The World Heritage Beech Forest Trail is an easy walk inside World Heritage Site Shirakami-Sanchi. There are two walking courses, about 1.5 km and 2 km in length, and you can choose which one to take depending on available time and your own energy. You might also enjoy doing both of the trials, a satisfying trek of 3.5 km. In spring, enjoy both remaining snow and new greenery. In fall, you can see the beautiful gold leaves of beech trees and other plants.
The World Heritage
Anmon Ravine Route
This is a route to walk upstream along the Anmon River, a tributary of the Iwaki River. You can follow the third waterfall, the second waterfall, and the first waterfall from this point but since the second waterfall and the interior are not maintained and managed as sidewalks, this is a route for advanced hikers. Hikers must have proper equipment such as helmets because there are many rockfalls on the route and rivers with water levels higher than the waist. To use this route hikers must submit a passing notification.
Tsugaru Dam
(Tsugaru Shirakami Lake)
Tsugaru Dam was completed in October 2016, and thus Tsugaru Shirakami Lake came into being. Visitors can follow the walkway across the top of the dam, and take in the breathtaking view afforded. On the first floor of the Administrative Building, an exhibit is open to visitors free of charge. Learn how the dam functions, and see videos and photographs of the surrounding scenery and local culture. Reservations can be made to observe the inside of the dam. Tsugaru Shirakami Lake has leisure facilities, including an amphibious bus, canoeing and more. It's the perfect spot to enjoy the green of spring and beautiful autumn colors.
Nishimeya Dam Lake Tours
The first amphibious bus in the Tohoku region. Drive through the village and on the lake.
Everyone yells out, "Let's splash!" as the bus makes waves when it launches into the lake.
Enjoy a leisurely cruise around the lake surrounded by the grandeur of nature.
The bus has no windows, so the passengers may get splashed, but that's all part of the fun.
| Operating Schedule | Late April to the end of October (closed on Wednesdays) |
|---|---|
| Fare | Adult 2,500yen Child 1,500yen Infant 500yen |
| Reception・Boarding Area | Information center of the Michi-no-Eki Tsugaru Shirakami（Tsugaru Shirakami Tour Desk） |
| Official site | https://suirikubus.jp/ |
Rafting
Rafts leisurely carry a maximum 7 passengers down the Iwakigawa River originating in Shirakami Sanchi.
Rafting boat and river enjoyment tour Participants can enjoy seeing a scenic spot named Nishimeya Valley which offers a powerful panorama from the water.
| Operating Schedule | Open: May to early November Make reservations at least 2 days in advance. |
|---|---|
| Official site | https://a-grove.com/ |
Shirakami-Sanchi Visitor's Center
Exhibition of the history of beech trees.
Watch on a giant screen a film about the four seasons of Shirakami-Sanchi,with sound and visuals that make you feel as if you were actually there. Make this your first stop in the Shirakami-Sanchi area.
| Business Hours | 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (April to Oct.) 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Nov. to March) |
|---|---|
| Closed | Second Monday (April to Dec.), Mondays and Thursdays (Jan. to March), Dec. 29 to Jan. 3. |
| Fare | Entrance free of charge (Movie theater: adults ￥200, jr.high students and younger ￥100.) |
| TEL | 0172-85-2810 |
| Official site | http://www.shirakami-visitor.jp/ |
Because of the influence of the COVID19, hours and services may be subject to change.
Please check the official website of each facility for details.