (especially the panoramic ones) became truly wonderful memories.

On the way back, I was dropped off at a different accommodation from where I stayed, and I was able to enjoy a day trip to a hot spring, which was refreshing.

If I have the opportunity to visit Yakushima again, I would love to request the same guide. Thank you very much. ガイドさんの屋久島の歴史、地理、杉や草花と幅広い説明でより深く白谷雲水峡を楽しめました。

苔に絶えずポタポタと水が落ちていく様子、鳥のさえずり、森林浴。非日常の中身体も心もリラックス出来ました。
大自然の中、何百何千年と生えている杉を見ると自分の存在がちっぽけな物に感じました。

休憩を取りながらのトレッキングだったので、無理なく行ける事が出来てホッとしています。

ガイドさんに撮ってもらった写真(特にパノラマ)は、本当にいい思い出になりました。

帰りは、宿泊宿とは別の宿に降ろしてもらい、日帰りで温泉にもつかれ… ガイドさんの屋久島の歴史、地理、杉や草花と幅広い説明でより深く白谷雲水峡を楽しめました。

苔に絶えずポタポタと水が落ちていく様子、鳥のさえずり、森林浴。非日常の中身体も心もリラックス出来ました。
大自然の中、何百何千年と生えている杉を見ると自分の存在がちっぽけな物に感じました。

休憩を取りながらのトレッキングだったので、無理なく行ける事が出来てホッとしています。

ガイドさんに撮ってもらった写真(特にパノラマ)は、本当にいい思い出になりました。

帰りは、宿泊宿とは別の宿に降ろしてもらい、日帰りで温泉にもつかれリフレッシュ出来ました。

また屋久島に行く機会がある時は、お願いしたいです。
ありがとうございました。

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It was fun!

Posted Date: 2026/05/05

りつ

I usually don't have any mountain climbing experience, so I was worried, but I was able to participate enjoyably! The guide shared interesting trivia about the Yakusugi trees along the way, which I found fascinating!普段、登山経験がなくて心配でしたが
楽しく参加できました！
ガイドさんが途中途中で、屋久杉の雑学などをお話ししていただいて興味深かったです！

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The journey is tough, but a rewarding view awaits ahead!

Posted Date: 2026/04/25

黒ビールぺぺ

We set off in the rain, but it turned into a light drizzle and eventually stopped. The journey included unpaved paths and narrow mountain trails scattered with rocks and stones, making it challenging to pass by those coming down the mountain. We listened to the knowledgeable explanations from our oldest legendary guide, Mr. Nakaba, who also took photos at key points. After a tough two-hour trek, we finally reached the moss-covered valley. The descent was exhausting as well.雨の中の出発になりましたが、途中からは小雨になりやがて雨も止んでくれました。
道中は、途中から整備されていない道とか岩や石ころが散乱した細い山道で、下山すら方たちとのすれ違いもやっとの山道を、最年長レジェンドガイドの中馬さんの知識豊富な説明を聞き、要所要所で撮影をして下さり、やっとの思いで苔むす谷まで2時間ほどでたどり着くことが出来ました。
クダリもしんどかった。

Machine translated from Japanese

It was the best!

Posted Date: 2026/04/17

あみ

I felt an extraordinary love for Yakushima and for us tourists! During the tour, they sang folk songs and shared a lot of information about the trees and birds.とびっきりの屋久島愛と私たち観光客への愛を感じました！
ガイド中に民謡を歌っていただけたり、木についてや鳥についてたくさんお話ししてくださいました。

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It was unfortunate due to the heavy rain.

Posted Date: 2026/04/07

小五郎

Due to the heavy rain, I took a short walk within the range I could. I was disappointed that I couldn't go to the Forest of the Spirits that I wanted to visit, but the guide explained various things while sharing funny stories, which made it enjoyable in its own way. Since we finished early, the guide also introduced us to the rental car, thank you very much.大雨のため、行ける範囲で小散歩。行きたかったもののけの森に行けず残念でしたが、ガイドさんは、笑い話も交えていろいろと説明してくれて、それなりに楽しめました。早く終わったのでガイドさんがレンタカーまで紹介、ありがとうございました。

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I participated alone, but I had a great time.

Posted Date: 2026/03/23

sano.

I participated alone and joined a group of five, including our guide.

Our guide, Kiyota, made jokes and engaged each of us in conversation, creating a friendly atmosphere throughout the tour.

Additionally, at various points, he took photos for each group, paying attention to posing and angles, and he did a great job. I really appreciate it! 🙏

Unfortunately, the weather was rainy, but it turned out to be a fun trekking experience. ✨

Thank you very much!私は１人での参加で
ガイドさん含め５人で回りました。

ガイドの清田さんが、
冗談を交えながら
皆さんそれぞれに話を
振ってくださったりして
和やかな雰囲気で
回ることができました。

あと、ポイントポイントで
各グループごとに
写真を撮ってくださったのですが
ポージングや角度までこだわって
上手に撮っていただき、感謝です🙏

天気はあいにくの雨でしたが、
楽しいトレッキングになりました✨

ありがとうございました。

Machine translated from Japanese

The best guide.

Posted Date: 2026/03/22

初めての屋久島

My third-grade son loves guides. We thoroughly enjoyed the history of Yakushima and the fun of the forest. I want to go to Yakushima again in the summer.小学校三年生の息子はガイド大好きです。屋久島の歴史、森の楽しさを十分感じました。まだ夏の時、屋久島へ行きたいです。

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You can have fun even in the snow!

Posted Date: 2026/02/22

ゆーとまんまま

The weather was unfortunately bad, but once I started walking, I didn't feel the cold, and it felt just right. The scenery, the characters, and those scenes from the Studio Ghibli films! I wondered if they were inspired by this nature as I walked, and it was so much fun.あいにくの天気でしたが、歩き始めると寒さは感じず、ちょうど良い感じでした。
ジブリ作品でみたあの景色、あのキャラクター、あの作品のあのシーン！この自然から思いついたのかしら？なんて考えながら歩くのがとっても楽しかったです。

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Snow Cloud Water Gorge Trekking

Posted Date: 2026/01/24

とぴ

We participated as a family of five. Since it was cold, we dressed quite warmly, but while walking, we ended up getting hot and sweating. However, when we stopped for a moment, it became cold again. We rented raincoats, but wearing a fleece under the raincoat was sufficient. My gloves were also too warm, so I think using work gloves would be better. There were more ups and downs than I expected, which made me a bit anxious at first, but our guide taught us how to walk, move our feet, and breathe… We participated as a family of five. Since it was cold, we dressed quite warmly, but while walking, we ended up getting hot and sweating. However, when we stopped for a moment, it became cold again. We rented raincoats, but wearing a fleece under the raincoat was sufficient. My gloves were also too warm, so I think using work gloves would be better. There were more ups and downs than I expected, which made me a bit anxious at first, but our guide taught us how to walk, move our feet, and breathe, so I was able to trek with peace of mind. Along the way, we enjoyed discussions about plants and explanations about cedar trees.

After walking for about two hours, we found a restroom and used it. On the way back, we retraced the same route, but I felt quite a strain on my knees going downhill. The next day, I had muscle soreness, but the Kumozu Gorge was incredibly mystical and beautiful, so it was a very satisfying tour. It was also nice that there were fewer people since it was winter. 家族5人で参加しました。寒いと言うことで結構厚着していきましたが歩いてると暑くなってしまい汗をかきましたがちょっと止まると今度は寒くなってきます。
レインコートレンタルしましたが
フリースにレインコートて十分でした。手袋もあつかったので軍手の方がいいかとおもいます。思った以上にアップダウンがあって最初不安になりましたが
ガイトさんが歩き方や足の運び方、息づかいを教えてもらったので安心してトレッキングできました。途中植物の話や杉の説明などしてもらえるので楽しめました
2時間ほど歩いたところにトイレがあり利用… 家族5人で参加しました。寒いと言うことで結構厚着していきましたが歩いてると暑くなってしまい汗をかきましたがちょっと止まると今度は寒くなってきます。
レインコートレンタルしましたが
フリースにレインコートて十分でした。手袋もあつかったので軍手の方がいいかとおもいます。思った以上にアップダウンがあって最初不安になりましたが
ガイトさんが歩き方や足の運び方、息づかいを教えてもらったので安心してトレッキングできました。途中植物の話や杉の説明などしてもらえるので楽しめました
2時間ほど歩いたところにトイレがあり利用しました。
帰りは同じルートを戻りますが
下りはひざにかなり負担をかんじます。
次の日は筋肉痛になりましたが
雲水峡はとても神秘的で美しかったので大満足のツアーでした。
冬なので人が少なかったのも良かったです

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It was a fun trekking experience.

Posted Date: 2026/01/02

ふくふく

Before the departure, I had some anxiety, but everyone who participated was really nice and fun, and I was able to laugh at the guide's jokes, making it an enjoyable trekking experience.

The ascent was easier than I expected, but going down required me to pay attention to my footing, which made me a bit nervous. However, I was able to return without any issues. It seems that the course will be slightly different until around this spring due to last year's rain.

Thank you for your support.出発前は不安もありましたが、参加された皆さんも楽しい良い方たちばかりで、ガイドさんのジョークにも笑わせていただき、楽しいトレッキングになりました。

上りは思っていたより大丈夫でしたが、下りは足元を注意しながら降りていくので、私は神経をつかいましたが、何事もなく戻ってくることができました。
今年の春頃まで少しコースが違うようです。(昨年の雨の影響で)

お世話になり、ありがとうございました。

Machine translated from Japanese

To the moss-covered forest.

Posted Date: 2025/12/31

タタリ神

I participated in a hiking tour to the moss-covered forest of Shiratani Unsuikyo. It was a bit rainy on the day of the tour, but thanks to the rain gear included in the rental, I was able to walk comfortably without any issues, even in the rain.

Our guide, Sei-san, was very knowledgeable about the moss and the forest, providing clear explanations and plenty of jokes, which created a fun atmosphere throughout the tour. During the photo sessions, he suggested various poses, allowing us to capture … I participated in a hiking tour to the moss-covered forest of Shiratani Unsuikyo. It was a bit rainy on the day of the tour, but thanks to the rain gear included in the rental, I was able to walk comfortably without any issues, even in the rain.

Our guide, Sei-san, was very knowledgeable about the moss and the forest, providing clear explanations and plenty of jokes, which created a fun atmosphere throughout the tour. During the photo sessions, he suggested various poses, allowing us to capture many wonderful memories in photos.

It was a highly satisfying tour where I could also enjoy the unique beauty of Yakushima in the rain. 白谷雲水峡の苔むす森までハイキングするツアーに参加しました。
当日は少し雨が降っていましたが、ツアーのレンタルに含まれているレインウェアのおかげで、雨でも全く問題なく快適に歩くことができました。
ガイドのせいさんは苔や森についてとても詳しく、分かりやすく解説してくださり、冗談も多くて終始楽しい雰囲気でした。
写真撮影ではいろいろなポーズを提案してくださり、素敵な思い出の写真がたくさん残せました。
雨の屋久島ならではの美しさも楽しめる、とても満足度の高いツアーでした。

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I made wonderful memories!!

Posted Date: 2025/12/12

ゆこ

Due to the schedule of my trip, I was looking for a tour in the afternoon, and I was very grateful that they were able to accommodate me with a rental included! The tour guide was very friendly and provided an enjoyable experience. I was able to fully appreciate the nature of Yakushima, and it became a truly wonderful memory to finally see the moss-covered forest that I had longed to visit. On the way back, they also took me to a recommended souvenir shop, which was very helpful!

This time, I had… Due to the schedule of my trip, I was looking for a tour in the afternoon, and I was very grateful that they were able to accommodate me with a rental included! The tour guide was very friendly and provided an enjoyable experience. I was able to fully appreciate the nature of Yakushima, and it became a truly wonderful memory to finally see the moss-covered forest that I had longed to visit. On the way back, they also took me to a recommended souvenir shop, which was very helpful!

This time, I had to give up on Taiko Rock, so I would love to go again in spring to see the cherry blossoms, as recommended by the guide! It was a lot of fun, thank you so much! 旅程の都合上、午後からのツアーを探していましたが、こちらでレンタル付きで対応いただけて大変助かりました！
ツアーガイドの方もとても気さくで楽しくガイドくださいました。
屋久島の自然をすごく堪能できて、念願の苔むす森もみることができて本当に素敵な思い出になりました。
帰りはお勧めのお土産屋さんにも寄ってくださってとても助かりました！

今回は太鼓岩の方は断念したので、ガイドさんおすすめの春に桜を見にまた行きたいです！
楽しかったです、本当にありがとうございました！

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There are lots of photos.

Posted Date: 2025/12/01

あみ

I was really tired, probably due to my lack of exercise! (laughs) It felt like rock climbing. We took a lot of photos at various spots, and the explanations given throughout were very satisfying, making it a fulfilling activity!日頃の運動不足のせいかすごく疲れました！笑
岩登りという感じです。
いろんなスポットでたくさん写真も撮ってくださり、説明も随所でしてくださるので満足感あるアクティビティでした！

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I was encouraged to leave midway and couldn't make it to Shiratani Unsuikyo.

Posted Date: 2025/11/26

屋久島初心者

The guide was very concerned about the time, and since we were running late, we were told it would take another 40 minutes, so I ended up leaving the group and returning with my daughter. I regret not going to Shiratani Unsuikyo at our own pace without a guide, enjoying ourselves without worrying about the time.ガイドさんがとても時間を気にしていて時間が押していたのか、あと40分もかかるから戻ったほうがいいといわれてしまいグループから離脱して、娘と一緒に戻りました。ガイド付けないで自分たちのペースで時間気にせず楽しく白谷雲水峡までいけばよかった、と後悔しています

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First time in Yakushima.

Posted Date: 2025/10/27

しょうちゃん

I was worried about trekking as a beginner, but the guide was kind and took us through at a comfortable pace. At the photo spots, they even helped me take pictures from various angles, which made me quite satisfied. I'm really glad I signed up for the tour. Thanks to this, it turned out to be a great trip. Thank you!トレッキングも初心者で心配だったのですが、ガイドさんが親切で、ゆっくり案内してくれて、シャッタースポットでは、色々なアングルで、カメラマンまでしてもらって、かなり満足しました。
ほんとうにツアーに申し込みしてよかったなと思いました。
おかげでいい旅になりました。
ありがとうございました。

Machine translated from Japanese