Guided trek in Shiratani Unsuikyo
Junichi, a JMGA mountain guide, takes you on a 1-day trek to Shiratani Unsuikyo, a natural park in a magical green moss forest in Yakushima island.
Private
1 Day
All year
Description
If you are travelling to the subtropical island of Yakushima, you should definitely visit Shiratani Unsuikyo natural park. Join me for an incredible hiking trip in this magical forest!
This mountainous green forest covered in moss offers many hiking trails in an almost surreal scenery. In fact, it’s a very popular place because it has been an inspiration for “Princess Mononoke”, the famous animation film by Hayao Miyazaki.
Besides, some of the oldest cedar trees in Japan are here. They are known as “Yakusugi” trees and have more than 1000 years old.
I propose 3 different options for this tour:
An easy 3-hour trek in the forest. Then, we can go sightseeing for the rest of the day.
A whole day of trekking. We can climb up the hill and get to Taiko-Iwa Rock. From there, we’ll see a stunning view of the whole deep valley, as well as Yakushima’s highest mountains. Nevertheless, the view depends on the weather: sometimes it may be too cloudy and you’ll only get to see white mist.
For the way back, we can either take the same route (6 hours of trekking) or we can stay a little bit longer in the forest (7 hours). If you choose to stay longer, we can pick a less-crowded route and enjoy a more relaxing trip back.
Please contact me if you’d like to join me on a hiking trip in Shiratani Unsuikyo. I can assure you it will be an amazing experience!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Transportation start and back
- Permit and entrance fees
- Personal insurance
- Lunch
Price details
- There could be snow on the road from mid Dec to mid March. If the road is closed as a result, then the hike can be cancelled or changed to another itinerary.
- If you are a group of 5 or more people, please ask me for the pricing information!
Details
Accommodation There is a variety of accommodation, guest houses, hotels in Japanese style, or occidental style, and their price varies. |
More info We all want to preserve the nature and the beauty of Yakushima, and that includes the water that locals use as well. The national park, therefore, asks all visitors not to urinate freely but to take a portable toilet with them for use when there are no public toilets available. Portable toilets are sold at JPY 550. I greatly appreciate your understanding, and for respecting the nature of Yakushima and the locals. -The length of this tour may be between 3 and 7 hrs, depending on how far and long you would like to explore. -Distance varies from 3 to 5 km. -Area Altitude 600m-1,050m |
Meeting point Meeting point
Pickup service is available at Hotel / Airport / Ferry Port.
How to get to Yakushima?
Tokyo-Kagoshima 1h35 by air (JAL / ANA / SKY / Jetstar);
Osaka-Kagoshima 1h10 by air (JAL / ANA / peach);
Osaka-Yakushima 1h30 by air (JAL);
Fukuoka-Kagoshima 2h10 by JR (Shinkansen)
Fukuoka-Yakushima 1h10 by air (JAL)
Kagoshima-Yakushima:
30min by air (JAL);
2h30 by jetfoil (Toppy / ROCKET);
4h by ferry (YAKUSHIMA 2)
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Equipment you will need to bring
Other gear: -Trekking shoes -Rainwear (a set of jacket and pants, no matter what the weather forecast says) -Backpack (enough size to carry what you want/need to take with you) -Trekking poles (optional)
About the guide
I am a JMGA certified hiking guide and a National Certified Tour Guide, living locally in Yakushima since 1998. I have always been passionate about the nature and the outdoors, and have also attended a park ranger school in Canada, where I rediscovered the beauty of the Japanese nature. Upon my return to Japan, I learnt about eco tourism in Yakushima, which is when I packed all my belongings on a van and moved there. Since then, I have been guiding in Yakushima and have attended thousands of visitors up to this day.
Many guests have told me that travelling with a guide is much more secure, informative and fun. The chance to communicate with the true locals is the real charm of the trip. I’ll do my best to make your time in Yakushima memorable and unforgettable!
I look forward to welcoming you and sharing the natural beauty of Yakushima with you, and the Japanese culture itself that is deeply related to its nature.
If I cannot guide the tour then my friend guide Akihiro (http://www.explore-share.com/mountain-guide/akihiro-wada/) will guide you.
What people are saying about Junichi Aida
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