A little known but impressive national park in North Tohoku great for hiking and bird watching.
Shirakami Sanchi is a large mountain range that stretches across the border between Akita and Aomori prefectures. It is home to one of the last virgin beech forests in East Asia and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. Little known to Western tourists and even the Japanese themselves, the region is a maze of mountains. rugged ravines, lakes and waterfalls 87 varieties of birds live here, including the black woodpecker and golden eagle, as well as the Japanese leopard, which is a species of goat antelope. Here a great variety of excursions is offered; Whether you take the gentle trail to the Anmon Falls or tackle the challenging trek to the summit of Shirakami-dake, this national park has stunning scenery for all to enjoy.
Shirakami Sanchi is easily accessible by local train from Hirosaki Castle Town.