Shirakami Sanchi

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Facts & Figures

Shirakami-Sanchi describes an mountainous area covered with virgin forest, mainly Siebold's beech trees, cut through with deep gorges by its countless rivers in the northern part of Honshu. 169,7 square kilometer out of the total 1300 square kilometer are protected as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The wildlife of Shirakami-Sanchi is also really impressive with more than 500 species of plants and 87 species of birds like black woodpecker and golden eagle. Watch out for the Japanese serow and black bear. Since 2004 I have traveled nearly every year to Japan. The rail pass made my life easier to discover all those amazing places in my favorite country.
 Get Your Pass Now and Save! > It is important to know that you need a special permission by the Aomori office of the Tohoku Regional Forest Office to enter the most protected parts. Apply for it in advance by mail.

• Shirakami Sanchi Visitor Center:
• Opening Hours - 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (July to October)
• Opening Hours - 9:00 am to 6:30 pm (rest of the year)
• Closed - 2nd Mondays (from Apr. to Dec.), every Monday and Thursday (from Jan. to Mar.), 22nd of December till 3rd of January
• Admission Fee - free

History

In the year 1993 Shirakami Sanchi joined the list of Japanese UNESCO World Heritage Sites besides Himeji Castle, Yakushima and Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area.

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Anmon no taki (Shadow Gate Falls) - enjoy the great hiking trail leading up to 3 beautiful waterfalls (height: 26m, 37m and 42m) called Anmon no taki

Mount Shirakami - the 1232m high mountain offers amazing views and shelter facilities are available at the summit

Nihon Canyon - a beautiful place and worth a visit

Aoike - small lake famous for its blue color

Tanashiro Swamp - fascinating sight and a great place for hiking lovers

more places - Mase Valley, Dairakyo Gorge, Mt. Futatsumori, Mt. Komagatake, Juniko Lakes (group of 33 lakes and marshes) etc...

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

Summer

Yukyu-no-Mori Shirakami Festival
The annual concert/festival is held in the town called Hachimori (Yamamoto District) at the foot of the Shirakami-Sanchi.