Shirakami Mountains 白神山地
World Heritage-listed virgin beech forests
Known as the Shirakami Sanchi, this extensive mountain range straddling the border between Aomori and Akita prefectures is made up of the last virgin beech forests in Japan. The area became one of the country's first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1993.
The reason for coming here is the relatively untouched natural environment. There are hiking trails through the forests to waterfalls, mountain peaks and lakes. The most popular hike is to the Anmon Falls – the trailhead is this entry’s map location.
Without doubt, the best way to explore the Shirakami Sanchi is with rental wheels.