Overview:

Shirakami-Sanchi is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the mountains of northern Aomori, in the Tōhoku region of northern Japan. It covers an area of 16,676 hectares, and is made up of the last remaining stands of unlogged beech trees in Japan. It is part of the Eurasian beech forest of the Honshu-Shikoku region, and is home to a variety of wildlife and endangered species. The area also serves as an important water resource, providing water to towns and cities in the region. The forests, canyons, lakes and swamps of Shirakami-Sanchi also provide impressive views throughout the year. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Japan
Prominent Features:

1. Ancient Beech Forests: Shirakami Sanchi is home to some of the largest and oldest beech forests in Japan, with trees estimated to be up to 300 years old. 2. Rare Wildlife: The protected area contains a diverse range of wildlife such as Japanese serow, black bear, Japanese macaque, Amami rabbit, Japanese rice fish, the Iriomote cat, and over 200 species of birds. 3. Aomori Cypress Forest: The area also includes a designated natural monument known as the Aomori Cypress Forest, which is the largest remaining Abies sachalinensis forest in Japan. 4. Scenic Views: Shirakami Sanchi offers stunning views of snow-covered mountains, valleys, and rivers. It's also a paradise for photographers, offering picture-perfect scenery every day of the year. 5. Unique Ecosystem: Shirakami Sanchi is part of a unique oceanic-continental ecosystem, and is home to many unique species of plants and animals that can’t be found anywhere else on the planet. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Japan.

History:

Shirakami Sanchi is a unique mountainous region located in northern Japan, situated on the border of Aomori and Akita prefectures in the Tohoku region. One of Japan’s three World Heritage Sites, Shirakami Sanchi is highly valued not only for its astonishing natural landscapes but also for its rich history. It was officially designated a World Heritage Site in 1993 due to its rare and diverse flora and fauna, as well as its role as the home for several endangered animals and plants. The name “Shirakami Sanchi” was given in 1974 to the area surrounding the Shirakami Mountains. It is believed that humans have been living in the area around and beyond the mountains for centuries, as evidenced by archaeological findings and remnants of old roads. During the Edo period, when much of Japan was united under the Tokugawa shogunate, the area was used for lumbering and transport of goods. Later, during the Meiji period, the transportation routes decreased as more efficient transportation became available, and the area was nearly deserted. The Shirakami Sanchi remains pristine in large part due to the decision of local governments to protect this special area from human activities. In 1965, the government of Aomori prefecture designated 140 square kilometers of the Shirakami Sanchi a Nature Conservation Area, and in 1982, Aomori and Akita prefectures declared the entire area a Special Area of Conservation. In 1993, the area was officially registered as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Today, Shirakami Sanchi provides an incredible opportunity to experience pristine wilderness and to observe the area’s fascinating flora and fauna, as well as its historical sites. It is also home to a remarkable variety of endemic and endangered species, and is a popular destination for hikers and mountain climbers. Visit one of the famous monuments of Japan with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Shirakami Sanchi is the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Japan. 2. The mountain range is home to a rare type of Japanese beech tree found nowhere else on earth. 3. In addition to the beech trees, the Shirakami Sanchi also features an amazing array of wild animals such as the Japanese black bear, Dhole, Japanese Serow, Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel and nearly 300 species of birds. 4. The area is also home to a plethora of streams, rivers, and waterfalls, making it a great destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. 5. Many of the hiking trails in Shirakami Sanchi are open to hikers year round. 6. Shirakami Sanchi is home to three iconic peaks, Mount Oakandake, Mount Futatsumori and Mount Akakura. 7. Shirakami Sanchi is comprised of two distinct areas, the Shirakami Northern Forest and the Shirakami Southern Forest. 8. A large portion of the forests in Shirakami Sanchi are all designated as a protected area. 9. Shirakami Sanchi was established and has been actively managed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. 10. Shirakami Sanchi is also a part of the Important Bird Areas of Japan Registered by BirdLife International. One of the historical monuments of Japan, it tells the story of a bygone era