Places you'll visit
Shirakami-SanchiShirakami-Sanchi.
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Shirakami-SanchiShirakami-Sanchi.
Trails of Shirakami-Sanchi Japan trip
Find quiet mornings in misty forests and genuine encounters with locals on the Trails of Shirakami Sanchi journey, one of our most immersive Japan trips. Designed for travelers who want an authentic, tailor-made experience, it slows the pace and deepens the connection.
Share the rhythm you crave, and we will shape a plan around your interests, mobility, and tastes. Start planning today to secure your dates, local guides, and the thoughtful experiences that make the trip truly yours.
Trails of Shirakami-Sanchi Japan trip highlights
- Guided forest walks: Wander Shirakami-Sanchi's ancient beech forests with an expert guide, discovering secret trails and seasonal flora.
- Hidden waterfalls: Feel the spray of secluded cascades and capture stunning photos.
- Local village encounters: Meet artisans, taste homestyle meals, and learn regional traditions.
- Customizable itineraries: Tailor each day, so your trip reflects your pace, interests, and desire for authentic discovery.
- Sustainable, off-the-beaten-path stays: Stay in eco-conscious lodges and family-run guesthouses that support local communities while offering serene, memorable nights.
| Day | Location | Activity | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ajigasawa | • Arrive at Ajigasawa Station and transfer to Rockwood Hotel and Spa • Onsen with forest views • Seasonal dinner with local Aomori ingredients | Ajigasawa |
| 2 | Shirakami Sanchi (ANMON) | • Transfer to Aqua Green Village ANMON • Guided trek on the Anmon Falls loop • Free time for short forest trails from the Anmon trailhead • Return to hotel | Ajigasawa |
| 3 | Oku Juniko | • Oku Juniko nature trails and boardwalks • Aoike Blue Pond and Juniko Lakes • Stops at Wakitsubo and Ochikuchi ponds • Visit Shirakami Juniko Eco Museum | Ajigasawa |
| 4 | Mount Iwaki | • Hike Mount Iwaki via the Nagadai Course • Panoramic views over the Sea of Japan and Tsugaru Plain | Ajigasawa |
| 5 | Ajigasawa → Noshiro → Fujisato → Tokyo | • Resort Shirakami Train No. 2 to Noshiro • Guided Buddhist ritual experience in Noshiro • World Natural Heritage Center in Fujisato • Transfer to Odate Noshiro Airport and flight to Tokyo |
Day01
Arrival and relaxation
Arrive by train at Ajigasawa Station, around one hour from Hirosaki and about three and a half hours from Akita, then take a short transfer to Rockwood Hotel and Spa. You can also fly from Tokyo Haneda to Aomori Airport, or take the shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shin Aomori Station and continue onward.
Settle in, soak in the onsen with forest views, and enjoy a seasonal dinner featuring local Aomori ingredients.
Day02
Anmon Falls and the beech forests of Shirakami Sanchi
After breakfast, take a scenic transfer to Aqua Green Village ANMON, the gateway to the Shirakami Sanchi UNESCO World Heritage site. Join a guided trek on the Anmon Falls loop to see three dramatic waterfalls hidden in an ancient beech forest, while your guide shares insights into the local ecosystem and wildlife.
After the hike, continue exploring the trails from the Anmon trailhead at your own pace and enjoy small moments of local life along the way. Return to your hotel by late afternoon for a well-earned soak in the onsen.
Day03
Juniko Lakes and Aoike Blue Pond
Explore the Oku Juniko nature trails in western Shirakami Sanchi on your Japan trip, with time to discover the vivid Aoike Blue Pond and the cluster of Juniko Lakes. Walk easy forest paths and boardwalks, pass small waterfalls, and keep an eye out for local wildlife. Built-in tailor-made stops at Wakitsubo and Ochikuchi ponds for quiet views and photography.
Visit the Shirakami Juniko Eco Museum to learn about the region’s ecology, and if you are traveling in summer, you can also enjoy a gentle boating experience on the lakes.
Day04
Mount Iwaki via Nagadai Course
Hike the historic Nagadai Course on Mount Iwaki, a trail once used for mountain pilgrimages and for carrying firewood and charcoal until the 1950s. Ascend the northern slope near the Onarusawa ridge for wide views over the Sea of Japan and the Tsugaru Plain, with Hokkaido visible on clear days and the Shirakami Mountains stretching across the western horizon.
With a steady, gentle incline and a hiking time of around four and a half hours, this is an ideal route for active travelers looking for authentic, lesser-known trails.
Day05
Departure via Akita and Fujisato
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Ajigasawa Station for the Resort Shirakami Train No. 2 to Noshiro Station in Akita Prefecture. The coastal journey along the Sea of Japan takes about two hours and twenty minutes and features large windows, onboard commentary, and ever-changing scenery.
On arrival, spend the morning in Noshiro with a guided Buddhist ritual experience that may include statue worship, sutra copying, and making prayer beads. Continue by car to the World Natural Heritage Center in Fujisato, then transfer to Odate Noshiro Airport for your flight to Tokyo.
