Mysterious World Heritage Site “Shirakami Mountains”! Vast primeval beech forest and magnificent nature

Akita Prefecture is a prefecture facing the Sea of ​​Japan, which is blessed with a rich natural environment. One of the first places in Akita Prefecture that people and tourists imagine when they hear the word ``majestic nature'' is the ``Shirakami Mountain Range.''

This time, we will introduce the charm of Shirakami Sanchi, which is a tourist destination but also has untouched nature, using the beautiful colors of nature.

Shirakami-Sanchi is Japan's first UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Shirakami Mountains are a mountainous area that stretches over the border between Akita and Aomori prefectures and is a series of mountains with an altitude of 1,000 meters. This mountainous region, which straddles Aomori and Akita prefectures and is managed by the two prefectures, was registered as Japan's first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, along with Yakushima.

The Shirakami Sanchi is also a vast untouched primeval beech forest, and inside there is a beautiful lake with colors that cannot be explained by modern science, as well as rare animals such as the golden eagle and black woodpecker, both of which are designated as natural monuments.

The nature is almost untouched, and collecting plants, breaking tree branches, fishing, making fires, and bringing pets into the mountain are prohibited. Additionally, littering is prohibited as it has a negative impact on nature, and people are advised not to use the restroom within the Shirakami-Sanchi area unless it is absolutely necessary. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shirakami-Sanchi has strict regulations and is loved and protected by local residents. Winter months are also dangerous and may be subject to restrictions or closures.

There is also a trekking course, so you can take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful forest. There are guides available, so you can ask for a guide and have them explain the nature of the Shirakami-Sanchi area while you stroll. All the guides are well-trained, so your nature walk will be even more meaningful.

Not only the virgin forest but also the waterfall is beautiful! Is walking on the promenade soothing?

The Shirakami Mountain Range is considered one of the treasures of not only Akita and Aomori prefectures but also of Japan, where you can enjoy beautiful scenery that can only be seen here. Everyone will be captivated by the mysterious blue-tinged scenery of the forest.

Within the Shirakami Mountains, you can fully enjoy untouched nature, including a large mother tree that is over 400 years old and Naruto Falls that rains clear water. Because it is a World Heritage Site, it is almost impossible to touch the forest, so depending on the weather, the amount of rainfall increases and the waterfall becomes impossible to see. Don't you feel like this area is untouched?

In addition, the forest in the Shirakami Mountain Range itself can be said to be a sight to behold, full of scenic beauty. As you walk along the promenade, you will be filled with sounds that you would never hear in the city, such as the voices of insects, the rustling of leaves in the primeval forest, and the sounds of rare animals. We want you to breathe in the clean air to your heart's content and fully enjoy your hearing and sight.

Blue pond? A jewel-like lake that has not been explained by science

There is a very mysterious pond in the Shirakami Mountains. The pond called Aoike in Juniko is a mysterious pond whose water is an ink-blue color. Small fish are swimming in the clear blue water, the leaves of the trees are falling and shaking on the surface of the water, and depending on the amount of sunlight, it can turn deep blue, pale blue, and even jewel-like colors like sapphire and aquamarine. This is one of the most popular sights in the visible Shirakami Mountains.

In fact, it seems that science has not yet explained why this blue pond is blue in color. It's truly a mystery of nature.

There is also a center set up at the entrance to the forest for entering Shirakami Sanchi, so you don't have to worry about going to the restroom or taking a break.

Enjoy a perfect trip on the resort train “Resort Shirakami”!

A train called ``Resort Shirakami'' runs from the prefectural capital of Akita Prefecture to the nearest station in Shirakami-Sanchi. This is a passenger train that passes along the coastline of the Sea of ​​Japan and provides access to the Shirakami Mountains while admiring the spectacular scenery. There is a lounge on the train where you can enjoy Akita's sake and traditional flavors, so you can enjoy Akita to your heart's content while visiting the Shirakami Mountains.

In addition, in Akita City, there are shops that sell bread using yeast called ``Shirakami Kodama Yeast'' discovered in the Shirakami Mountains, and coffee shops that serve coffee using water from the Shirakami Mountains. Please come and experience Japan's historic world heritage sites and the blessings of untouched nature.

The Shirakami Mountains are one of the natural treasures of the Tohoku region of Japan. If you see it with your own eyes, you will be able to experience with all five senses what nature is like not only in Akita Prefecture, but also in Tohoku.

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