Recommended sightseeing information on the Shirakami Sanchi Mountains. Shirakami Sanchi is a vast area located southwest of Hirosaki and straddling the border between Aomori and Akita Prefectures. It is famous as a World Natural Heritage site with one of the world's largest primeval beech forests. It was registered as a World Heritage site in December 1993.
The area can be visited by various routes from both the Aomori and Akita Prefecture sides, but most visitors from the Aomori side take the route from Hirosaki via Nishimeya Village (Nishimeya Village). Fukaura Town, located on the Sea of Japan side, is home to the mysterious Aoike Pond.
Shirakami Sanchi is a vast mountainous region stretching across Aomori and Akita Prefectures in northern Japan. In December 1993, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, together with Yakushima, becoming one of Japan's first natural World Heritage sites. The area was recognized in...»
Aoiike Blue Pond is one of the famous lakes of Juniko, a group of lakes and ponds located within the Shirakami Sanchi World Natural Heritage area in northern Japan. Striking for its vivid cobalt-blue water, Aoiike is surrounded by ancient beech forests and peaceful mountains, creating a landscape th...»
A Group of Mysterious Lakes Surrounded by Ancient Forests Juniko, or the “Twelve Lakes,” is a beautiful group of lakes and ponds located in the Shirakami Mountains in western Aomori Prefecture. Despite its name, the area actually contains 33 lakes and ponds. Surrounded by mountains rising to more t...»
Koganezaki Furofushi Onsen is a famous hot spring resort in Henashi, Fukaura Town, in western Aomori Prefecture. Perched beside the Sea of Japan, it is renowned for its spectacular ocean views and its unique outdoor baths built directly beside the rocky coastline. The experience is especially memor...»
The Kitakanegasawa Ginkgo Tree is one of the largest and most impressive ginkgo trees in Japan. Located in Kitakanegasawa, Fukaura Town, Aomori Prefecture, this enormous tree has long fascinated visitors with its extraordinary size, beautiful seasonal appearance, and deep connection with local relig...»
Fukaura Town is a scenic coastal town in Nishitsugaru District, Aomori Prefecture, where the rugged beauty of the Shirakami Mountains meets the Sea of Japan. Surrounded by ancient beech forests, mountains, lakes, rivers, and a dramatic coastline, Fukaura is one of the best places in western Aomori t...»
Anmon Waterfalls are a spectacular series of three waterfalls located in Nishimeya Village, Aomori Prefecture. The waterfalls are formed along the Anmon River in the Shirakami Mountains, an area renowned for its vast beech forests and pristine natural environment. Surrounded by steep rock walls, mo...»
Japan Canyon is a striking scenic destination in Fukaura Town, Aomori Prefecture, on the Sea of Japan side of the Shirakami Mountains. The area is part of Tsugaru Quasi-National Park and is located near the famous Juniko lake district. The Shirakami Mountains are recognized as a UNESCO World Natura...»
When people think of tuna from Aomori Prefecture, Oma Tuna is often the first name that comes to mind. However, the town of Fukaura, located at the westernmost tip of Aomori Prefecture, is actually the region where the largest volume of wild bluefin tuna is landed within the prefecture. The wild bl...»
Yaki-ika, or grilled squid, is one of the signature foods of Ajigasawa Town in Aomori Prefecture. Located along the Sea of Japan, Ajigasawa has long benefited from the rich waters of the surrounding coast. Squid, sea bream, shrimp, and crab are among the area’s best-known seafood products, but fresh...»
Aomori Prefecture is renowned for its high-quality squid, an important part of the region’s seafood culture. The squid caught in Aomori is known for its tender flesh, pleasant springy texture, and rich umami that becomes more pronounced with every bite. Two of the main types of squid caught in Aomo...»
Mount Shirakami (Shirakami-dake) is a 1,235-meter-high mountain in Fukaura Town, Aomori Prefecture, and one of the most iconic peaks of Shirakami-Sanchi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its vast primeval beech forests. Selected as one of Japan's 200 Famous Mountains, Mount Shirakami attracts ...»
Senjojiki is a spectacular rocky coastline in Fukaura Town, Aomori Prefecture, overlooking the Sea of Japan. Part of the Tsugaru Quasi-National Park, this unusual coastal landscape is famous for its broad, flat rock formations that appear to stretch across the shore like thousands of traditional Jap...»
Michi-no-Eki Fukaura "Kasose Grilled Squid Village" is a unique roadside station along National Route 101 in Fukaura Town, Aomori Prefecture. Its enormous squid sign makes it easy to spot, while its location beside the Sea of Japan makes it an excellent place to stop and enjoy the region's fresh sea...»
Dazai's Inn: Fukaura Literary Museum is a literary museum in Fukaura Town, Aomori Prefecture, housed in a former traditional Japanese inn where the famous writer Osamu Dazai actually stayed. The building was originally known as Akita-ya Ryokan. Dazai stayed here while traveling through the Tsugaru ...»
Engakuji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple in Fukaura, Aomori Prefecture, belonging to the Daigo-ha school of Shingon Buddhism. Its mountain name is Shunkosan, and the principal Buddhist image enshrined at the temple is the Eleven-Headed Kannon, a form of Kannon associated with compassion and pro...»
A Peaceful Cape Surrounded by Nature Yukiaizaki Coast is a beautiful cape in Fukaura Town, Aomori Prefecture, where dramatic coastal rocks meet gentle grassy hills overlooking the Sea of Japan. Although rugged rock formations can be seen along the coast, much of the cape is covered in soft green g...»
Fukaura Marine Station “Fukaura Marugoto Market” is a popular destination where visitors can experience the many local flavors of Fukaura Town, Aomori Prefecture. The market brings together fresh seafood from the surrounding waters, vegetables grown in the fertile local countryside, handmade process...»
Seki Kamesugi Cedar is a magnificent giant cedar tree standing in Seki, Fukaura Town, Aomori Prefecture. Designated as a Natural Monument of Aomori Prefecture, the tree is estimated to be approximately 1,000 years old. The cedar reaches approximately 35 meters in height, while its trunk measures ar...»
Aomori Flounder is a highly prized fish from Aomori Prefecture, a region known for its abundant seafood and high-quality marine products. Aomori is one of Japan's leading flounder-producing areas, and its flounder is valued for its distinctive flavor and excellent texture. The quality of Aomori Flo...»
Ajigasawa Chicken Bow is a popular local snack from Ajigasawa Town in western Aomori Prefecture. Loved by local residents for generations, it is enjoyed as a quick snack by children as well as a savory accompaniment to beer. The dish is made by thinly stretching chicken, placing it on a stick, coat...»
Ajigasawa Town in Aomori Prefecture is well known for its traditional dried seafood. Located along the Sea of Japan, the town has a long history of drying freshly caught fish and seafood in the natural sea breeze. The combination of wind, salt, and time helps concentrate the seafood's natural umami,...»