Shiratani Unsuikyo Valley
Shiratani Unsuikyo Valley
Shiratani Unsuikyo Valley
4.5
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- tim r137 contributionsBusy but beautifulIt's popular, and busy, so get there early, but it is really beautiful. We had a rare sunny day, but it would be great in the rain as well. Paths are a bit challenging ( more so in the rain I imagine) but well sign-posted. You can go pretty much as far as you like - you get a map when you buy your ticket. I walked to Drum Rock - what a view! The cedars are fascinating, but actually it's the setting and the ancient path which stand outVisited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 October 2023
- JonRamboWest Sussex, United Kingdom118 contributionsChallenging hiking adventureGreat hiking experience with beautiful moss forest and a fantastic view from the rock at the summit on the "green route". We passed right by a troop of monkeys on the trail. Easy route finding but pretty challenging walking that's OK for anyone of reasonable fitness older than about 10 years old. I'd recommend hiking boots not trainers. Well signposted even for English speakers. Well worth the modest admission fee. No drinks or omiyage at the entrance booth so bring your own food and drink. Arriving by bus is sensible to avoid a winding drive up the mountain road.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 April 2024
- katie h12 contributionsThe most beautiful place I’ve ever been.The most beautiful place I’ve ever been. Me and my partner completed the hike with no prior experience, and being relatively unfit. The path definitely got more difficult near the top, and I’d recommend walking boots as I stepped in deep puddles a couple of times.. We were exhausted by the end, but it was well worth every step! The weather was rainy and foggy, but luckily the sun had come out just as we reached the peak. Definitely bring appropriate footwear as we witnessed a couple falls on the way up - also no signal from the Entrance onwards so make sure you’ve prepared transportation. We travelled Japan for 3 weeks, visiting Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Hakone, but Yakushima was my favourite out of all. If you are considering this trip, do it!!Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 May 2024
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KatC
27 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
absolutely so beautiful it was intense. We went with a guide which I recommend unless you are very experienced hiker. IF you do not drive in, in private car it can be hard to get here, pending the special bus.
There is a nominal entry fee to the national park, and stay ON the trail. One of the most beautiful places I have ever been (I have been to 37 countries).
Sunny but also rain... it rains alot and often on Yakushima, but this never deterred us.
There is a nominal entry fee to the national park, and stay ON the trail. One of the most beautiful places I have ever been (I have been to 37 countries).
Sunny but also rain... it rains alot and often on Yakushima, but this never deterred us.
Written 25 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JonRambo
West Sussex, UK118 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
Great hiking experience with beautiful moss forest and a fantastic view from the rock at the summit on the "green route". We passed right by a troop of monkeys on the trail. Easy route finding but pretty challenging walking that's OK for anyone of reasonable fitness older than about 10 years old. I'd recommend hiking boots not trainers. Well signposted even for English speakers. Well worth the modest admission fee. No drinks or omiyage at the entrance booth so bring your own food and drink. Arriving by bus is sensible to avoid a winding drive up the mountain road.
Written 2 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
katie h
12 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
The most beautiful place I’ve ever been.
Me and my partner completed the hike with no prior experience, and being relatively unfit. The path definitely got more difficult near the top, and I’d recommend walking boots as I stepped in deep puddles a couple of times.. We were exhausted by the end, but it was well worth every step!
The weather was rainy and foggy, but luckily the sun had come out just as we reached the peak. Definitely bring appropriate footwear as we witnessed a couple falls on the way up - also no signal from the Entrance onwards so make sure you’ve prepared transportation.
We travelled Japan for 3 weeks, visiting Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Hakone, but Yakushima was my favourite out of all. If you are considering this trip, do it!!
Me and my partner completed the hike with no prior experience, and being relatively unfit. The path definitely got more difficult near the top, and I’d recommend walking boots as I stepped in deep puddles a couple of times.. We were exhausted by the end, but it was well worth every step!
The weather was rainy and foggy, but luckily the sun had come out just as we reached the peak. Definitely bring appropriate footwear as we witnessed a couple falls on the way up - also no signal from the Entrance onwards so make sure you’ve prepared transportation.
We travelled Japan for 3 weeks, visiting Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Hakone, but Yakushima was my favourite out of all. If you are considering this trip, do it!!
Written 8 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
オールドボーイ
Yokohama, Japan3,316 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
We headed to Taiko Rock via the Bugyo Sugi Course. The Bugyo Sugi Course is a trekking course that goes around four river crossings and four small ridges. There are huge Yakusugi trees to see here and there, and this is a course to see them. Since it is not the main course, there were not many people walking. It was nice to be able to walk at my own pace. The course is only minimally manned, and you can walk through the near-primitive forest of Yakushima by relying on pink tape. In some places, it may be difficult to cross if it rains continuously or heavily. In that case, you will need the courage to turn back for safety's sake.
But I recommend it more than the main course to the main Taiko Rock. It is quiet and you feel like you are walking in the nature of Yakushima. As indicated on the map, it took about three hours to reach the main course at Shiratani Hut, where it joins the main course.
But I recommend it more than the main course to the main Taiko Rock. It is quiet and you feel like you are walking in the nature of Yakushima. As indicated on the map, it took about three hours to reach the main course at Shiratani Hut, where it joins the main course.
Written 15 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BuccaneerDave
Nanaimo, Canada6,642 contributions
Mar 2020
The trees are fantastic. Old and majestic. But it's the moss that will stay with you when you return home and think of Yakushima.
Went on a day tour with Steve of Yes Yakushima and his expert knowledge of the valley and it's ecosystem made a walk in the park so much more. Highly recommend him to you.
Went on a day tour with Steve of Yes Yakushima and his expert knowledge of the valley and it's ecosystem made a walk in the park so much more. Highly recommend him to you.
Written 4 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charlie S
Victoria, Australia948 contributions
Nov 2024 • Friends
Our cycle group came here on our rest day. We caught the public bus service from just near our hotel for the 30 minute ride up to the forest park. Stunningly beautiful, pristine temperate rainforest. Good walking on moderate trails in wet conditions.
Written 15 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tim r
Worcester137 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
It's popular, and busy, so get there early, but it is really beautiful. We had a rare sunny day, but it would be great in the rain as well. Paths are a bit challenging ( more so in the rain I imagine) but well sign-posted. You can go pretty much as far as you like - you get a map when you buy your ticket. I walked to Drum Rock - what a view! The cedars are fascinating, but actually it's the setting and the ancient path which stand out
Written 16 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LaTinoco
California241 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
This is a must-see if you visit Yakushima. Yes, it is gorgeous beyond anything you can imagine. There are so many shades of green, it feels surreal. I was giddy just breathing the mountain air. Yes, it is serene and mystical and you feel like you are walking through the Princess Mononoke movie. But I would also like to point out that hiking through this place was also FUN.
This hike was a blast. We hiked through the Genserin forest, passed the Shiratani Cabin and went all the way up to Taikoiwa Rock and then returned on the Kusugawa Trail back to the entrance. At no point were we bored. At no point did it feel redundant. Nothing is flat so you are constantly watching your feet, maneuvering through tree roots and cool wooden planks, which made the hike technical and exciting. We were stopping every 15 yards to take pictures because every scene deserved a photo shoot.
Technicalities - the time limits it gives you on the map are generous. We did the whole thing in about 3-4 hours and that includes stopping like crazy to take pictures. We stayed in Anbo and rented a car. Public transportation is limited and relying on it can rush an otherwise amazing hike.
I was worried about getting lost, but those pink ribbons are all over the place, and trails are well-marked. The numbers on the map are actually signed posted on the trail so when you pass a 7, you know that you're at 7. Just have a map with you, look for the pink and you'll be fine. I printed a map from home and brought it with me.
Physical Fitness - it'll be more enjoyable if you're active, but we saw some overweight hikers tear it up on the Genserin trail, so you be the judge. The hike up to Taiko Iwa rock was STEEP, but short. The view from atop there was awesome and totally worth the detour. The wind was so strong it literally snatched my husband's glasses from his shirt and donated them to the mountain. You can see Tachu Dake in the distance. We were fortunate to get two sunny days in May and emerging from the thick forest to see the Shirantani Valley was unbelievably cool.
We went after Golden Week in May and there weren't too many hikers. Most of them were of an older (yet very strong!) demographic. Everyone was happy to be there and happy to see fellow hikers. Loved this. Wish I lived there. I'd be hiking this every day!
OH! For anxious people like myself - I was worried about those massive hornets and snakes - but they said the hornets and snakes hang out closer to the ocean. And it's very rare that someone is attacked by them.
All in all - a mystical and magnificent hike!
This hike was a blast. We hiked through the Genserin forest, passed the Shiratani Cabin and went all the way up to Taikoiwa Rock and then returned on the Kusugawa Trail back to the entrance. At no point were we bored. At no point did it feel redundant. Nothing is flat so you are constantly watching your feet, maneuvering through tree roots and cool wooden planks, which made the hike technical and exciting. We were stopping every 15 yards to take pictures because every scene deserved a photo shoot.
Technicalities - the time limits it gives you on the map are generous. We did the whole thing in about 3-4 hours and that includes stopping like crazy to take pictures. We stayed in Anbo and rented a car. Public transportation is limited and relying on it can rush an otherwise amazing hike.
I was worried about getting lost, but those pink ribbons are all over the place, and trails are well-marked. The numbers on the map are actually signed posted on the trail so when you pass a 7, you know that you're at 7. Just have a map with you, look for the pink and you'll be fine. I printed a map from home and brought it with me.
Physical Fitness - it'll be more enjoyable if you're active, but we saw some overweight hikers tear it up on the Genserin trail, so you be the judge. The hike up to Taiko Iwa rock was STEEP, but short. The view from atop there was awesome and totally worth the detour. The wind was so strong it literally snatched my husband's glasses from his shirt and donated them to the mountain. You can see Tachu Dake in the distance. We were fortunate to get two sunny days in May and emerging from the thick forest to see the Shirantani Valley was unbelievably cool.
We went after Golden Week in May and there weren't too many hikers. Most of them were of an older (yet very strong!) demographic. Everyone was happy to be there and happy to see fellow hikers. Loved this. Wish I lived there. I'd be hiking this every day!
OH! For anxious people like myself - I was worried about those massive hornets and snakes - but they said the hornets and snakes hang out closer to the ocean. And it's very rare that someone is attacked by them.
All in all - a mystical and magnificent hike!
Written 12 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deb B
Fremantle, Australia28 contributions
Nov 2016 • Solo
...but don't wait too long as yes,you need to be reasonably fit and sure on your feet. Hire a guide and also hiking boots. Then enjoy this pristine natural wonder without worrying about whether you are on the right track. I went with YES Yakushima and my guide Brian was catlike in his walking style and very reassuring. I simply put my feet wherever he put his! Just two of us with Brian, so very personalized. Managed to do the whole hike though legs a bit wobbly at the end. A real feeling of having accomplished and seen something special in this world.
Written 31 December 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wonkat
Stratford City, UK74 contributions
Mar 2018
A beautiful place with clear trails marked with pink ribbons. The shortest trail around the sugi trees is very easy and stable because it’s mostly wooden platforms. However the other trails should be taken with care as it can get slippery even when it’s foggy. The streams can also swell after rain which means you may not be able to cross.
Entry to the valley is ¥500 per adult. Also access to the valley can be done easily by bus from the port. Bus times are written in English too.
Overall, you should go! Every corner you turn is a new sight that takes your breath away. It was worth the journey to get here.
Entry to the valley is ¥500 per adult. Also access to the valley can be done easily by bus from the port. Bus times are written in English too.
Overall, you should go! Every corner you turn is a new sight that takes your breath away. It was worth the journey to get here.
Written 30 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
my friends and i will be visiting Japan in late September this year (2019) and i'd personally really really like to seize this opportunity to visit Shiratani Unsuikyo since it seems to be such a mystical and beautiful experience.
The problem is : the closest we will be to Yakushima is Fukuoka (Hakata), and we'll be staying there 2 nights only. Furthermore we'll arrive in the afternoon by train the first day (since we'll be coming from Tokyo) and the last day we'll leave early for Hiroshima.
So a round-trip from Fukuoka to Yakushima in such a short time seems quite difficult but maybe not impossible.
Maybe.. that's why i'd like to ask for your help and advice ^^
I came up with a plan wich i'd like to hear your opinions about.
Does it seems humanly feasible and would it be worth it ? Or could it be too risky ?
Here's the plan:
Day 1: Upon arriving in Fukuoka, continue by train to Kagoshima (thanks JR Pass). Once in Kagoshima get to the Hibiscus Ferry departing at 18:00 and spend the night there
Day 2:
07:00 : Arriving at Miyanoura Port at, buy food and bus pass (if possible, i don't know where i can buy it).
08:10 : get on the first bus from Miyanoura Port to Shiratani Unsuikyo
08:45 : Arriving at Shiratani Unsuikyo
07h25mn of exploration later..
16:10 : Get on last bust to Miyanoura Port
16:45 : Arriving at Miyanoura Port
16:50 : On the same stop get on bus to the airport
17:13 : Arriving at airport
18:00 : Flight to Kagoshima Airpot
18:35 : Arriving at Kagoshima Airport, as soon as possible take bus to Kagoshima-Chuo (around 40-55mn to get there, so i don't think i'll be lucky enough to get the train departing from kagoshima to Fukuoka at 19:33)
20:13 : Train to Fukuoka
21:48 : Arriving at Fukuoka, meeting with my friends again
so what do you think ? Did i miss any detail that could make the whole trip impossible ?
Written 18 June 2019
Wow... that's pretty hectic. Seems feasible if the weather is ok. The weather in Yakushima changes a lot. I would recommend hiring a car to assist on travelling in Yakushima because the bus is not very common and there's a lot more of Yakushima to see. There is plane from Fukuoka to Yakushima. I do recommend for you to discuss this with Steve from Yes Yakushima to provide advise if your itinerary is feasible and he could help booking transportation, accommodation, etc. Good luck
Written 13 July 2019
Hi fellow travelers,
I'm in a pickle. I'm traveling to Japan for the first time and I would absolutely love to visit Yakushima but I'm really unsure about what's the best way to get there for a decent price.
I have two possible itineraries for the second half of my Japan-trip. I would like to do the first one, but I don't know how to make it a reality.
Here's the situation:
On the 19th of may I'm leaving Kyoto. Ideally, I would like to go to the island of Yakushima for at least a full day to do the Shiratani Unsuikyo walk.
However... I would prefer to fly there because a) it's really far and I want to save time to actually see stuff and not travel 2 whole days and b) I'm scared of sea-sickness if I take the ferry or jetfoil.
I know that JAL travels from Kagoshima to Yakushima (but I don't know how many times a day) and I know they have a tourist discount pass, but I can't get the site to display Yakushima as an airport in the discount-zone. Also the prices I do find are crazy expensive.
So basically: If I can't find a way to get there in one day (19th of may) from Kyoto to Yakushima, I can't do the one giant walk on the 20th and return on the 21st to see the rest of Japan.
Does anyone have tips or ideas for my situation?
Thanks in advance!
Written 8 March 2018
Hi, my and my friend have planning to go to hiking shiratani at 27 - 29 march 2018.
Is it safe to do hiking by ourselves?
Thank you for your help and suggestion
Written 6 January 2018
Yes, it would be safe to hike Shiratani by yourselves. The Park office provides a pamphlet map which you can follow, however you need to pay attention to the track markers. This is one of the more popular hikes, so there will be other hikers about the track.
Written 7 January 2018
kcon318
Orlando, Florida
Thank you all for your help, I really appreciate it! Ok, so we'll definitely hop on the 07:45 to arrive at 09:45 in Miyanoura. Will there be buses at the Miyanoura port and is there a long wait to hop on one to head to the Shiranti Valley? Also, does anyone know how far this valley is from the airport on the island? We're going to be on the latest flight (16:10) heading back to Kagoshima since we have a later flight to head back to Tokyo. I know we're cutting it close but we don't want to miss this!
Written 26 April 2017
Hi, there is a bus leaving Miyanoura port at 10:22, you will be at shiratani Unsuikyo at 10:55. I suggest you either take a taxi there and to the airport to cut some time. I've looked at the time tables of the buses but it's cutting really close for your way back. Google bus yakushima and then take the website from yesyakushima then 'Yakushima Kotsu Bus Timetable in English pdf' check the bustime table there, bottom left corner.
If you need to be 1 hour in advance at the airport, I think you have about 3.5 hours max to spend (this in the case the taxi back is on time at shiratani Unsuikyo leaving around 14:30).
Good luck!
Written 30 April 2017
kcon318
Orlando, Florida
Which toppy ferry should I take from the Kagoshima port to get to Yakushima? I'm looking at a timetable from Kagoshima port but they have other names that appear to be cities (eg. Miyanoura via Tanegashima; Miyanoura via Ibusuki, Miyanoura via Tanegashima, etc.) Thanks for your help!
Written 25 April 2017
The most time efficient hydrofoil is the one that leaves at 7:45, as Marloes mentioned. After a brief stop in Ibusuki, it arrives at Miyanoura at 9:45am.
You must be at the ferry terminal 30 minutes before departure. You can buy your ticket there, or reserve one ahead of time and buy it there. It's 15,000 yen round trip.
If you go to the toppy website tykousoku, and go to the page that shows fare and time, the chart on the left side of the page shows, from left to right, trip number, departure time, arrival time, and where it stops. All end up at Miyanoura, except for the ones leaving at 10:20 and 16:00. Those arrive at Ando.
The chart on the right is the same information for departures from Yakushima to Kagoshima.
Written 26 April 2017
Not sure since I went in March.
Written 16 December 2016
Hi ,
is Shiratani Unsuikyo nice to visite in mid october? Or would the leaves have fallen by then ?
Thanks
Written 12 September 2016
Yes, I think it's OK to visit Shiratani Unsuikyo in October. In Yakushima, usually leaves begin to turn red in November, then fall in end of December. Temperature in Oct would be 10 to 17 degrees, you should prepare long sleeve clothings.
Written 12 September 2016
I am planning to visit in early Oct 2016, may I know if there is any local guide or your for a short trip like 4 to 6 hours in the island?
Written 1 September 2016
Contact the YES Yakushima, this is highly recommended.
Steve will help you and answer everything you need.
Plus he will give you many tips and facts about the island.
Written 9 October 2016
Alison B
Perth, Australia
just wondering what would be the best way to get here? ill prob be using the bus. also where exactly is it cause google maps cant find it and when i click get directions on here is is in a different point.
Written 11 May 2015
Of course you can use their buses, but the bus are limited with their time and schedules, it's a bit confusing sometimes.
If you plan to go to the mountains, I highly suggest to go to YES YAKUSHIMA for their tours. Steve is an English guy who is very accomodating plus he tells you many facts about the island and you don't need to worry about the time for return, time for the bus, etc because he will fetch and return you in your hotel/accomodation
Written 9 October 2016
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