Shiratani Unsuikyo

Shiratani Unsui Gorge is a valley along the Shiratani River, a tributary of the Miyanoura River on Yakushima Island, Kagoshima Prefecture. Because you must walk to explore it, sneakers are recommended. The farther you go, the more overwhelming the natural scenery becomes: about 1 hour to Yayoi Sugi, about 3 hours to Bugyo Sugi, and 4+ hours for a round trip to Taiko-iwa. Yayoi Sugi, said to be about 3,000 years old, is the main highlight of Shiratani Unsui Gorge. The gorge is part of the Yakushima Nature Recreation Forest. The large boulder area near the entrance is slippery, so it’s best only for confident walkers. You will follow the river and walk over granite, with spots such as ‘Hiryu-otoshi’ where water flows between rocks, Kuguri Sugi, and moss-covered forests (Koke-musumori). It is a highly recommended sightseeing spot where you can spend a fulfilling time and feel deeply refreshed. Access: take a bus from Miyanoura Port, transfer at Obara-machi, and get off at the Shiratani Unsui Gorge stop.