Shirakami Sanchi Mountain Range
Shirakami Sanchi is a vast primeval beech forest home to a precious population of animals and plants. Stretching over two of Japan's northern prefectures, Aomori and Akita , a visit to Shirakami Sanchi allows you to explore Japan's largest virgin beech forest. Lace up your walking boots and trek one of the many walking and hiking trails while spotting uncommon flora and fauna along the way.
The area is peppered with valleys and waterfalls and is an ideal place for trekking. Explore the Mase Valley, Anmon Falls and Daira-kyo Gorge—a playground for many anglers. Spot some of the most unique plants in the world here, as well as rare animals including a protected species of dormouse, the black woodpecker, Japanese serow and golden eagle. Visit the area in the summer when there is plenty of water in the rivers or the fall when the mountains turn red with tinted leaves.
The ecosystem of Shirakami-Sanchi has been affected by human livelihoods. In this region, forests bless the community with firewood, charcoal, craft materials, wild vegetables and hunting opportunities. The water filtered by the trees and soil flows into streams and rivers, sustaining fish and crops. Furthermore, if you want to enjoy the spirit of the Shirakami-Sanchi, we recommend a guided tour, where you walk through the mountains while listening to the story of the "Matagi", who once lived in harmony with the mountains through traditional hunting.The way they live offers us all clues about how humanity as a whole can co-exist with nature.
The area is peppered with valleys and waterfalls and is an ideal place for trekking. Explore the Mase Valley, Anmon Falls and Daira-kyo Gorge—a playground for many anglers. Spot some of the most unique plants in the world here, as well as rare animals including a protected species of dormouse, the black woodpecker, Japanese serow and golden eagle. Visit the area in the summer when there is plenty of water in the rivers or the fall when the mountains turn red with tinted leaves.
The ecosystem of Shirakami-Sanchi has been affected by human livelihoods. In this region, forests bless the community with firewood, charcoal, craft materials, wild vegetables and hunting opportunities. The water filtered by the trees and soil flows into streams and rivers, sustaining fish and crops. Furthermore, if you want to enjoy the spirit of the Shirakami-Sanchi, we recommend a guided tour, where you walk through the mountains while listening to the story of the "Matagi", who once lived in harmony with the mountains through traditional hunting.The way they live offers us all clues about how humanity as a whole can co-exist with nature.
