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Sitting on the borders of Aomori and Akita prefectures in the northern Tohoku Region of Japan, Shirakami-Sanchi is one of the country’s most spectacular and precious natural icons. Home to some of the last virgin beech forests left in Japan, the area was recognised given UNESCO World Heritage Sites status in 1993.
What draws countless visitors to the area is its relatively untouched natural beauty. Known by many as the biggest natural forest of East Asia, the area is home to a variety of native animals including Asiatic black bear and Japanese monkey.
Given its natural beauty, the area has become a must not miss tourist destination for all those adventitious types keen to explore a different side of Japan. Hiking through the trails that weave through the forest and hug the Coast of the Japan Sea are a great way to witness how the seascape harmonises with the rich waterfalls that crash through the area’s heart. If you have the knowledge, experience and bravery to do it, Mount Shirakami is there to climb. Towering over the area at about 1,232 meters high, its tip is the perfect vantage point for witnessing the beauty of the Japan Sea first hand.
Thanks to its deep blue ponds and lack of negative human interference, the area maintains an air of mystery. Maybe the centrepiece of this mysterious quality is the Aoike Pond which shines a deep electric blue all year round. It’s just one of the highlights of the Shirakami’s Juniko ‘twelve lake’ pockets located in the mountainside. Another highlight of the area is Nihon Canyon, named after the America’s Grand Canyon this U-shaped canyon is a stunning little photo and sightseeing spot easily accessed from Juniko.
To really immerse yourself in everything the area has to offer it’s best to follow a course. If you’re unsure of which to pick, you can visit one of the many surrounding visitor centres staffed by guides well equipped to give you everything you need to make the most of your time here.
The best way to get Shirakami is from Hirosaki in the north, or Akita City if you're coming from the south. Because public transport is a little limited it's recommended to access the area by car. There are plenty of car rental outlets in Hirosaki and Akita cities. If you do decide to come via train the JR Gono Line travels to Shirakami-Sanchi between Noshiro and Hirosaki and is known for providing some simply spectacular coastal scenery along the ride. Once you arrive at Juniko Station hop on one of the hourly buses transporting visitors direct to the Juniko lakes.
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