Shirakami Sanchi Tour from Hirosaki: Visitor Center Theater and Waterfall Trekking

From Theater to Satoyama, Followed by an Afternoon Hike to Anmon Falls

The morning begins at Hirosaki Station's Joto Exit, where participants board a chartered bus heading to the Shirakami Sanchi Visitor Center. At 9:00 AM, the group watches the large-screen film "World Natural Heritage Shirakami Sanchi." Using a digital projector, the screening showcases the mountain range through the four seasons before participants head out to explore the surrounding satoyama countryside and waterfalls.

At 10:05 AM, a local satoyama guide leads the group to Nio-ga-taki Falls and Iwaya Kanzeon. Exploring these two scenic spots at the foot of the Shirakami range with a guide is a highlight of the tour, offering more than just the afternoon trek.

Lunch is served around 11:15 AM at Buna no Sato Shirakamikan. The meal features wild mountain vegetable chirashizushi made with local ingredients, accompanied by a small bowl of Shirakami soba. After lunch, the bus transfers the group to Aqua Green Village ANMON to begin the trek to the Third Anmon Falls alongside a specialized guide.

The afternoon trek takes about 3 hours and is billed as a beginner-friendly route. Highlights include the waterfall framed by sheer rock faces and the misty spray hanging in the air. That said, the participation requirement specifies that participants should be "capable of light mountain walking." It is best to consider your own stamina and comfort level rather than relying solely on the course description.

If the path to Anmon Falls is closed due to heavy rain or other conditions, the route is scheduled to switch to the World Heritage Path Beech Forest Walking Trail. Because weather may alter the destination on the day, it is helpful to keep this alternate route in mind.

On the way back, the tour stops at Michi-no-Eki Tsugaru Shirakami around 4:00 PM. Facilities include a fresh produce market, a mont-bell outdoor goods corner, Shirakami Baisen-sha serving coffee brewed with apple-wood charcoal and Shirakami spring water, and BeFavo featuring Nishimeya honey. It is a welcome opportunity to discover local specialties after the trek.

Meeting Details, Pricing, and Booking Status

The tour meets at Hirosaki Station (Joto Exit) at 8:20 AM and is scheduled to wrap up around 5:00 PM. This chartered bus day trip connects the visitor center, satoyama walk, lunch, trek, and roadside station over roughly 8 hours and 45 minutes. The capacity is 15 participants, with a minimum requirement of 10 to run.

The tour fee is 8,800 JPY per person, the same for adults and children. It covers the chartered bus, satoyama guide, trekking guide, lunch, and admission fees. Payment must be made in cash at the meeting point. Recommended attire is long sleeves and long trousers. Trekking shoes are recommended, though sneakers are also acceptable.

The tour was scheduled for three dates: September 11, September 19, and October 31. The booking deadline for each is 21 days before departure. The deadline for the October 31 date is October 10, but the official tour page currently lists applications as closed. To check on eligibility or current availability, contact Tsugaru Shirakami Tour by phone at 0172-85-3315.