Shiratani-unsuikyō
Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine
The moss-draped forest that directly inspired Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke — and the real thing is even more ethereal than the film.
Shorter than the Jomon-sugi trek — about three to four hours return — and arguably more beautiful, this hike passes waterfalls, luminously moss-draped rocks and towering yakusugi cedars to the overlook at Taiko-iwa. The forest here is the one that most directly inspired Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke, and you'll understand why: every surface is coated in an impossibly green carpet of moss that seems to glow in the filtered light. The trailhead sits at 622 metres and is served by buses from Miyanoura. It's the most magical forest walk you'll ever take.
Plan your walk around Shiratani-unsuikyō
Added by Akiko Tanaka