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    Shirakami Sanchi

    Japan

    Shirakami Sanchi

    City

    The Shirakami Sanchi is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in northern Honshu, home to one of East Asia's last untouched primeval beech forests.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Japan
    7. Tohoku
    9. Shirakami Sanchi
    The Shirakami Sanchi is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in northern Honshu, home to one of East Asia's last untouched primeval beech forests. Here you'll find unique flora and fauna, including rare species like the Japanese Serow and the Golden Eagle. The area exemplifies Japan's pristine forest ecology, which has remained undisturbed for millennia. Explore the well-marked hiking trails that lead deep into the forest, for instance, to the impressive Anmon Waterfalls. Sturdy footwear is essential for a visit, and it's recommended to come during peak season in autumn for the vibrant foliage or in late spring. Note that parts of the core area are only accessible with a permit or in the company of a guide, while other sections can be freely explored.

    Sights in Shirakami Sanchi

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    1Tsugaru-Shirakami kenritsu shizen kōen (prefectural nature park)

    The Tsugaru-Shirakami Prefectural Natural Park borders the UNESCO World Heritage Site Shirakami Sanchi. Here you'll find extensive beech forests, offering a glimpse into the pristine nature of Northern Japan. The park is more accessible than the World Heritage Site's core area, allowing you to experience the landscape on well-maintained hiking trails with clear streams and ancient trees. Our Tip: Autumn is particularly beautiful with its vibrant foliage. Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear; early in the morning, the paths are quietest.
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    2Shirakami-Sanchi (World Heritage)

    Attraction in C5Q7+RJ.
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    3Tanashiro High Moor

    The Tanashiro High Moor (Tanashiro Shitsugen) is located in the Fujisato highlands in Akita Prefecture, at the foot of the 1,158-meter-high Fujikoma-ga-take. It is one of two moors in the Shirakami Mountains that you can explore on foot. Wooden boardwalks lead through the moor landscape and protect the delicate vegetation. From spring into summer, numerous marsh and mountain plants bloom here, including bog arum (Mizubashō) and daylilies (Nikkō-kisuge); in autumn, the surrounding beech forests change color. Access is via mountain roads and is practically only possible by car. Remember sturdy footwear and insect repellent, especially during the warmer months.
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    4The World Heritage Beech Forest Trail

    Park in Kawaratai.
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    5Tsugaru Dam

    The Tsugaru Dam in Nishimeya Village (Aomori Prefecture) is a concrete gravity dam, approximately 97 meters high, completed in 2016/17. It replaced the older Meya Dam, which was located directly upstream and submerged in the new reservoir. The dam serves for flood control, irrigation, water supply, and power generation. The reservoir is named Tsugaru-Shirakami Lake and lies on the way to the Anmon area, at the edge of the Shirakami-Sanchi World Natural Heritage site; in autumn, the colorful forests are reflected in its waters. Our tip: For panoramic shots of the dam and lake, use the viewpoints along the access road, ideally in the early morning or late afternoon.
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    Essen & Trinken

    Kurotaki

    Restaurant in Yudanyachi-4-34 Tokiwano.
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    Kokoro

    Restaurant in Kanda-245 Tashiro.
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    Mansakuan

    Restaurant in Sakurai-113-9 Mizukizaike.
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    1

    Soba-dokoro Tako (Yumoto Iwaki Onsen)

    Restaurant in Terasawa-16-3 Hyakuzawa.
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    2

    Iwa no Chaya

    Restaurant in Susono-番外地 Hyakuzawa.
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    Food & Drink around Shirakami-Sanchi

    The cuisine around Shirakami Sanchi is shaped by the untouched nature and local resources. In guesthouses like Kurotaki or Kokoro, you'll discover dishes with fresh wild vegetables (Sansai) and regional river fish, reflecting the authentic cuisine of the mountain region.

    Take your provisions

    The reserve itself offers no food service, with only a few rest stops with limited hours at the starting points. For hikes, bring provisions and water from the coastal towns.

    Fukaura-sourced Tuna

    The fishing village on the coast of Aomori lands a lot of bluefin tuna. Local eateries serve it as “Maguro-Steak-Don”: raw, briefly seared, and thoroughly cooked, on three bowls of rice.

    Mountain Herbs and River Fish

    In spring, valley guesthouses serve wild-foraged mountain herbs on the table, accompanied by grilled char from the streams.

    Shirakami Yeast

    Found in the beech forest, a wild yeast is used locally for bread and sake, making it a popular souvenir.

    Cultural Heritage of the Beech Forest

    The cultural and historical significance of Shirakami Sanchi is intrinsically linked to its unique natural landscape. For centuries, the area has been home to the Matagi, traditional Japanese hunter communities, whose way of life was closely tied to the rhythm and resources of the forest. Their traditional hunting techniques and deep understanding of the ecosystem represent a valuable piece of intangible cultural heritage, illuminating the interplay between humanity and wilderness.The area's history is also one of sustainable coexistence, characterized by a deep respect for nature, often rooted in Shinto beliefs. Local traditions include the use of forest products and knowledge of medicinal plants, passed down through generations. Its recognition as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 1993 marked a pivotal moment in the region's history, elevating its protection to a global level and underscoring the appreciation for untouched nature as a cultural asset.Architectural masterpieces in the traditional sense are rare in this largely untouched wilderness, yet small shrines and prayer sites along the ancient paths bear witness to the spiritual significance that has always been attributed to the forest. They are an expression of a culture rooted in reverence for the 'Kami' of the forest and its life-giving power.

    On the go locally

    Exploring the vast Shirakami Sanchi requires careful planning, as urban transportation plays no role here. The most flexible option is often a rental car, with which you can independently reach remote trailheads and viewpoints.Without your own vehicle, local bus lines are the mainstay: They operate seasonally from Hirosaki to the Anmon area; along the coast, you can reach the Jūniko lakes by train and bus. Be sure to check schedules and availability in advance, as they are often limited. You can order taxis in towns like Fukaura or Nishimeya, but for longer distances, they are costly; ride-sharing services are scarce in this remote region. You can explore the area on foot via the designated hiking trails.

    Accommodations in Shirakami Sanchi

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    Nearby

    Aomori

    Aomori, in the far north, is known for its Nebuta Matsuri festival, its delicious apples and its proximity to the spectacular nature of the prefecture.

    Hakodate

    The port city of Hakodate in southern Hokkaido fascinates with its unique mix of historic charm and maritime atmosphere. Particularly distinctive is the influence of Western cultures, visible in the elegant buildings of the Motomachi district and the former consulates. An absolute highlight is the ride up Mount Hakodate, whose spectacular night view counts among the three most beautiful in Japan. The star-shaped fortress Goryokaku, a national historic landmark, tells of the Boshin War period and is especially impressive during cherry blossom season. You can experience fresh fish and seafood at the lively Hakodate Morning Market (Asaichi), where you can try local specialties. The historic Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses by the harbor now house shops and restaurants in an atmospheric setting. For a relaxed visit, spring or autumn is recommended, to avoid the crowds and enjoy clear views.

    Dewa Sanzan

    The Dewa Sanzan in Yamagata Prefecture form a spiritual center of Japan and have been a significant pilgrimage site for Shugendō practice for centuries. Here you find the three sacred mountains Haguro, Gassan, and Yudono, symbolizing birth, death, and rebirth. Particularly impressive is the ascent of Mount Haguro via 2,446 stone steps, lined with centuries-old cedars: Right at the start, you pass the Five-Story Pagoda, and at the top awaits the main shrine Sanjin Gosaiden. While Mount Gassan, the highest peak, is only accessible in summer, Mount Yudono offers a unique spiritual experience, though photography is discouraged. For a full experience, visit between July and mid-September when all three mountains are open, and stay overnight in a traditional Shukubo.

    Tohoku

    Die Region Tohoku, im Norden Honshus gelegen, ist ein Landstrich von atemberaubender Naturschönheit, reicher Geschichte und einzigartiger Kultur. Sie lädt dich ein, die unberührte Wildnis, traditionelle Feste und eine tief verwurzelte Gastfreundschaft abseits der bekannten Touristenpfade Japans zu erleben.

    Yamadera

    Yamadera, a mountain temple in Yamagata Prefecture, combines spirituality, history, and impressive nature. You should visit this place to experience the hike through ancient cedar forests to the high-lying temple halls while enjoying the view over the valley.

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