Shirakami Sanchi, a World Natural Heritage site, can be accessed either from the Lake Juniko side in Fukaura Town or from Nishimeya Village side.The area is closed during the winter season, but this time we were able to slip in at the end of October and enjoy the autumn leaves.
9:10 Arrive at Roadside Station Tsugaru Shirakami Beech Nishimeya
You can stay the night before or take an early morning car or Konan Bus from Hirosaki Station to Nishimeya Village Hall.
Please complete registration at least 15 minutes prior to departure.
9:30-10:30 “Nishimeya Dam Lake Tour”
The amphibious bus has no windows, so it is refreshing to feel the wind on your face. My friend said, “I feel like a big dog in an open car.”
Both a small boat license class 2 and a large-sized car license class 2 are required to drive the bus. It is quite cold, so depending on the season, you may need to wear a down jacket to keep warm. When entering Lake Tsugaru Shirakami from land, everyone shouts “Let’s splash!“ The view of the apple fields in the village and Tsugaru Dam on the way to the lake is also a highlight of the tour. Depending on the season, you can enjoy mountain cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, and autumn leaves.
10:30-10:50 Roadside Station Tsugaru Shirakami Beech Nishimeya
Shopping at the Montbell store; the limited-edition of kogin stitch and apple motif items available only here are so cute, it’s hard to decide which one to buy.
Break with BeFavo’s soft serve ice cream can be topped with as much raw honey as you like!
10:50-11:40 Shirakami Sanchi Visitor Center
Located across from Beech Nishimeya, this facility introduces the nature and culture of the Shirakami Sanchi, a World Natural Heritage site. Inside the museum, visitors learn about the ecosystem of the beech forest, its seasonal scenery, and its relationship with people. Like a digital museum, the exhibits are elaborate and enjoyable, touching all five senses.
11:40-12:20 Roadside Station Tsugaru Shirakami Beech Nishimeya
The famous Shirakami soba lunch is very tasty.
Transfer; 3 minutes drive or 9 minutes walk to BUNACO from Beech NISEMAYA.
12:30-13:50 Atelier visit and tea time at BUNACO CAFÉ / BUNACO Nishimeya Factory
BUNACO is a world-class Aomori woodwork made from Aomori beech, and this nostalgic workshop in an abandoned school is a must-see for fans, where you can actually see craftsmen making BUNACO up close and personal. Don’t miss the BUNACO CAFE, whose interior design is too cute, including apple-designed lighting and Aomori prefecture-shaped tables. Please note that last orders are early at 3:00 p.m. and that the building is closed during the winter months. In 2024, it is until Nov. 9.
13:50 Transfer
It is easier to move around the area with a car, but you can also take a taxi.
If you take the Konan Bus Anmon Shirakami-go, it departs from Nishimeya Village Hall at 13:20 and arrives at Aqua Green Village ANMON at 13:50. However, the bus will not stop at Niogataki Waterfall. https://www.konanbus.com/travel/shirakami.html
14:00-14:20 Visit Niogataki Fall
If you climb to the top and you can go inside the waterfall. The sound is also very powerful.
14:30 Arrive at Aqua Green Villege ANMON
A place with cottages, campsites, and a large bathhouse. It would be fun to spend a night here.
(Cottages and campsites are open from the end of April to the end of September, and the bathhouse is open from the end of April to the end of October. Closed in winter)
14:30-16:00 Anmon Falls
Walk to the third waterfall at the very front, it takes about 90 min for round trip
Finally, we are in the World Heritage area. Please follow the manners of entering the forest and be well equipped.
You will feel a relaxing time. If you want to focus on hiking in the mountains, you may start here in the morning.
Check out the course here: https://www.anmon-shirakami.com/trekking/
*Usually until 16:00, until 16:30 in summer from 6/1 to 8/31, until 15:30 in fall from 10/1 to 10/31