【Studio Ghibli】Princess Mononoke – Yakushima (Yaku Town, Kumage District, Kagoshima Prefecture)
The Connection Between Princess Mononoke and Yakushima
Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece “Princess Mononoke” (released in 1997) was created by director Hayao Miyazaki after conducting location scouting on Yakushima in Kagoshima Prefecture and drawing inspiration from its mystical natural environment. The deep forests and moss-covered giant trees featured in the film faithfully recreate Yakushima’s primordial forest, and the location has become a sacred pilgrimage site for many fans seeking the model for the “Forest of the Deer God.”
Director Miyazaki described Yakushima’s nature as “primordial forest remaining intact,” and visited the location multiple times during film production. In particular, the Yakusugi cedars thousands of years old and the fantastical forest landscapes covered in moss became important elements that shaped the worldview of Princess Mononoke.
Shiratani Unsuikyo Gorge – Model for the Forest of the Deer God
About Shiratani Unsuikyo Gorge
Shiratani Unsuikyo Gorge is located in the northern part of Yakushima at an elevation of 600-1,050 meters and is the most famous spot known as the model for the Forest of the Deer God in Princess Mononoke. There is a round-trip trekking course of approximately three hours, and it attracts many visitors throughout the year.
Moss-Covered Forest (Kokemusu Mori)
The main attraction of Shiratani Unsuikyo Gorge is the “Moss-Covered Forest.” This area is dense with centuries-old Yakusugi cedars and evergreen broadleaf forests, with trees and rocks covered in verdant moss creating a fantastical landscape. The humid environment unique to Yakushima, with annual precipitation exceeding 8,000mm, nurtures over 600 species of moss.
Walking through the moss-covered forest, one is enveloped in a mystical atmosphere where the Deer God seems about to appear. Especially in the early morning or during misty conditions after rain, you can experience what feels like stepping into a scene from the film.
Magnificent View from Taiko Rock
Taiko Rock, the destination of the Shiratani Unsuikyo Gorge trek, is a massive granite formation at an elevation of 1,050 meters. From here, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view stretching across Yakushima’s mountains and even the distant sea. While the round-trip course takes about four hours, the spectacular view awaiting at the end makes you forget the fatigue.
Access and Precautions
Access Method:
- Approximately 30 minutes by car from Miyanoura Port
- Parking available at Shiratani Unsuikyo Gorge entrance (paid)
- Public transportation is limited, so rental car or taxi is recommended
Entrance Fee: 500 yen forest environment improvement cooperation fee (high school students and above)
Precautions:
- Hiking boots or trekking shoes are essential (slippery surface)
- Rain gear must be brought (Yakushima receives frequent rain)
- Prepare drinking water and snacks
- Restrooms available only near the entrance
- Mobile phone signal is unstable
Yakusugi Land – Forest Where You Can Observe Diverse Yakusugi Cedars
Yakusugi Land is a spot where you can feel the worldview of Princess Mononoke alongside Shiratani Unsuikyo Gorge. Located at elevations of 1,000-1,300 meters, four courses are maintained ranging from 30 to 150 minutes.
Highlights
- Buddha Cedar: A massive Yakusugi approximately 1,800 years old
- Mother and Child Cedar: Observe the “renewal” process where new cedars grow from a tree stump
- Tunnel Cedar: You can pass through like a tunnel between its roots
- Heavenly Pillar Cedar: A solemn ancient tree with an estimated age of 3,000 years
Since there are maintained walking paths, it is easier to walk than Shiratani Unsuikyo Gorge and is recommended for families. Yet it still provides sufficient experience of the primordial forest atmosphere.
Jomon Cedar Trekking – Yakushima’s Greatest Sacred Site
About Jomon Cedar
The Jomon Cedar, estimated to be 2,000-7,200 years old, is the most famous Yakusugi on Yakushima. It is said to be one of the image sources for the giant trees in Princess Mononoke. With a trunk circumference of 16.4 meters and tree height of 30 meters, its overwhelming presence overwhelms viewers.
Trekking Details
Jomon Cedar trekking is a full-scale mountaineering trip of approximately 22 kilometers round-trip with a required time of 10-12 hours.
Course Overview:
- Starting from Arakawa trailhead (with vehicle restriction periods)
- Walk approximately 8 km on the old railway track trail
- Enter the Ostock walking trail, passing via Wilson Stump and Great King Cedar
- Arrive at Jomon Cedar
Items to Prepare:
- Headlamp (for early morning departure)
- Bento and sufficient water
- Rain jacket and pants
- Warm clothing (high elevation with lower temperatures)
- Trekking poles (recommended)
Wilson Stump – Tree Stump Where Heart-Shaped Sky is Visible
Wilson Stump, located on the way to Jomon Cedar, is the massive stump of a Yakusugi felled during the Edo period. When you enter the interior and look up at a certain angle, the sky appears heart-shaped, making it a popular “happiness spot.” With an estimated age of 3,000 years, the interior is about 10 tatami mats in size.
The Charm of Yakushima Felt Through the Worldview of Princess Mononoke
Mystique of the Primordial Forest
The most significant reason Yakushima’s forests became the model for the film is their “untouched nature.” Yakushima’s primordial forest, registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, conveys the appearance of an ancient forest isolated from human activity to the present day.
Ecosystem Created by Abundant Precipitation
Yakushima’s abundant precipitation, said to have “35 days of rain in a month,” nurtures diverse mosses and plants and creates a unique forest ecosystem. This humid environment produces the fantastical mist and moss-covered landscapes depicted in the film.
Life Force of Yakusugi Cedar
Yakusugi cedars that are thousands of years old develop dense growth rings due to growing in harsh environments and contain abundant resin, making them resistant to decay. The “renewal” process where new trees grow from a stump literally embodies “the circulation of life,” which overlaps with the theme of Princess Mononoke.
Basic Information for Yakushima Tourism
Access Methods
Airplane:
- Approximately 35 minutes from Kagoshima Airport to Yakushima Airport
- Direct flights also available from Itami and Fukuoka airports (seasonal service)
Ferry:
- Approximately 4 hours from Kagoshima Main Port to Miyanoura Port or Anbō Port (Ferry Yakushima 2)
- Approximately 2 hours via high-speed boat Toppī
Best Seasons
Spring (March-May):
- Fresh green foliage is beautiful, ideal for trekking
- Yakushima azalea blooms (May)
Summer (June-August):
- Rainy season brings frequent rain, but moss is most beautiful
- Early reservations necessary due to summer vacation crowds
Autumn (September-November):
- Typhoon season, but stunning views if clear
- Autumn colors can be enjoyed in high-elevation areas
Winter (December-February):
- Fewer tourists allow for peaceful forest enjoyment
- Snow possible at higher elevations
Accommodations
Accommodations on Yakushima are concentrated in Miyanoura, Anbō, Onomma, and other areas.
- Resort Hotels: Full-service facilities with shuttle service
- Minshuku/Guest Houses: Reasonable prices, opportunities for local interaction
- Mountain Huts: Available for Jomon Cedar trekking
Since most treks depart early, choosing lodging near the trailhead is convenient.
Trekking Tours and Guide Services
Benefits of Guided Tours
To safely and deeply understand Yakushima’s forests, guided tour services are recommended.
Benefits:
- No worry about getting lost
- Detailed explanations about plants and ecosystems
- Guides manage pace and rest timing
- Weather judgment and safety management can be entrusted to guides
- Learn best photography spots from guides
Types of Tours
- Shiratani Unsuikyo Half-Day Course: For beginners, 3-4 hours
- Shiratani Unsuikyo Taiko Rock Course: For intermediate hikers, 6-7 hours
- Jomon Cedar Full-Day Course: For advanced hikers, 10-12 hours
- Yakusugi Land Course: For families, 2-4 hours
Manners and Rules to Observe on Yakushima
For Natural Conservation
To preserve Yakushima’s natural environment, a UNESCO World Heritage site, please follow these etiquette guidelines:
- Always take trash with you: No trash cans on mountain trails
- Stay on marked trails: Walk designated routes to protect vegetation
- Do not collect plants or animals: Photography only
- Use portable toilets in mountains: Mountain toilet facilities are limited
- Keep voices low: Consideration for wildlife and other hikers
For Safety
- Submit a climbing plan: As precaution in case of emergency
- Check weather: Yakushima weather changes rapidly
- Avoid solo mountaineering: Especially beginners should go in groups or with a guide
- Build in time margins: Schedule to descend before sunset
- Consider insurance: Mountain rescue insurance is worth considering
Pilgrimage Plan for Princess Mononoke Fans
2-Night, 3-Day Model Course
Day 1:
- Morning: Arrive on Yakushima, check into accommodation
- Afternoon: Explore Yakusugi Land (30-minute or 60-minute course)
- Evening: Preview at Yakushima Environmental and Cultural Village Center
Day 2:
- Early departure: Shiratani Unsuikyo Gorge trekking (Taiko Rock course)
- Experience the Forest of the Deer God atmosphere in the moss-covered forest
- Afternoon: Descend, relax at hot spring
Day 3:
- Morning: Visit waterfalls including Sennin Waterfall and Toroki Waterfall
- Afternoon: Depart
3-Night, 4-Day Advanced Course
Add Jomon Cedar trekking to the 2-night, 3-day course. Those confident in their fitness can experience Yakushima’s charm more deeply.
Relax at Yakushima Hot Springs
After trekking, soothe your fatigue at hot springs. Yakushima has several hot spring facilities.
Recommended Hot Springs
Onoima Hot Spring:
- Hot spring water that directly flows from the source
- Public bath beloved by locals
- Fee: Around 300 yen
Hirauchi Kaichū Hot Spring:
- Open-air bath usable only at low tide
- Sense of openness blending with the sea
- Free (co-ed, swimsuit recommended)
Yudome Hot Spring:
- Open-air bath along the coast
- Bathe while viewing the sunset
- Free
Princess Mononoke Merchandise and Yakushima Souvenirs
Souvenirs Available at Yakushima Airport and Miyanoura
- Yakusugi Products: Chopsticks, coasters, accessories
- Yakushima Sweets: Confections using tankan and ponkan citrus
- Shochu: Potato shochu from Yakushima
- Princess Mononoke-Related Merchandise: Handled at some souvenir shops
Yakusugi products, made from thinned timber or fallen wood, are characterized by the long-lasting fragrance of tree resin.
Yakushima’s Ecosystem and the World of Princess Mononoke
Yaku Deer and Yaku Macaque
Yakushima is home to endemic subspecies of Yaku deer and Yaku macaque. Smaller than mainland individuals, they are frequently spotted in the forest. They are said to be models for the animals appearing in Princess Mononoke.
Yaku macaques in particular are accustomed to humans, and encountering them on mountain trails is not uncommon. However, feeding is strictly prohibited. Maintain appropriate distance from wildlife.
Richness of Evergreen Broadleaf Forest
From the lowlands to mid-elevations of Yakushima spread evergreen broadleaf forests of Shii, Kashi, Tabu trees and others. This forest of evergreen broadleaf trees serves as habitat for diverse organisms, embodying the “forest of life” depicted in the film.
Photography Spots and Best Times
Photography Techniques for Moss-Covered Forest
Recommended Times:
- Early morning (6-8 AM): Misty and atmospheric
- After rain: Moss glistens with water droplets
- Cloudy days: Soft light makes moss green beautiful
Photography Tips:
- Tripod helpful for preventing camera shake
- Wide-angle lens expresses forest expanse
- Macro lens for moss details
- Polarizing filter to reduce reflections
Panorama Photography from Taiko Rock
The view from Taiko Rock on clear days is spectacular. The sight of Yakushima’s mountains lined up and the sea visible in the distance makes you forget the fatigue of climbing. Photographing is easier in morning light when sun is in front of you.
Yakushima’s Relationship with Ghibli Works
Director Hayao Miyazaki has created many works themed on nature beyond Princess Mononoke, but Yakushima is a place that gave particularly significant inspiration.
During film production, staff including the director visited Yakushima multiple times to sketch and photograph. As a result, the background art faithfully recreates the characteristics of Yakushima’s forest in detail.
In particular, the depiction of moss growing on trees, the expression of dappled sunlight, and the staging of mist are careful cinematic recreations of actual landscapes of Yakushima.
Aiming for Sustainable Tourism
In recent years, the number of tourists visiting Yakushima as a sacred site of Princess Mononoke has increased. While this is positive for the local economy, concerns about environmental burden from overtourism are also emerging.
What We Can Do
- Cooperate with visitor number restrictions: Reserved entry systems may be introduced during peak seasons
- Use guided tours: Appropriate visitor management and environmental education
- Pay cooperation fees: Used for forest environment improvement
- Consider longer stays: Rather than visiting many places at once, enjoy a leisurely stay
- Visit during off-peak periods: Contribute to managing crowding through winter or weekday visits
Conclusion: A Journey to Experience the World of Princess Mononoke
Yakushima is the only place where you can actually experience the worldview of Princess Mononoke. Walking through the moss-covered forest of Shiratani Unsuikyo Gorge envelops you in a mystical atmosphere where the Deer God seems about to appear, and standing before Jomon Cedar allows you to genuinely feel the greatness of nature and the preciousness of life.
However, to preserve this precious natural environment for the future, the consideration of each person who visits is necessary. Visit Yakushima’s forests with appropriate preparation and equipment, behavior respecting etiquette, and reverence for nature.
The message that Princess Mononoke sought to convey—”coexistence of nature and humanity”—will resonate more deeply in your heart when walking through Yakushima’s forests. Those moved by the film should definitely visit Yakushima in person to experience the overwhelming power of its nature.
Yakushima’s forest is an irreplaceable place that teaches us about the continuity of life spanning millennia and the importance of nature conservation.
