A Walk in the Shirakami Mountains
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Port
Aomori, Japan
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Activity Level
Strenuous Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$300
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 8 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Shirakami-Sanchi UNESCO World Heritage Site
"Situated in the mountains of northern Honshu, this trackless site includes the last virgin remains of the cool-temperate forest of Siebold's beech trees that once covered the hills and mountain slopes of northern Japan. The black bear, the serow and 87 species of birds can be found in this forest." Learn more:
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/663/Seabourn is the official cruise partner of
UNESCO World Heritage.Put on your walking shoes and travel a scenic route from the port into the heart of Aomori Province for a day-long trek through the last virgin beech forest in Japan.
Renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Shirakami Mountain area is home to black bears, monkeys, golden eagles and beech forest. So many majestic and natural wonders lie just outside of Aomori. Tucked among the Shirakami Mountains, the Shirakami-Sanchi forest offers the opportunity to stroll through a primeval woodland, untouched since ancient times. Covering over 170 square miles, the mountains reach up to 3,900 feet into the sky.
To learn more about the area's delicate eco-system, you'll stop at the Shirakami Mountain Visitor Center to see exhibits that explain how the mountains and forest are a haven to more than 500 different kinds of plants and a variety of animals.
Then, you'll travel a short distance to the beginning of the trail, which is situated at Aqua Green Village in the town of Nishimeya. Before you begin your walk, you'll sit down in this breathtaking setting for a boxed lunch.
Hit the trail for a walk through the verdant forest of 70-foot-tall wingnut trees and 79-foot-tall Japanese beech trees. Be on the lookout for the various animals that call this forest home, two of which are endemic to Japan. The Japanese serow is a goat antelope that was once near extinction and now designated a National Treasure; and the cute, little Japanese dormouse is not a mouse but more like a chipmunk that builds its nests in the trees. If you look up, you may see a golden eagle or a hawk eagle soaring above you.
After you take in the picture-postcard scenery, walk back down the trail to your waiting coach and a pleasant trip back to the ship.
Please note: This is an active tour that travels steep, unpaved, and uneven paths. Not advisable for guests with mobility limitations. The walk can be strenuous at times; wear sturdy, comfortable shoes suitable a long on uneven trails. Wear comfortable, casual outdoor wear. Bring a light jacket or windbreaker. Tour operates weather permitting from June through November. In the event that the Shirakami Mountains Visitor Center is closed, a visit to the Beech Nishimeya Shopping Center will be substituted. Tour operates subject to meeting a minimum number of participants.