Trekking Yakushima's Shiratani Unsuikyo

Start walking from Shiratani Unsuikyo's entrance along a large granite rock. As there are no slopes or high spots, it's not particularly difficult. Proceeding with the river on your left, you'll encounter the enormous Nidai-sugi cedar. Continue your ascent and the waterfall at Hiryu Bridge (Hiryu bashi) will come into view.

Cross the suspension bridge and you'll come to Kusugawa Trail (Kusugawa Hodoh). The ascent is a bit steep from there. Use stones to help you cross a small stream, and after a while you'll encounter the giant Kuguri-sugi cedar that looks like it's standing on two legs. Pass under the tree to continue.

Then you'll pass a large stump called Shikano-yado and the Nanahon-sugi cedar before arriving at a moss-covered forest (Kokemusu-mori) that often appears in photos of Shiratani Unsuikyo. The lush green expanse feels like a mystical jungle. After passing a number of other large cedars, you'll reach the Tsuji-toge Pass junction and proceed on the left. It's not far from there to Taiko-iwa Rock, but the trail is full-on.

Ascend the steep slope through the trees, and the enormous granite outcrop of Taiko-iwa Rock will appear before you. The view opens as you hike up, letting you take in the mountains of Yakushima.

Head back down past the Kuguri-sugi cedar and start hiking the Bugyo-sugi Course from the juncture. There are a number of streams you'll use stones to cross along the way.

After passing several large cedars, you'll reach the Nidaio-sugi cedar (NidaiOh-sugi). From there a maintained trail will bring you back to the trailhead.