Shirakami-Sanchi

Shirakami-Sanchi

Shirakami-Sanchi is a vast mountainous area that spans the southwestern part of Aomori Prefecture and the northwestern part of Akita Prefecture in Japan. It is a pristine beech forest that has remained untouched by human activity. The region is rich in water resources, with many streams and rivers originating here. The sources of the area’s rivers lie within lush, green wild mountains and extend into expansive beech woodlands, and this area has so far escaped human logging.

Shirakami-Sanchi is the only remaining virgin beech forest in the world and also the largest beech forest in Asia, necessitating increased conservation efforts. The beech forest of Shirakami-Sanchi boasts approximately 500 species of proud and flourishing plants. Although its plant diversity is not as high as that of other mountainous regions, it includes some typical plant species unique to Japan, as well as flora from tundra and alpine zones. It also serves as a habitat for numerous invertebrates, with over 2,000 species of insects. Shirakami-Sanchi forms a rich and diverse natural ecosystem.