Shiratani Unsuikyo Valley, Yakushima-cho

Despite beautiful place, It's a hard trecking into the jungle. You hike the most of the time going up. Bathroom is available at the entrance of the treck and another 5 km ahead. There is no beverage machine. At the first bridge you need to choose between two trails, the one crossing the bridge you have more chance to see monkeys.

Once in a lifetime hike. Ghibli fan or not, if you’re visiting Yakushima you must visit here and at least see the Taiko Iwa / Drum Rock. The path to the Rock is fairly straightforward and clearly marked. The descent from the rock down is steep so I would recommend bringing a hiking pole if you have one. If you fancy a longer, more challenging route, definitely consider heading to one of the other alternatives as well as fitting in the Drum Rock. On a good day, you’ll find deer running around the moss covered forests - truly magical. Purchasing tickets at Shiratani gives you ¥200 off the entry tickets to Yakusugi Land - so definitely consider taking advantage of that if you will be in Yakushima long enough. Piece of advice regarding food - you can’t eat/drink in the moss forest area or the Rock, so consider taking a break at the rest spot 20 minutes before Drum Rock to refresh.