Shirakami Sanmyaku

Shirakami Sanmyaku Review

South of Mt. Iwaki, straddling Aomori Prefecture's border with Akita, are the Shirakami Mountains, site of the world's largest (42,000-acre) virgin beech forest, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In keeping with the goal of preservation, access is provided by just a few tiny roads. The area is truly pristine and great for hiking, particularly in spring. There are several ways to get here, but the easiest way is to take the Konan bus from JR Hirosaki Station bound for Tsugaru Touge, getting off at Aqua Green Village, Anmon. (90 minutes; ¥1,600/one-way, ¥2,400/round-trip). If you only want to see the Mother tree (the forest's largest, and presumably oldest tree), get off at the last stop, Tsugaru Touge; the tree is a five-minute walk from there (two hours, 10 minutes; ¥1,800/one-way, ¥2,700/round-trip). Verify the bus schedule because so you won't miss your return as only a few buses run daily.