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  • Sake brewery in Obuse, Nagano.  The ball is made of cedar twigs and hangs over the door of sake breweries which lets customers know the season's sake is ready for purchase and drinking.
    sake-cedar-ball-02.jpg
  • Sugidama -  Sake Cedar Ball Symbol
    saijo-sake-1.jpg
  • Kigensugi Cedar Tree is estimated to be at least 3000 years old, one of the most ancient trees in Yakusugiland and Yakushima. Its age shows in a dramatic way with gnarled bark, height, width and girth give it a majestic presence.  A wide array of living things or epiphytes have attached themselves to the tree, among them:  chamaecyparis obtusa, rhododendron, sorbus commixta, ilex crenata, and illicium arisatum.   A visit to YakusugiLand, Yakushima’s nature trails is an escape into primeval nature. In this way visitors can view growth upon growth on this ancient tree.
    kigensugi-1.jpg
  • 66.3 Kigensugi Cedar Tree 紀元杉 is estimated to be at least 3000 years old, one of the most ancient trees on Yakushima. Its age shows in a dramatic way with gnarled bark, height, width and girth which give it a majestic presence.  A wide array of living things have attached themselves to the tree, among them:  chamaecyparis obtusa, rhododendron, sorbus commixta, ilex crenata, and illicium arisatum.   A visit to Kigensugi is an escape into primeval nature and can view growth upon growth on this ancient tree.
    66.3.YAKUSHIMA-KIGENSUGI-01.jpg
  • A man in a cedar tub at Hakone Hot Springs.  Hakone is one the largest concentrations of geothermal activity in Japan located near Mount Fuji. MODEL RELEASED
    rotemburo-20.jpg
  • Takayama Sake Shop - The Cedar Ball means "sake brew is ready" and called a sugidama.  Takayama is well known for its quality sake, in part because of the pure waters in the region.
    takayama-sake-3.jpg
  • Hakone Avenue of Cedars - The rows of cedar trees on the old road to Lake Ashinoko were planted in 1618, at the time when Hakone was established as a rest place for travelers. There are still more than 400 trees left standing.  The road has been designated as a historical site by the Japanese government.
    hakone-cedar-grove-01.jpg
  • Yakusugiland - although it may sound like a tacky theme park devoted to trees, it is really more of a nature hiking park.  There are short trails that have wooden steps and you don't have to go far before you're surrounded by the quiet cedar forest and enjoy the tranquility of nature left mostly undisturbed. On the longer trail routes, the forest becomes denser, leaving civilization far behind. Some of these trees are thousands of years old so you feel like an explorer. Everywhere there are fallen trees and stumps, exposed roots, trees overgrown with moss and lichens, ferns sprouting from the sides of trees and from overhanging branches, growth upon growth.
    yakusugiland-25.jpg
  • Yakusugiland - although it may sound like a tacky theme park devoted to trees, it is really more of a nature hiking park.  There are short trails that have wooden steps and you don't have to go far before you're surrounded by the quiet cedar forest and enjoy the tranquility of nature left mostly undisturbed. On the longer trail routes, the forest becomes denser, leaving civilization far behind. Some of these trees are thousands of years old so you feel like an explorer. Everywhere there are fallen trees and stumps, exposed roots, trees overgrown with moss and lichens, ferns sprouting from the sides of trees and from overhanging branches, growth upon growth.
    yakusugiland-24.jpg
  • Yakusugiland - although it may sound like a tacky theme park devoted to trees, it is really more of a nature hiking park.  There are short trails that have wooden steps and you don't have to go far before you're surrounded by the quiet cedar forest and enjoy the tranquility of nature left mostly undisturbed. On the longer trail routes, the forest becomes denser, leaving civilization far behind. Some of these trees are thousands of years old so you feel like an explorer. Everywhere there are fallen trees and stumps, exposed roots, trees overgrown with moss and lichens, ferns sprouting from the sides of trees and from overhanging branches, growth upon growth.
    yakusugiland-21.jpg
  • Yakusugiland - although it may sound like a tacky theme park devoted to trees, it is really more of a nature hiking park.  There are short trails that have wooden steps and you don't have to go far before you're surrounded by the quiet cedar forest and enjoy the tranquility of nature left mostly undisturbed. On the longer trail routes, the forest becomes denser, leaving civilization far behind. Some of these trees are thousands of years old so you feel like an explorer. Everywhere there are fallen trees and stumps, exposed roots, trees overgrown with moss and lichens, ferns sprouting from the sides of trees and from overhanging branches, growth upon growth.
    yakusugiland-19.jpg
  • Yakusugiland - although it may sound like a tacky theme park devoted to trees, it is really more of a nature hiking park.  There are short trails that have wooden steps and you don't have to go far before you're surrounded by the quiet cedar forest and enjoy the tranquility of nature left mostly undisturbed. On the longer trail routes, the forest becomes denser, leaving civilization far behind. Some of these trees are thousands of years old so you feel like an explorer. Everywhere there are fallen trees and stumps, exposed roots, trees overgrown with moss and lichens, ferns sprouting from the sides of trees and from overhanging branches, growth upon growth.
    yakusugiland-18.jpg
  • Yakusugiland - although it may sound like a tacky theme park devoted to trees, it is really more of a nature hiking park.  There are short trails that have wooden steps and you don't have to go far before you're surrounded by the quiet cedar forest and enjoy the tranquility of nature left mostly undisturbed. On the longer trail routes, the forest becomes denser, leaving civilization far behind. Some of these trees are thousands of years old so you feel like an explorer. Everywhere there are fallen trees and stumps, exposed roots, trees overgrown with moss and lichens, ferns sprouting from the sides of trees and from overhanging branches, growth upon growth.
    yakusugiland-16.jpg
  • Yakusugiland - although it may sound like a tacky theme park devoted to trees, it is really more of a nature hiking park.  There are short trails that have wooden steps and you don't have to go far before you're surrounded by the quiet cedar forest and enjoy the tranquility of nature left mostly undisturbed. On the longer trail routes, the forest becomes denser, leaving civilization far behind. Some of these trees are thousands of years old so you feel like an explorer. Everywhere there are fallen trees and stumps, exposed roots, trees overgrown with moss and lichens, ferns sprouting from the sides of trees and from overhanging branches, growth upon growth.
    yakusugiland-13.jpg
  • Yakusugiland - although it may sound like a tacky theme park devoted to trees, it is really more of a nature hiking park.  There are short trails that have wooden steps and you don't have to go far before you're surrounded by the quiet cedar forest and enjoy the tranquility of nature left mostly undisturbed. On the longer trail routes, the forest becomes denser, leaving civilization far behind. Some of these trees are thousands of years old so you feel like an explorer. Everywhere there are fallen trees and stumps, exposed roots, trees overgrown with moss and lichens, ferns sprouting from the sides of trees and from overhanging branches, growth upon growth.
    yakusugiland-12.jpg
  • Yakusugiland - although it may sound like a tacky theme park devoted to trees, it is really more of a nature hiking park.  There are short trails that have wooden steps and you don't have to go far before you're surrounded by the quiet cedar forest and enjoy the tranquility of nature left mostly undisturbed. On the longer trail routes, the forest becomes denser, leaving civilization far behind. Some of these trees are thousands of years old so you feel like an explorer. Everywhere there are fallen trees and stumps, exposed roots, trees overgrown with moss and lichens, ferns sprouting from the sides of trees and from overhanging branches, growth upon growth.
    yakusugiland-11.jpg
  • Yakusugiland - although it may sound like a tacky theme park devoted to trees, it is really more of a nature hiking park.  There are short trails that have wooden steps and you don't have to go far before you're surrounded by the quiet cedar forest and enjoy the tranquility of nature left mostly undisturbed. On the longer trail routes, the forest becomes denser, leaving civilization far behind. Some of these trees are thousands of years old so you feel like an explorer. Everywhere there are fallen trees and stumps, exposed roots, trees overgrown with moss and lichens, ferns sprouting from the sides of trees and from overhanging branches, growth upon growth.
    yakusugiland-02.jpg
  • Yakusugiland - although it may sound like a tacky theme park devoted to trees, it is really more of a nature hiking park.  There are short trails that have wooden steps and you don't have to go far before you're surrounded by the quiet cedar forest and enjoy the tranquility of nature left mostly undisturbed. On the longer trail routes, the forest becomes denser, leaving civilization far behind. Some of these trees are thousands of years old so you feel like an explorer. Everywhere there are fallen trees and stumps, exposed roots, trees overgrown with moss and lichens, ferns sprouting from the sides of trees and from overhanging branches, growth upon growth.
    yakusugiland-01.jpg
  • Yakusugiland - although it may sound like a tacky theme park devoted to trees, it is really more of a nature hiking park.  There are short trails that have wooden steps and you don't have to go far before you're surrounded by the quiet cedar forest and enjoy the tranquility of nature left mostly undisturbed. On the longer trail routes, the forest becomes denser, leaving civilization far behind. Some of these trees are thousands of years old so you feel like an explorer. Everywhere there are fallen trees and stumps, exposed roots, trees overgrown with moss and lichens, ferns sprouting from the sides of trees and from overhanging branches, growth upon growth.
    yakusugiland-23.jpg
  • Yakusugiland - although it may sound like a tacky theme park devoted to trees, it is really more of a nature hiking park.  There are short trails that have wooden steps and you don't have to go far before you're surrounded by the quiet cedar forest and enjoy the tranquility of nature left mostly undisturbed. On the longer trail routes, the forest becomes denser, leaving civilization far behind. Some of these trees are thousands of years old so you feel like an explorer. Everywhere there are fallen trees and stumps, exposed roots, trees overgrown with moss and lichens, ferns sprouting from the sides of trees and from overhanging branches, growth upon growth.
    yakusugiland-20.jpg
  • Yakusugiland - although it may sound like a tacky theme park devoted to trees, it is really more of a nature hiking park.  There are short trails that have wooden steps and you don't have to go far before you're surrounded by the quiet cedar forest and enjoy the tranquility of nature left mostly undisturbed. On the longer trail routes, the forest becomes denser, leaving civilization far behind. Some of these trees are thousands of years old so you feel like an explorer. Everywhere there are fallen trees and stumps, exposed roots, trees overgrown with moss and lichens, ferns sprouting from the sides of trees and from overhanging branches, growth upon growth.
    yakusugiland-15.jpg
  • Yakusugiland - although it may sound like a tacky theme park devoted to trees, it is really more of a nature hiking park.  There are short trails that have wooden steps and you don't have to go far before you're surrounded by the quiet cedar forest and enjoy the tranquility of nature left mostly undisturbed. On the longer trail routes, the forest becomes denser, leaving civilization far behind. Some of these trees are thousands of years old so you feel like an explorer. Everywhere there are fallen trees and stumps, exposed roots, trees overgrown with moss and lichens, ferns sprouting from the sides of trees and from overhanging branches, growth upon growth.
    yakusugiland-10.jpg
  • Yakusugiland - although it may sound like a tacky theme park devoted to trees, it is really more of a nature hiking park.  There are short trails that have wooden steps and you don't have to go far before you're surrounded by the quiet cedar forest and enjoy the tranquility of nature left mostly undisturbed. On the longer trail routes, the forest becomes denser, leaving civilization far behind. Some of these trees are thousands of years old so you feel like an explorer. Everywhere there are fallen trees and stumps, exposed roots, trees overgrown with moss and lichens, ferns sprouting from the sides of trees and from overhanging branches, growth upon growth.
    yakusugiland-09.jpg
  • Yakusugiland - although it may sound like a tacky theme park devoted to trees, it is really more of a nature hiking park.  There are short trails that have wooden steps and you don't have to go far before you're surrounded by the quiet cedar forest and enjoy the tranquility of nature left mostly undisturbed. On the longer trail routes, the forest becomes denser, leaving civilization far behind. Some of these trees are thousands of years old so you feel like an explorer. Everywhere there are fallen trees and stumps, exposed roots, trees overgrown with moss and lichens, ferns sprouting from the sides of trees and from overhanging branches, growth upon growth.
    yakusugiland-08.jpg
  • Yakusugiland - although it may sound like a tacky theme park devoted to trees, it is really more of a nature hiking park.  There are short trails that have wooden steps and you don't have to go far before you're surrounded by the quiet cedar forest and enjoy the tranquility of nature left mostly undisturbed. On the longer trail routes, the forest becomes denser, leaving civilization far behind. Some of these trees are thousands of years old so you feel like an explorer. Everywhere there are fallen trees and stumps, exposed roots, trees overgrown with moss and lichens, ferns sprouting from the sides of trees and from overhanging branches, growth upon growth.
    yakusugiland-07.jpg
  • Yakusugiland - although it may sound like a tacky theme park devoted to trees, it is really more of a nature hiking park.  There are short trails that have wooden steps and you don't have to go far before you're surrounded by the quiet cedar forest and enjoy the tranquility of nature left mostly undisturbed. On the longer trail routes, the forest becomes denser, leaving civilization far behind. Some of these trees are thousands of years old so you feel like an explorer. Everywhere there are fallen trees and stumps, exposed roots, trees overgrown with moss and lichens, ferns sprouting from the sides of trees and from overhanging branches, growth upon growth.
    yakusugiland-14.jpg
  • Yakusugiland - although it may sound like a tacky theme park devoted to trees, it is really more of a nature hiking park.  There are short trails that have wooden steps and you don't have to go far before you're surrounded by the quiet cedar forest and enjoy the tranquility of nature left mostly undisturbed. On the longer trail routes, the forest becomes denser, leaving civilization far behind. Some of these trees are thousands of years old so you feel like an explorer. Everywhere there are fallen trees and stumps, exposed roots, trees overgrown with moss and lichens, ferns sprouting from the sides of trees and from overhanging branches, growth upon growth.
    yakusugiland-05.jpg
  • The Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a lush nature park containing many of Yakushima island's ancient cedars.  The park offers a network of hiking trails that run along the ravine varying in length from one to five hours long, though many prefer to choose their own routes among the paths. The trails vary in difficulty from basic footpaths to developed paved paths using stone and wood.  One of the main attractions of Shiratani Unsuikyo is a part of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Princess Mononoke. Oga Kazuo, the lead artist for the film, spent lots of time here working on sketches for the movie's forests.  Besides the ancient cedar trees, some of them thousands of years old, the continually wet microclimate protects the cedars by enabling them to produce more than usual resin,  It also is an ideal climate for moss, which grows everywhere here.
    shiretani-unsui-gorge-28.jpg
  • The Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a lush nature park containing many of Yakushima island's ancient cedars.  The park offers a network of hiking trails that run along the ravine varying in length from one to five hours long, though many prefer to choose their own routes among the paths. The trails vary in difficulty from basic footpaths to developed paved paths using stone and wood.  One of the main attractions of Shiratani Unsuikyo is a part of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Princess Mononoke. Oga Kazuo, the lead artist for the film, spent lots of time here working on sketches for the movie's forests.  Besides the ancient cedar trees, some of them thousands of years old, the continually wet microclimate protects the cedars by enabling them to produce more than usual resin,  It also is an ideal climate for moss, which grows everywhere here.
    shiretani-unsui-gorge-09.jpg
  • The Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a lush nature park containing many of Yakushima island's ancient cedars.  The park offers a network of hiking trails that run along the ravine varying in length from one to five hours long, though many prefer to choose their own routes among the paths. The trails vary in difficulty from basic footpaths to developed paved paths using stone and wood.  One of the main attractions of Shiratani Unsuikyo is a part of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Princess Mononoke. Oga Kazuo, the lead artist for the film, spent lots of time here working on sketches for the movie's forests.  Besides the ancient cedar trees, some of them thousands of years old, the continually wet microclimate protects the cedars by enabling them to produce more than usual resin,  It also is an ideal climate for moss, which grows everywhere here.
    shiretani-unsui-gorge-31.jpg
  • The Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a lush nature park containing many of Yakushima island's ancient cedars.  The park offers a network of hiking trails that run along the ravine varying in length from one to five hours long, though many prefer to choose their own routes among the paths. The trails vary in difficulty from basic footpaths to developed paved paths using stone and wood.  One of the main attractions of Shiratani Unsuikyo is a part of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Princess Mononoke. Oga Kazuo, the lead artist for the film, spent lots of time here working on sketches for the movie's forests.  Besides the ancient cedar trees, some of them thousands of years old, the continually wet microclimate protects the cedars by enabling them to produce more than usual resin,  It also is an ideal climate for moss, which grows everywhere here.
    shiretani-unsui-gorge-30.jpg
  • The Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a lush nature park containing many of Yakushima island's ancient cedars.  The park offers a network of hiking trails that run along the ravine varying in length from one to five hours long, though many prefer to choose their own routes among the paths. The trails vary in difficulty from basic footpaths to developed paved paths using stone and wood.  One of the main attractions of Shiratani Unsuikyo is a part of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Princess Mononoke. Oga Kazuo, the lead artist for the film, spent lots of time here working on sketches for the movie's forests.  Besides the ancient cedar trees, some of them thousands of years old, the continually wet microclimate protects the cedars by enabling them to produce more than usual resin,  It also is an ideal climate for moss, which grows everywhere here.
    shiretani-unsui-gorge-29.jpg
  • The Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a lush nature park containing many of Yakushima island's ancient cedars.  The park offers a network of hiking trails that run along the ravine varying in length from one to five hours long, though many prefer to choose their own routes among the paths. The trails vary in difficulty from basic footpaths to developed paved paths using stone and wood.  One of the main attractions of Shiratani Unsuikyo is a part of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Princess Mononoke. Oga Kazuo, the lead artist for the film, spent lots of time here working on sketches for the movie's forests.  Besides the ancient cedar trees, some of them thousands of years old, the continually wet microclimate protects the cedars by enabling them to produce more than usual resin,  It also is an ideal climate for moss, which grows everywhere here.
    shiretani-unsui-gorge-27.jpg
  • The Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a lush nature park containing many of Yakushima island's ancient cedars.  The park offers a network of hiking trails that run along the ravine varying in length from one to five hours long, though many prefer to choose their own routes among the paths. The trails vary in difficulty from basic footpaths to developed paved paths using stone and wood.  One of the main attractions of Shiratani Unsuikyo is a part of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Princess Mononoke. Oga Kazuo, the lead artist for the film, spent lots of time here working on sketches for the movie's forests.  Besides the ancient cedar trees, some of them thousands of years old, the continually wet microclimate protects the cedars by enabling them to produce more than usual resin,  It also is an ideal climate for moss, which grows everywhere here.
    shiretani-unsui-gorge-19.jpg
  • The Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a lush nature park containing many of Yakushima island's ancient cedars.  The park offers a network of hiking trails that run along the ravine varying in length from one to five hours long, though many prefer to choose their own routes among the paths. The trails vary in difficulty from basic footpaths to developed paved paths using stone and wood.  One of the main attractions of Shiratani Unsuikyo is a part of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Princess Mononoke. Oga Kazuo, the lead artist for the film, spent lots of time here working on sketches for the movie's forests.  Besides the ancient cedar trees, some of them thousands of years old, the continually wet microclimate protects the cedars by enabling them to produce more than usual resin,  It also is an ideal climate for moss, which grows everywhere here.
    shiretani-unsui-gorge-18.jpg
  • The Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a lush nature park containing many of Yakushima island's ancient cedars.  The park offers a network of hiking trails that run along the ravine varying in length from one to five hours long, though many prefer to choose their own routes among the paths. The trails vary in difficulty from basic footpaths to developed paved paths using stone and wood.  One of the main attractions of Shiratani Unsuikyo is a part of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Princess Mononoke. Oga Kazuo, the lead artist for the film, spent lots of time here working on sketches for the movie's forests.  Besides the ancient cedar trees, some of them thousands of years old, the continually wet microclimate protects the cedars by enabling them to produce more than usual resin,  It also is an ideal climate for moss, which grows everywhere here.
    shiretani-unsui-gorge-14.jpg
  • The Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a lush nature park containing many of Yakushima island's ancient cedars.  The park offers a network of hiking trails that run along the ravine varying in length from one to five hours long, though many prefer to choose their own routes among the paths. The trails vary in difficulty from basic footpaths to developed paved paths using stone and wood.  One of the main attractions of Shiratani Unsuikyo is a part of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Princess Mononoke. Oga Kazuo, the lead artist for the film, spent lots of time here working on sketches for the movie's forests.  Besides the ancient cedar trees, some of them thousands of years old, the continually wet microclimate protects the cedars by enabling them to produce more than usual resin,  It also is an ideal climate for moss, which grows everywhere here.
    shiretani-unsui-gorge-11.jpg
  • The Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a lush nature park containing many of Yakushima island's ancient cedars.  The park offers a network of hiking trails that run along the ravine varying in length from one to five hours long, though many prefer to choose their own routes among the paths. The trails vary in difficulty from basic footpaths to developed paved paths using stone and wood.  One of the main attractions of Shiratani Unsuikyo is a part of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Princess Mononoke. Oga Kazuo, the lead artist for the film, spent lots of time here working on sketches for the movie's forests.  Besides the ancient cedar trees, some of them thousands of years old, the continually wet microclimate protects the cedars by enabling them to produce more than usual resin,  It also is an ideal climate for moss, which grows everywhere here.
    shiretani-unsui-gorge-08.jpg
  • The Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a lush nature park containing many of Yakushima island's ancient cedars.  The park offers a network of hiking trails that run along the ravine varying in length from one to five hours long, though many prefer to choose their own routes among the paths. The trails vary in difficulty from basic footpaths to developed paved paths using stone and wood.  One of the main attractions of Shiratani Unsuikyo is a part of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Princess Mononoke. Oga Kazuo, the lead artist for the film, spent lots of time here working on sketches for the movie's forests.  Besides the ancient cedar trees, some of them thousands of years old, the continually wet microclimate protects the cedars by enabling them to produce more than usual resin,  It also is an ideal climate for moss, which grows everywhere here.
    shiretani-unsui-gorge-07.jpg
  • The Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a lush nature park containing many of Yakushima island's ancient cedars.  The park offers a network of hiking trails that run along the ravine varying in length from one to five hours long, though many prefer to choose their own routes among the paths. The trails vary in difficulty from basic footpaths to developed paved paths using stone and wood.  One of the main attractions of Shiratani Unsuikyo is a part of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Princess Mononoke. Oga Kazuo, the lead artist for the film, spent lots of time here working on sketches for the movie's forests.  Besides the ancient cedar trees, some of them thousands of years old, the continually wet microclimate protects the cedars by enabling them to produce more than usual resin,  It also is an ideal climate for moss, which grows everywhere here.
    shiretani-unsui-gorge-04.jpg
  • Hikers at Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a lush nature park containing many of Yakushima island's ancient cedars.  The park offers a network of hiking trails that run along the ravine varying in length from one to five hours long, though many prefer to choose their own routes among the paths. The trails vary in difficulty from basic footpaths to developed paved paths using stone and wood.  One of the main attractions of Shiratani Unsuikyo is a part of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Princess Mononoke. Oga Kazuo, the lead artist for the film, spent lots of time here working on sketches for the movie's forests.  Besides the ancient cedar trees, some of them thousands of years old, the continually wet microclimate protects the cedars by enabling them to produce more than usual resin,  It also is an ideal climate for moss, which grows everywhere here.
    shiretani-unsui-gorge-36.jpg
  • The Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a lush nature park containing many of Yakushima island's ancient cedars.  The park offers a network of hiking trails that run along the ravine varying in length from one to five hours long, though many prefer to choose their own routes among the paths. The trails vary in difficulty from basic footpaths to developed paved paths using stone and wood.  One of the main attractions of Shiratani Unsuikyo is a part of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Princess Mononoke. Oga Kazuo, the lead artist for the film, spent lots of time here working on sketches for the movie's forests.  Besides the ancient cedar trees, some of them thousands of years old, the continually wet microclimate protects the cedars by enabling them to produce more than usual resin,  It also is an ideal climate for moss, which grows everywhere here.
    shiretani-unsui-gorge-25.jpg
  • The Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a lush nature park containing many of Yakushima island's ancient cedars.  The park offers a network of hiking trails that run along the ravine varying in length from one to five hours long, though many prefer to choose their own routes among the paths. The trails vary in difficulty from basic footpaths to developed paved paths using stone and wood.  One of the main attractions of Shiratani Unsuikyo is a part of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Princess Mononoke. Oga Kazuo, the lead artist for the film, spent lots of time here working on sketches for the movie's forests.  Besides the ancient cedar trees, some of them thousands of years old, the continually wet microclimate protects the cedars by enabling them to produce more than usual resin,  It also is an ideal climate for moss, which grows everywhere here.
    shiretani-unsui-gorge-24.jpg
  • The Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a lush nature park containing many of Yakushima island's ancient cedars.  The park offers a network of hiking trails that run along the ravine varying in length from one to five hours long, though many prefer to choose their own routes among the paths. The trails vary in difficulty from basic footpaths to developed paved paths using stone and wood.  One of the main attractions of Shiratani Unsuikyo is a part of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Princess Mononoke. Oga Kazuo, the lead artist for the film, spent lots of time here working on sketches for the movie's forests.  Besides the ancient cedar trees, some of them thousands of years old, the continually wet microclimate protects the cedars by enabling them to produce more than usual resin,  It also is an ideal climate for moss, which grows everywhere here.
    shiretani-unsui-gorge-20.jpg
  • The Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a lush nature park containing many of Yakushima island's ancient cedars.  The park offers a network of hiking trails that run along the ravine varying in length from one to five hours long, though many prefer to choose their own routes among the paths. The trails vary in difficulty from basic footpaths to developed paved paths using stone and wood.  One of the main attractions of Shiratani Unsuikyo is a part of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Princess Mononoke. Oga Kazuo, the lead artist for the film, spent lots of time here working on sketches for the movie's forests.  Besides the ancient cedar trees, some of them thousands of years old, the continually wet microclimate protects the cedars by enabling them to produce more than usual resin,  It also is an ideal climate for moss, which grows everywhere here.
    shiretani-unsui-gorge-16.jpg
  • The Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a lush nature park containing many of Yakushima island's ancient cedars.  The park offers a network of hiking trails that run along the ravine varying in length from one to five hours long, though many prefer to choose their own routes among the paths. The trails vary in difficulty from basic footpaths to developed paved paths using stone and wood.  One of the main attractions of Shiratani Unsuikyo is a part of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Princess Mononoke. Oga Kazuo, the lead artist for the film, spent lots of time here working on sketches for the movie's forests.  Besides the ancient cedar trees, some of them thousands of years old, the continually wet microclimate protects the cedars by enabling them to produce more than usual resin,  It also is an ideal climate for moss, which grows everywhere here.
    shiretani-unsui-gorge-12.jpg
  • The Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a lush nature park containing many of Yakushima island's ancient cedars.  The park offers a network of hiking trails that run along the ravine varying in length from one to five hours long, though many prefer to choose their own routes among the paths. The trails vary in difficulty from basic footpaths to developed paved paths using stone and wood.  One of the main attractions of Shiratani Unsuikyo is a part of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Princess Mononoke. Oga Kazuo, the lead artist for the film, spent lots of time here working on sketches for the movie's forests.  Besides the ancient cedar trees, some of them thousands of years old, the continually wet microclimate protects the cedars by enabling them to produce more than usual resin,  It also is an ideal climate for moss, which grows everywhere here.
    shiretani-unsui-gorge-05.jpg
  • The Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a lush nature park containing many of Yakushima island's ancient cedars.  The park offers a network of hiking trails that run along the ravine varying in length from one to five hours long, though many prefer to choose their own routes among the paths. The trails vary in difficulty from basic footpaths to developed paved paths using stone and wood.  One of the main attractions of Shiratani Unsuikyo is a part of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Princess Mononoke. Oga Kazuo, the lead artist for the film, spent lots of time here working on sketches for the movie's forests.  Besides the ancient cedar trees, some of them thousands of years old, the continually wet microclimate protects the cedars by enabling them to produce more than usual resin,  It also is an ideal climate for moss, which grows everywhere here.
    shiretani-unsui-gorge-23.jpg
  • The Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a lush nature park containing many of Yakushima island's ancient cedars.  The park offers a network of hiking trails that run along the ravine varying in length from one to five hours long, though many prefer to choose their own routes among the paths. The trails vary in difficulty from basic footpaths to developed paved paths using stone and wood.  One of the main attractions of Shiratani Unsuikyo is a part of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Princess Mononoke. Oga Kazuo, the lead artist for the film, spent lots of time here working on sketches for the movie's forests.  Besides the ancient cedar trees, some of them thousands of years old, the continually wet microclimate protects the cedars by enabling them to produce more than usual resin,  It also is an ideal climate for moss, which grows everywhere here.
    shiretani-unsui-gorge-22.jpg
  • The Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a lush nature park containing many of Yakushima island's ancient cedars.  The park offers a network of hiking trails that run along the ravine varying in length from one to five hours long, though many prefer to choose their own routes among the paths. The trails vary in difficulty from basic footpaths to developed paved paths using stone and wood.  One of the main attractions of Shiratani Unsuikyo is a part of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Princess Mononoke. Oga Kazuo, the lead artist for the film, spent lots of time here working on sketches for the movie's forests.  Besides the ancient cedar trees, some of them thousands of years old, the continually wet microclimate protects the cedars by enabling them to produce more than usual resin,  It also is an ideal climate for moss, which grows everywhere here.
    shiretani-unsui-gorge-13.jpg
  • Traditionally, sake is served in wooden box cups known as masu with a standard measurement of  180 ml or 6 fl oz.  These tiny cedar  box cups were thought to complement the taste of sake. Tradition requires the masu be filled to the rim as a sign of prosperity.  Nowadays, sake is more typically served in ceramic cups. The cups used for drinking sake tiny vessels called ochoko.  While not a traditional serving glass a shot glass is also sometimes used.
    sake-cups-1.jpg
  • 66.2 Yakusugi Land 屋久杉ランド  In spite of its theme park name Yakusugi Land is a cedar grove where visitors can enjoy observing ancient trees and the epiphytes which grow on them. This hiking course here is relatively flat and is suitable for beginning hikers. There are a wide range of courses from 30 to 150 minutes long depending on weather conditions, the hikers ability and stamina.  Several of the trees are more than 3000 years old, covered with epiphytes plant life including chamaecyparis obtusa, rhododendron, sorbus commixta, ilex crenata, and illicium arisatum.
    66.2.YAKUSHIMA-YAKUSUGILAND-07.jpg
  • Yakusugiland - although it may sound like a tacky theme park devoted to trees, it is really more of a nature hiking park.  There are short trails that have wooden steps and you don't have to go far before you're surrounded by the quiet cedar forest and enjoy the tranquility of nature left mostly undisturbed. On the longer trail routes, the forest becomes denser, leaving civilization far behind. Some of these trees are thousands of years old so you feel like an explorer. Everywhere there are fallen trees and stumps, exposed roots, trees overgrown with moss and lichens, ferns sprouting from the sides of trees and from overhanging branches, growth upon growth.
    yakusugiland-04.jpg
  • Suspension Bridge at Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine - a lush nature park containing many of Yakushima island's ancient cedars.  The park offers a network of hiking trails that run along the ravine varying in length from one to five hours long, though many prefer to choose their own routes among the paths. The trails vary in difficulty from basic footpaths to developed paved paths using stone and wood.  One of the main attractions of Shiratani Unsuikyo is a part of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Princess Mononoke. Oga Kazuo, the lead artist for the film, spent lots of time here working on sketches for the movie's forests.  Besides the ancient cedar trees, some of them thousands of years old, the continually wet microclimate protects the cedars by enabling them to produce more than usual resin,  It also is an ideal climate for moss, which grows everywhere here.
    shiretani-unsui-gorge-37.jpg
  • The Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a lush nature park containing many of Yakushima island's ancient cedars.  The park offers a network of hiking trails that run along the ravine varying in length from one to five hours long, though many prefer to choose their own routes among the paths. The trails vary in difficulty from basic footpaths to developed paved paths using stone and wood.  One of the main attractions of Shiratani Unsuikyo is a part of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Princess Mononoke. Oga Kazuo, the lead artist for the film, spent lots of time here working on sketches for the movie's forests.  Besides the ancient cedar trees, some of them thousands of years old, the continually wet microclimate protects the cedars by enabling them to produce more than usual resin,  It also is an ideal climate for moss, which grows everywhere here.
    shiretani-unsui-gorge-32.jpg
  • 66.2 Yakusugi Land 屋久杉ランド  In spite of its theme park name Yakusugi Land is a cedar grove where visitors can enjoy observing ancient trees and the epiphytes which grow on them. This hiking course here is relatively flat and is suitable for beginning hikers. There are a wide range of courses from 30 to 150 minutes long depending on weather conditions, the hikers ability and stamina.  Several of the trees are more than 3000 years old, covered with epiphytes plant life including chamaecyparis obtusa, rhododendron, sorbus commixta, ilex crenata, and illicium arisatum.
    66.2.YAKUSHIMA-YAKUSUGILAND-06.jpg
  • 66.2 Yakusugi Land 屋久杉ランド  In spite of its theme park name Yakusugi Land is a cedar grove where visitors can enjoy observing ancient trees and the epiphytes which grow on them. This hiking course here is relatively flat and is suitable for beginning hikers. There are a wide range of courses from 30 to 150 minutes long depending on weather conditions, the hikers ability and stamina.  Several of the trees are more than 3000 years old, covered with epiphytes plant life including chamaecyparis obtusa, rhododendron, sorbus commixta, ilex crenata, and illicium arisatum.
    66.2.YAKUSHIMA-YAKUSUGILAND-03.jpg
  • 66.2 Yakusugi Land 屋久杉ランド  In spite of its theme park name Yakusugi Land is a cedar grove where visitors can enjoy observing ancient trees and the epiphytes which grow on them. This hiking course here is relatively flat and is suitable for beginning hikers. There are a wide range of courses from 30 to 150 minutes long depending on weather conditions, the hikers ability and stamina.  Several of the trees are more than 3000 years old, covered with epiphytes plant life including chamaecyparis obtusa, rhododendron, sorbus commixta, ilex crenata, and illicium arisatum.
    66.2.YAKUSHIMA-YAKUSUGILAND-02.jpg
  • 66.2 Yakusugi Land 屋久杉ランド  In spite of its theme park name Yakusugi Land is a cedar grove where visitors can enjoy observing ancient trees and the epiphytes which grow on them. This hiking course here is relatively flat and is suitable for beginning hikers. There are a wide range of courses from 30 to 150 minutes long depending on weather conditions, the hikers ability and stamina.  Several of the trees are more than 3000 years old, covered with epiphytes plant life including chamaecyparis obtusa, rhododendron, sorbus commixta, ilex crenata, and illicium arisatum.
    66.2.YAKUSHIMA-YAKUSUGILAND-01.jpg
  • Yakusugiland - although it may sound like a tacky theme park devoted to trees, it is really more of a nature hiking park.  There are short trails that have wooden steps and you don't have to go far before you're surrounded by the quiet cedar forest and enjoy the tranquility of nature left mostly undisturbed. On the longer trail routes, the forest becomes denser, leaving civilization far behind. Some of these trees are thousands of years old so you feel like an explorer. Everywhere there are fallen trees and stumps, exposed roots, trees overgrown with moss and lichens, ferns sprouting from the sides of trees and from overhanging branches, growth upon growth.
    yakusugiland-03.jpg
  • Suspension Bridge at Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine - a lush nature park containing many of Yakushima island's ancient cedars.  The park offers a network of hiking trails that run along the ravine varying in length from one to five hours long, though many prefer to choose their own routes among the paths. The trails vary in difficulty from basic footpaths to developed paved paths using stone and wood.  One of the main attractions of Shiratani Unsuikyo is a part of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Princess Mononoke. Oga Kazuo, the lead artist for the film, spent lots of time here working on sketches for the movie's forests.  Besides the ancient cedar trees, some of them thousands of years old, the continually wet microclimate protects the cedars by enabling them to produce more than usual resin,  It also is an ideal climate for moss, which grows everywhere here.
    shiretani-unsui-gorge-06.jpg
  • Sake brewery in the Sanmachi or Furui-machi District of Takayama, an area where Edo period houses remain in traditional buildings of sake breweries and merchants houses. The ball, made of cedar over the door lets customers know the season's sake is ready for purchase and drinking.  The district was designated an area of important traditional buildings by the Japanese Government and the movie set for many a Samurai movie.
    takayama-sake-4.jpg
  • Namikiri Fudo-son Temple is located in the south of Tokushima Prefecture. Although it's a small temple,  the grounds are covered with moss,it feels like it is in another world.  It appears to be a scene from the mossy island of Yakushima. At the top of the mossy steps are two huge cedars trees, said to have been planted by Kobo Daishi to help support the giant stone at the top of the hill.
    Namakiri-Fudo-san.jpg
  • Namikiri Fudo-son Temple is located in the south of Tokushima Prefecture. Although it's a small temple,  the grounds are covered with moss,it feels like it is in another world.  It appears to be a scene from the mossy island of Yakushima. At the top of the mossy steps are two huge cedars trees, said to have been planted by Kobo Daishi to help support the giant stone at the top of the hill.
    Namakiri-Fudo-san-6.jpg
  • Namikiri Fudo-son Temple is located in the south of Tokushima Prefecture. Although it's a small temple,  the grounds are covered with moss,it feels like it is in another world.  It appears to be a scene from the mossy island of Yakushima. At the top of the mossy steps are two huge cedars trees, said to have been planted by Kobo Daishi to help support the giant stone at the top of the hill.
    Namakiri-Fudo-san-5.jpg
  • Namikiri Fudo-son Temple is located in the south of Tokushima Prefecture. Although it's a small temple,  the grounds are covered with moss,it feels like it is in another world.  It appears to be a scene from the mossy island of Yakushima. At the top of the mossy steps are two huge cedars trees, said to have been planted by Kobo Daishi to help support the giant stone at the top of the hill.
    Namakiri-Fudo-san-3.jpg
  • Namikiri Fudo-son Temple is located in the south of Tokushima Prefecture. Although it's a small temple,  the grounds are covered with moss,it feels like it is in another world.  It appears to be a scene from the mossy island of Yakushima. At the top of the mossy steps are two huge cedars trees, said to have been planted by Kobo Daishi to help support the giant stone at the top of the hill.
    Namakiri-Fudo-san-4.jpg
  • Namikiri Fudo-son Temple is located in the south of Tokushima Prefecture. Although it's a small temple,  the grounds are covered with moss,it feels like it is in another world.  It appears to be a scene from the mossy island of Yakushima. At the top of the mossy steps are two huge cedars trees, said to have been planted by Kobo Daishi to help support the giant stone at the top of the hill.
    Namakiri-Fudo-san-2.jpg
  • 66.1. Shiretani Unsui Gorge 白谷雲水峡の森林 is a lush nature park containing a number of Yakushima's ancient cedars such as the Nidaio-sugi, Kuguri-sugi and Yayoi-sugi. Shiratani Unsuikyo is a popular destination to see these forests without much strenuous hiking with a network of well-maintained trails that run along the ravine.  One of the main attractions here is an area of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Mononoke Hime Princess Mononoke.
    66.1.YAKUSHIMA.SHIRETANI-07.jpg
  • 66.1. Shiretani Unsui Gorge 白谷雲水峡の森林 is a lush nature park containing a number of Yakushima's ancient cedars such as the Nidaio-sugi, Kuguri-sugi and Yayoi-sugi. Shiratani Unsuikyo is a popular destination to see these forests without much strenuous hiking with a network of well-maintained trails that run along the ravine.  One of the main attractions here is an area of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Mononoke Hime Princess Mononoke.
    66.1.YAKUSHIMA.SHIRETANI-04.jpg
  • 66.1. Shiretani Unsui Gorge 白谷雲水峡の森林 is a lush nature park containing a number of Yakushima's ancient cedars such as the Nidaio-sugi, Kuguri-sugi and Yayoi-sugi. Shiratani Unsuikyo is a popular destination to see these forests without much strenuous hiking with a network of well-maintained trails that run along the ravine.  One of the main attractions here is an area of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Mononoke Hime Princess Mononoke.
    66.1.YAKUSHIMA.SHIRETANI-02.jpg
  • 66.1. Shiretani Unsui Gorge 白谷雲水峡の森林 is a lush nature park containing a number of Yakushima's ancient cedars such as the Nidaio-sugi, Kuguri-sugi and Yayoi-sugi. Shiratani Unsuikyo is a popular destination to see these forests without much strenuous hiking with a network of well-maintained trails that run along the ravine.  One of the main attractions here is an area of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Mononoke Hime Princess Mononoke.
    66.1.YAKUSHIMA.SHIRETANI-05.jpg
  • 66.1. Shiretani Unsui Gorge 白谷雲水峡の森林 is a lush nature park containing a number of Yakushima's ancient cedars such as the Nidaio-sugi, Kuguri-sugi and Yayoi-sugi. Shiratani Unsuikyo is a popular destination to see these forests without much strenuous hiking with a network of well-maintained trails that run along the ravine.  One of the main attractions here is an area of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Mononoke Hime Princess Mononoke.
    66.1.YAKUSHIMA.SHIRETANI-01.jpg
  • There were originally 53 posts along the Old Tokaido Road, or Eastern Coastal Road.  Tokaido is now both the main central train line as well as the original Shinkansen Bullet Train from Tokyo to Kyoto.  But of the original trail only about 9 km still exists, most of it in Hakone.
    old-tokaido-trail-1.jpg
  • There were originally 53 posts along the Old Tokaido Road, or Eastern Coastal Road.  Tokaido is now both the main central train line as well as the original Shinkansen Bullet Train from Tokyo to Kyoto.  But of the original trail only about 9 km still exists, most of it in Hakone.
    old-tokaido-trail-3.jpg
  • There were originally 53 posts along the Old Tokaido Road, or Eastern Coastal Road.  Tokaido is now both the main central train line as well as the original Shinkansen Bullet Train from Tokyo to Kyoto.  But of the original trail only about 9 km still exists, most of it in Hakone.
    old-tokaido-trail-2.jpg
  • Foot baths are all the rage in Japan, often in front of railway stations in hot spring towns to give tired travelers a rest from their arduous sightseeing schedules.
    japanese-foot-bath-4.jpg
  • Honzenji Temple Garden - Honzen-ji is a large temple and historic site in Togane, Chiba Prefecture.  The temple grounds are adjacent to Lake Hakkaku formerly known as Tani Pond a local park and famous spot for viewing cherry blossoms in April.  Honzenji itself has a well maintained pond garden, and is also known for its cedar grove and plum blossoms which precede the cherry blossoms of the nearby pond.  The temple was built on Shiroyama Hills, built during the Kamakura Period although the exact dates are unknown, now a Rinzai Sect of Buddhism.   Honzenji was the family temple of Sadataka Sakai, of nearby Togane Castle now in ruins.  The temple has a massive cemetery with an exclosure for the burial of pets as well.  Honzenji is a Togane City designated historic site.
    Honzenji-Garden-18.jpg
  • Yaku Monkeys on Yakushima -  This particular species of macacque monkeys is known as a Yaku Monkey, that is found only on Yakushima Island south of Kagoshima.  Their natural habitat is found in the hills near UNESCO World Heritage protected lands.  Yakushima is a subtropical island south of Kyushu covered by huge cedar forests that contains some of Japan's oldest living trees some of which are thousands of years old.  Today the forests have recovered past logging days and now enjoys the protection of being  a national park, while other areas are World Heritage Sites.  Most visitors come here to hike through the forests and see the ancient cedar trees.
    yakushima-monkeys-2.jpg
  • Yaku Monkeys on Yakushima -  This particular species of macacque monkeys is known as a Yaku Monkey, that is found only on Yakushima Island south of Kagoshima.  Their natural habitat is found in the hills near UNESCO World Heritage protected lands.  Yakushima is a subtropical island south of Kyushu covered by huge cedar forests that contains some of Japan's oldest living trees some of which are thousands of years old.  Today the forests have recovered past logging days and now enjoys the protection of being  a national park, while other areas are World Heritage Sites.  Most visitors come here to hike through the forests and see the ancient cedar trees.
    yakushima-monkeys-1.jpg
  • Yakushima is a subtropical island south of Kyushu covered by huge cedar forests that contains some of Japan's oldest living trees some of which are thousands of years old.  Today the forests have recovered past logging days and now enjoys the protection of being  a national park, while other areas are World Heritage Sites.  Most visitors come here to hike through the forests and see the ancient cedar trees.  As a subtropical island Yakushima attracts a lot of rainfall around the year with some rain almost daily especially in the mountainous interior.
    yakushima-2.jpg
  • Yakushima is a subtropical island south of Kyushu covered by huge cedar forests that contains some of Japan's oldest living trees some of which are thousands of years old.  Today the forests have recovered past logging days and now enjoys the protection of being  a national park, while other areas are World Heritage Sites.  Most visitors come here to hike through the forests and see the ancient cedar trees.  As a subtropical island Yakushima attracts a lot of rainfall around the year with some rain almost daily especially in the mountainous interior.
    yakushima-1.jpg
  • Yakushima is a subtropical island south of Kyushu covered by huge cedar forests that contains some of Japan's oldest living trees some of which are thousands of years old.  Today the forests have recovered past logging days and now enjoys the protection of being  a national park, while other areas are World Heritage Sites.  Most visitors come here to hike through the forests and see the ancient cedar trees.  As a subtropical island Yakushima attracts a lot of rainfall around the year with some rain almost daily especially in the mountainous interior.
    yakushima-3.jpg
  • The Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a lush nature park containing many of Yakushima island's ancient cedars.  The park offers a network of hiking trails that run along the ravine varying in length from one to five hours long, though many prefer to choose their own routes among the paths. The trails vary in difficulty from basic footpaths to developed paved paths using stone and wood.  One of the main attractions of Shiratani Unsuikyo is a part of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Princess Mononoke. Oga Kazuo, the lead artist for the film, spent lots of time here working on sketches for the movie's forests.  Besides the ancient cedar trees, some of them thousands of years old, the continually wet microclimate protects the cedars by enabling them to produce more than usual resin,  It also is an ideal climate for moss, which grows everywhere here.
    shiretani-unsui-gorge-34.jpg
  • The Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a lush nature park containing many of Yakushima island's ancient cedars.  The park offers a network of hiking trails that run along the ravine varying in length from one to five hours long, though many prefer to choose their own routes among the paths. The trails vary in difficulty from basic footpaths to developed paved paths using stone and wood.  One of the main attractions of Shiratani Unsuikyo is a part of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Princess Mononoke. Oga Kazuo, the lead artist for the film, spent lots of time here working on sketches for the movie's forests.  Besides the ancient cedar trees, some of them thousands of years old, the continually wet microclimate protects the cedars by enabling them to produce more than usual resin,  It also is an ideal climate for moss, which grows everywhere here.
    shiretani-unsui-gorge-33.jpg
  • Waterfall at Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a lush nature park containing many of Yakushima island's ancient cedars.  The park offers a network of hiking trails that run along the ravine varying in length from one to five hours long, though many prefer to choose their own routes among the paths. The trails vary in difficulty from basic footpaths to developed paved paths using stone and wood.  One of the main attractions of Shiratani Unsuikyo is a part of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Princess Mononoke. Oga Kazuo, the lead artist for the film, spent lots of time here working on sketches for the movie's forests.  Besides the ancient cedar trees, some of them thousands of years old, the continually wet microclimate protects the cedars by enabling them to produce more than usual resin,  It also is an ideal climate for moss, which grows everywhere here.
    shiretani-unsui-gorge-03.jpg
  • Waterfall at Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a lush nature park containing many of Yakushima island's ancient cedars.  The park offers a network of hiking trails that run along the ravine varying in length from one to five hours long, though many prefer to choose their own routes among the paths. The trails vary in difficulty from basic footpaths to developed paved paths using stone and wood.  One of the main attractions of Shiratani Unsuikyo is a part of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Princess Mononoke. Oga Kazuo, the lead artist for the film, spent lots of time here working on sketches for the movie's forests.  Besides the ancient cedar trees, some of them thousands of years old, the continually wet microclimate protects the cedars by enabling them to produce more than usual resin,  It also is an ideal climate for moss, which grows everywhere here.
    shiretani-unsui-gorge-02.jpg
  • Waterfall at Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a lush nature park containing many of Yakushima island's ancient cedars.  The park offers a network of hiking trails that run along the ravine varying in length from one to five hours long, though many prefer to choose their own routes among the paths. The trails vary in difficulty from basic footpaths to developed paved paths using stone and wood.  One of the main attractions of Shiratani Unsuikyo is a part of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Princess Mononoke. Oga Kazuo, the lead artist for the film, spent lots of time here working on sketches for the movie's forests.  Besides the ancient cedar trees, some of them thousands of years old, the continually wet microclimate protects the cedars by enabling them to produce more than usual resin,  It also is an ideal climate for moss, which grows everywhere here.
    shiretani-unsui-gorge-01.jpg
  • The Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a lush nature park containing many of Yakushima island's ancient cedars.  The park offers a network of hiking trails that run along the ravine varying in length from one to five hours long, though many prefer to choose their own routes among the paths. The trails vary in difficulty from basic footpaths to developed paved paths using stone and wood.  One of the main attractions of Shiratani Unsuikyo is a part of the forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Princess Mononoke. Oga Kazuo, the lead artist for the film, spent lots of time here working on sketches for the movie's forests.  Besides the ancient cedar trees, some of them thousands of years old, the continually wet microclimate protects the cedars by enabling them to produce more than usual resin,  It also is an ideal climate for moss, which grows everywhere here.
    shiretani-unsui-gorge-35.jpg
  • Temple 44 Daihoji 'The temple of Great Treasure' stands in a forest of ancient cedar and cypress trees in the area known as Kuma Highland in central Ehime.  Kuma is the name of a woman who is said to have lived all alone in this once poor area. When Kobo Daishi passed through, she begged him to provide her with company, so he miraculously produced a river. Crops could then be grown and farmers appeared, bringing Kuma the companionship she craved. The town that they established is named after her.  Kuma Highland is often cloaked in mist, and the trees are mossy and damp - the main impression of any visitor to Daiho-ji is the awe-inspiring presence of Nature.
    daihoji-ehime-6.jpg
  • Temple 44 Daihoji 'The temple of Great Treasure' stands in a forest of ancient cedar and cypress trees in the area known as Kuma Highland in central Ehime.  Kuma is the name of a woman who is said to have lived all alone in this once poor area. When Kobo Daishi passed through, she begged him to provide her with company, so he miraculously produced a river. Crops could then be grown and farmers appeared, bringing Kuma the companionship she craved. The town that they established is named after her.  Kuma Highland is often cloaked in mist, and the trees are mossy and damp - the main impression of any visitor to Daiho-ji is the awe-inspiring presence of Nature.
    daihoji-ehime-3.jpg
  • Honzenji Temple Garden - Honzen-ji is a large temple and historic site in Togane, Chiba Prefecture.  The temple grounds are adjacent to Lake Hakkaku formerly known as Tani Pond a local park and famous spot for viewing cherry blossoms in April.  Honzenji itself has a well maintained pond garden, and is also known for its cedar grove and plum blossoms which precede the cherry blossoms of the nearby pond.  The temple was built on Shiroyama Hills, built during the Kamakura Period although the exact dates are unknown, now a Rinzai Sect of Buddhism.   Honzenji was the family temple of Sadataka Sakai, of nearby Togane Castle now in ruins.  The temple has a massive cemetery with an exclosure for the burial of pets as well.  Honzenji is a Togane City designated historic site.
    Honzenji-Garden-13.jpg
  • Honzenji Temple Garden - Honzen-ji is a large temple and historic site in Togane, Chiba Prefecture.  The temple grounds are adjacent to Lake Hakkaku formerly known as Tani Pond a local park and famous spot for viewing cherry blossoms in April.  Honzenji itself has a well maintained pond garden, and is also known for its cedar grove and plum blossoms which precede the cherry blossoms of the nearby pond.  The temple was built on Shiroyama Hills, built during the Kamakura Period although the exact dates are unknown, now a Rinzai Sect of Buddhism.   Honzenji was the family temple of Sadataka Sakai, of nearby Togane Castle now in ruins.  The temple has a massive cemetery with an exclosure for the burial of pets as well.  Honzenji is a Togane City designated historic site.
    Honzenji-Garden-15.jpg
  • Honzenji Temple Garden - Honzen-ji is a large temple and historic site in Togane, Chiba Prefecture.  The temple grounds are adjacent to Lake Hakkaku formerly known as Tani Pond a local park and famous spot for viewing cherry blossoms in April.  Honzenji itself has a well maintained pond garden, and is also known for its cedar grove and plum blossoms which precede the cherry blossoms of the nearby pond.  The temple was built on Shiroyama Hills, built during the Kamakura Period although the exact dates are unknown, now a Rinzai Sect of Buddhism.   Honzenji was the family temple of Sadataka Sakai, of nearby Togane Castle now in ruins.  The temple has a massive cemetery with an exclosure for the burial of pets as well.  Honzenji is a Togane City designated historic site.
    Honzenji-Garden-12.jpg
  • Honzenji Temple Garden - Honzen-ji is a large temple and historic site in Togane, Chiba Prefecture.  The temple grounds are adjacent to Lake Hakkaku formerly known as Tani Pond a local park and famous spot for viewing cherry blossoms in April.  Honzenji itself has a well maintained pond garden, and is also known for its cedar grove and plum blossoms which precede the cherry blossoms of the nearby pond.  The temple was built on Shiroyama Hills, built during the Kamakura Period although the exact dates are unknown, now a Rinzai Sect of Buddhism.   Honzenji was the family temple of Sadataka Sakai, of nearby Togane Castle now in ruins.  The temple has a massive cemetery with an exclosure for the burial of pets as well.  Honzenji is a Togane City designated historic site.
    Honzenji-Garden-10.jpg
  • Honzenji Temple Garden - Honzen-ji is a large temple and historic site in Togane, Chiba Prefecture.  The temple grounds are adjacent to Lake Hakkaku formerly known as Tani Pond a local park and famous spot for viewing cherry blossoms in April.  Honzenji itself has a well maintained pond garden, and is also known for its cedar grove and plum blossoms which precede the cherry blossoms of the nearby pond.  The temple was built on Shiroyama Hills, built during the Kamakura Period although the exact dates are unknown, now a Rinzai Sect of Buddhism.   Honzenji was the family temple of Sadataka Sakai, of nearby Togane Castle now in ruins.  The temple has a massive cemetery with an exclosure for the burial of pets as well.  Honzenji is a Togane City designated historic site.
    Honzenji-Garden-04.jpg
  • Honzenji Temple Garden - Honzen-ji is a large temple and historic site in Togane, Chiba Prefecture.  The temple grounds are adjacent to Lake Hakkaku formerly known as Tani Pond a local park and famous spot for viewing cherry blossoms in April.  Honzenji itself has a well maintained pond garden, and is also known for its cedar grove and plum blossoms which precede the cherry blossoms of the nearby pond.  The temple was built on Shiroyama Hills, built during the Kamakura Period although the exact dates are unknown, now a Rinzai Sect of Buddhism.   Honzenji was the family temple of Sadataka Sakai, of nearby Togane Castle now in ruins.  The temple has a massive cemetery with an exclosure for the burial of pets as well.  Honzenji is a Togane City designated historic site.
    Honzenji-Garden-01.jpg
  • Gyokurinji is a Rinzai Buddhist temple that was founded in the  Muromachi period 1339. The garden was created in the second half of the Heisei period. Its dry stone karesansui garden was created in recent years, and was designed in three straight lines:  an abstract representation of a treasure boat heading to the shore anchored in the pool of night. The highlights are Hiyama and a stone bridge made of natural stone. The stone bridge at the intersection of two other stones, when viewed from a different angle, the balance is maintained by slightly cutting the stone. This makes it look like a stone bridge with an exquisite balance when viewed from the front. There is a second dry mountain garden behind the zen garden, covered and surrounded with cedar moss on a gentle slope.
    gyokurinji-itsukaiichi-5.jpg
  • Gyokurinji is a Rinzai Buddhist temple that was founded in the  Muromachi period 1339. The garden was created in the second half of the Heisei period. Its dry stone karesansui garden was created in recent years, and was designed in three straight lines:  an abstract representation of a treasure boat heading to the shore anchored in the pool of night. The highlights are Hiyama and a stone bridge made of natural stone. The stone bridge at the intersection of two other stones, when viewed from a different angle, the balance is maintained by slightly cutting the stone. This makes it look like a stone bridge with an exquisite balance when viewed from the front. There is a second dry mountain garden behind the zen garden, covered and surrounded with cedar moss on a gentle slope.
    gyokurinji-itsukaiichi-4.jpg
  • Ficus superba is also called a  deciduous fig, sea fig and also known as a Strangler fig because of its potential to grow and eventually progress to the strangling way in which the roots intermingle with other nearby plants.  The sea fig or ficus superb is found in Japan, China and Taiwan.  Clearly Yakushima is best known for its ancient cedar trees and the lush forests and dramatic ravines where they grow.  This is not all the island has to offer as there are other forests to explore such as the Gajumaru Banyan Garden where it is difficult to tell which are the original trees and which are the supporting roots. The canopy blocks out much of the light as well as the roots hanging down over the paths.  The Gajumaru Banyan is related to the tropical fig tree and is an indigenous plant whose aerial roots sprout in all directions from the trunk. The roots of the Gajumaru stretch in all directions as the trees share their existence with other plants. Some of these gigantic figs are more than 500 years old of varying size.  The trees have spread from one tree to another by attaching and intertwining with other trees so that the aerial roots intertwine. The powerful scenery of dense tropical Japanese sea fig can also be seen here.
    ficus-superba-japonica-3.jpg
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