Trek into the mystic forest of Yakushima Island
Part of the ancient forests on Yakushima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a lush, green nature park that takes nature explorers to an otherworldly mystic paradise far away from the hustle and bustle of inland megacities. This secluded and largely unspoiled park offers a network of well maintained hiking trails where visitors can wander around freely among the paths. Whether you choose the historic footpath built in the Edo Period or the trails paved in stone and wood, you will admire the nature wonder without much strenuous hiking. The main attraction of Shiratani Unsuikyo is, of course, its forest of mossy-green woods and murmuring streams that inspired the Studio Ghibli’s animated masterpiece – Princess Mononoke. Along the well-marked paths, you will see a number of impressive ancient cedars, individually named such as the Nidaiosugi, Kugurisugi and Yayoisugi. For the more adventurous, there are also gruelling hikes across the island’s interior to discover Yakushima’s other secrets.
