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Shiratani Unsuikyo 白谷雲水峡

Checked October 2026 · next check January 2027 · 1 post since 2013

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Visiting Shiratani Unsuikyo today

  • What it is: A mossy forest ravine with ancient cedars (yakusugi) whose forests inspired Studio Ghibli's Princess Mononoke; the film's lead artist sketched here.
  • Getting there: Buses from Miyanoura Port take about 35 minutes (¥560 one way) but run only every 2-3 hours. By car it is about 30 minutes.
  • Admission: ¥800. The park is always open.
  • Tip: Marked circuits take about 1 to 5 hours. The Kugurisugi cedar is about 15 minutes from the entrance.
Best timeGood any time of year

Checked against: Shiratani Unsuikyo (japan-guide.com). Check opening times and prices before you go.

Shiratani Unsuikyo on Shibuya246

Photos and stories from our visits, as they were written at the time.

Photos

Princess Mononoke Forest

I went to Yakushima recently and took some photos near the beach and in the forest. Driving just a short distance produced such varied scenery changes, it was really interesting to get the chance to take photos different from the normal sets. Here are a few scenes from the forest that inspired some of Miyazaki Hayao's movie creations including Princess Mononoke.