World Heritage Site Shirakami Sanchi (Tomeyama, Happo Town, Akita Prefecture): A power spot beech forest

  • Akita
  • Experience Gifu
A beech tree over 300 years old
Do you know what is amazing about the Shirakami Sanchi? It is a place where there is a concentration of headwaters that have been largely unaffected by humans, and where one of the world's largest virgin beech forests remains.
JR East Travel Service Center Akita staff visited "Tomeyama" in Happo Town, located at the southern end of the Shirakami Sanchi (mountain range), to see for themselves how amazing it really is.
The Shirakami Sanchi is the collective name for the mountainous backlog that stretches from southwestern Aomori Prefecture to northwestern Akita Prefecture, and was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site (natural heritage) in 1993. It is also a treasure trove of rare plants, birds and insects such as the black woodpecker.

Tomeyama" Walking Course from the Akita Prefecture side of the Shirakami Sanchi (mountainous area in the Shirakami Mountain Range)

Shirakami Sanchi has several walking and climbing trails. The name "Tomeyama" of the "Tomeyama" walking course, one of the trails, comes from the fact that, like many other Tomeyama trails in Japan, the name "Tomeyama" refers to a place where logging is stopped.

First, visit the Hakubaku Shrine.

It is a 5-minute drive from JR Higashi Yamori Station. The shrine is located a short distance into the mountain from National Route 101. The shrine is called "Shirataki," which means "white waterfall. In front of the hall of worship (outside), there are "sacred cards, red seals, and omikuji". Those who wish to receive good luck charms and prayers must contact the shrine in advance.
First, visit the Hakubaku Shrine.

Visit the famous Shirofaku Waterfalls, where the "Mikoshino-Taki-yaburi" (bathing in the waterfalls) is famous.

Behind the Hakubaku Shrine is a waterfall. The waterfall is about 17 meters high and is the setting for the "Mikoshino-Taki-Yubi" (waterfall bathing) held annually on August 1 as part of the annual festival. After the men dressed in white and praying for a good harvest and prosperous business parade through the town, they enter the basin of the waterfall carrying a mikoshi (portable shrine), which is a heroic ritual. It is said to be the only time in Japan that a mikoshi (portable shrine) enters the basin of a waterfall. The water is so powerful due to the abundant flow that visitors can feel the spray, wind, and negative ions even from a distance. It is also one of the power spots in Happo Town. It is also a natural air conditioner in the summer.
White Waterfall, a blessing from the beech forest

Finally, we will go to "Tomeyama" walking course.

A 30-minute drive along the forest road behind Hakubaku Shrine will take you to the entrance of the Tome Mountain trail. To protect the soft ground covered with rich humus and the roots of trees, a bridge-like walking trail has been set up so that visitors can enjoy the Shirakami Mountains as if they were taking a stroll. The top of the humus is really fluffy and fun to walk on♪
Information board of the walking course

The place where beech trees were harvested

The beech trees, which could not be used for building materials or for sowing with the wood processing technology of the time, were cut down and "useful" cedar trees were planted in their place. The soil in beech forests is so rich in water from snow and rain that it is called a "forest dam (natural dam). They stopped cutting the beech trees because they could no longer fulfill this role and no longer produce spring water. So this is just "the place where they stopped cutting beech trees. Unlike cedar forests, beech forests seem brighter because beech trees grow larger with more space between each other, according to the guide.
Artificially planted "cedar forest" (left) and untouched natural "beech forest" (right)
The best time to take a walk is in a light rain, the guide said. The leaves of the beech trees serve as umbrellas, so you hardly get wet. You can also feel the rainwater flowing down the trunks of the beeches and soaking into the ground. The rainwater soaks into the soil, is filtered, and then gushes out into the river over a long period of time, filled with minerals. The beech forest has been protected by the people since the era of the feudal government to secure a source of water for agriculture. In order to prevent the destruction of the rich forest that has been passed down to the present, visitors must be accompanied by a "guide" from the Happo Town Shirakami Guides' Association to enter the mountain.
Beech nuts are high in protein and fat and have high nutritional value.
They will guide you through the various types of plants, pointing them out one by one. The claw marks of a bear... the scent of the leaves of a black maple... I felt the richness of the forest resonating through all five senses, and I was able to feel the power of nature and be completely refreshed in body and soul. Why not take a trip to the Shirakami Sanchi, a true power spot?

Recommended nearby store "LABO and CAFE YAMAMOTO

Tour has ended】 "World Heritage Site Shirakami Sanchi Trekking (Tomeyama) and Yamori Isaribi Hot Springs One-day Trip by Resort Shirakami" departing from and arriving at Akita Station.

JR East Travel Service Center Akita introduces recommended group travel products to and from Akita Station.
Shirakami Sanchi World Heritage Trekking (Tomeyama) and One-day Trip to Yamori Isaribi Hot Springs by Resort Shirakami"

■Departure Dates
May 25 (Sun), 31 (Sat)
June 3 (Tue), 5 (Thu), 8 (Sun), 14 (Sat), 17 (Tue), 19 (Thu), 22 (Sun), 28 (Sat)

■Number of applicants: 8 for each
■Minimum number of participants: 2 for each Minimum number of participants: 2 each

No tour guide will accompany the tour, but a guide will accompany the group to explore Tomeyama. After trekking, you can enjoy a bath at the Hatahata Kaikan. Lunch will be "Isaribi Bento", a long-running menu at the Hatahatakan.
The course has a promenade, so it is easy to walk even for trekking beginners. Why not board the popular Resort Shirakami train and listen to the breath of the mountains in Tomeyama, where entry is not permitted without a guide?

Let's combine your favorite train and lodging to save money!

You can make your own original trip!

The JR East View Dynamic Rail Package is a variable-price individual travel product available only on the web, allowing you to choose your train and accommodations freely and make a reservation at once. Depending on the timing and conditions of your reservation, you may be able to save even on the day of departure at the earliest! We also offer one-day trip plans! Enjoy your own personalized trip according to your schedule and purpose.

Click here for details

For train + accommodation in Akita area, book the JR East View Dynamic Rail Package.
Tags related to this article
Previous post Back to list Next
related articles