Take an experiential walk through the forest
SPEAKING WITH THE FOREST
TAKE A WALK THROUGH THE FOREST
Even though the trees do not communicate verbally, there is still a wealth of communication that can be seen through the harmony & discord of the forest.
THE HARMONY & DISCORD OF THE FOREST
Look upwards. You will see that the trees bend and contort so as not to collide with each other. This cooperation along with competition helps to protect the forest ecosystem.
One for All, All for One
COOPERATION
Glancing upwards through the forest, notice how the trunks and branches of the trees bend and grow in various directions. They do this so as not to bump into each other and so that each tree has a chance to bathe in the sunlight. They communicate with each other, and coexist.
Battle for the top spot
COMPETITION
When a giant tree falls, a battle among the young trees to decide the new leader begins.
At the foot of each giant tree, there are young trees quietly waiting. Waiting for the inevitable day to come, when the giant tree falls. When it does fall, the young trees will begin to grow and compete against each other for the fallen giant’s former territory.
Abundant waters of Shirakami
SUPPORT
Shirakami is a forest with an abundance of water. Seasonal flowers fed by the waters bloom in full in the wetlands. The nutrient-rich water flows into the rivers and eventually out to the sea sharing its bounty.
The forest extends its hospitality to travelers with 100% drinkable natural waters that can help quench their thirst.
MEETING THE LORDS OF THE FOREST
Come face-to-face with the long-reigning lords that have watched over the Shirakami forest for centuries.
400 YEAR-OLD BEECH
Regarded as one of the symbols of Shirakami Sanchi, this giant beech tree’s moss-covered bark and sprawling branches commands the attention of the forest like a god.
MONONOKE
Witness the strength of nature. Located near the entrance of Dakedai Forest, the roots of this tall, moss-covered beech tree grow around a boulder.
SEASONS OF THE FOREST
TAKE A WALK THROUGH THE FOREST
Even though the trees do not communicate verbally, there is still a wealth of communication that can be seen through the harmony & discord of the forest.
WINTER
In a world closed off by snow, beech trees endure the cold of winter until the break of spring. However, snow isn’t something that is only harsh. Snow that falls and gathers on the ground also gives warmth and protects the plants from the open air.
If you listen carefully, you can hear the snow, a sound that is lost in the city.
During the Shirakami winter, there is much communication being interweaved by nature to protect its future.
SPRING
Life begins to sprout, the trees begin to stir and the beech trees begin to nurture new life. The forest overflows with the intertwined communication of bird songs and the harmony and discord from the new shoots of the forest.
SUMMER
The lush green beech forest gathers the forest's bounty for the autumn harvest. Insects act in place of the immovable trees. Sharing the blessings as rewards. This communication between trees and insects is taking place everywhere.
AUTUMN
Unlike the autumn leaves of Kyoto, the autumn foliage of the beech is unique. In order to pass on the baton to new life, beech use all of their energy to bear seeds. These seeds are an important food source for animals and plants. By passing on seeds as gifts, the trees are able to move to new locations. After exhausting all their energy, the beech begin preparation for winter so that they can move again.
BLESSED GIFTS FROM THE FOREST
TAKE A WALK THROUGH THE FOREST
Enjoy the blessings of the Shirakami through the forest.
SPRING WATERS
Forest spring waters welcome thirsty visitors to come and drink from them.