'Princess Mononoke' was inspired by this stunning forest in Japan
| 03/26/25
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Did you know 'Princess Mononoke' was inspired by a real-life forest?
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
Yakushima is the Japanese island that is home to the Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine, the mossy forest that inspired Hayao Miyazaki's beloved 1997 anime Princess Mononoke.
The cult classic film has inspired artists around the world and ignited important conversations about environmentalism, heroism, and gender.
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
Travel writer Taylor Henderson spent 7 hours hiking the Shiratani Unsuikyo Gorge to the Taiko-iwa Drum Rock in November 2024, and captured these images of the mossy forest.
The film is beloved by a generation of misfits and environmentalists.
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
As Out wrote in 2019, "Princess Mononoke takes place during Japan's late Muromachi period and tells the story of a rural prince named Ashitaka as he tries to stop an epic conflict between humankind and the spirits of nature."
"Although he successfully defends his village from destruction by a boar god named Nago (who became demonized after being corrupted by an iron bullet), Ashitaka now finds his right arm has been cursed in battle, and he is destined to die. In a last-ditch effort to live, Ashitaka decides to travel westward towards Nago's origin, seeking out a cure for (and the cause of) the curse."
Ashitaka meets Princess Mononoke, a strange girl outcast from a nearby iron town who's using up the forest's resources for capitalistic gain.
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
The two must team up to save the world, but the fight for good can be bitter, isolating, and unrewarding. Ultimately, both characters' "curses" and different perspectives become what help them save themselves – and the world.
"This place is magical."
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
Kodama are the clicking tree spirits that symbolize a healthy forest and are a sign of nature's vitality. The adorable figures aid our heroes Ashitaka meets Princess Mononoke.
It's easy to imagine something living in the many mossy crooks and crevices around the forest.
Their curse becomes a superpower...
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
"Through its complex narrative, Princess Mononoke gives an empowered voice to women (in a time where they didn't have any) and doesn't make them victims in need of a savior. It also forces audiences to look inward and question the way we consume things from the world around, especially in nature. In a world where the struggles of women and the struggles of the environment are still being fought for to be heard, Miyazaki's film still rings as timely as ever."
The forest has a direct link to the film.
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
Shiratani Unsuikyo is quite the trek to get to but boasts a stunning hike up to the gorge that provides a lookout over the surrounding mountains. Spiritual, healing, taxing, and a bit haunting, it's easy to see how it inspired local artists.
According to Japan Travel, "The ancient trees and moss-covered stones in the park were used by Kazuo Oga, the lead artist of Princess Mononoke, as inspiration for the film. It is worth watching the movie before going to see just how closely the artwork resembles the forests here."
The peak boasts a stunning view.
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
Yakushima Island is located a few dozen kilometres from Kyushu Island, one of Japan’s four main islands. The population is only 15,000 people and 75% of the island is covered by mountains. Local wildlife include the Yakushima macaque monkey, Cervus nippon deer, and more.
Some hiking trails here date back to the Edo period of the 1600s.
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
Princess Mononoke opens with a haunting warning:
"In ancient times, the land lay covered in forests, where, from ages long past, dwelt the spirits of the gods. Back then, man and beast lived in harmony, but as time went by, most of the great forests were destroyed. Those that remained were guarded by gigantic beasts who owed their allegiances to the Great Forest Spirit. For those were the days of gods and of demons..."
"Life is suffering. It is hard. The world is cursed. But still, you find reasons to keep living."
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
Still, almost 28 years later, fans are inspired by the film – and the forest. Nature is certainly worth our protection, but this hike is certainly worth visiting in your lifetime – especially if you're a fan of Princess Mononoke.
'Princess Mononoke' returns to theaters in IMAX on March 26.
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
The hand-drawn animated film from the Academy Award-winning production company Studio Ghibli was restored in 4K directly overseen by Studio Ghibli’s own Atsushi Okui, according to GKIDS. Okui has been involved in nearly every major Studio Ghibli project since he first started at the studio in 1993.
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
Taylor Henderson for Out Magazine
Catch 'Princess Mononoke' in IMAX!
Princess Mononoke premieres Wednesday, March 26 in IMAX theaters.
