400-Year-Old Beech Tree and Mononoke Beech (Takedai Forest Preserve for Nature Education) (Fujisato, Akita Prefecture)

If you want to visit the mountainous region of Shirakami Sanchi but are not sure about experiencing a full hike, the Takedai Forest Preserve for Nature Education is a great place to casually explore the beech forests of Shirakami Sanchi. In the 12-hectare primeval beech forest, there are walking trails that thread through huge moss-covered trees and rocks (some of the trails are accessible for wheelchair users). In the forest, there is a multi-purpose exhibition facility where you can learn about the nature of the Shirakami Sanchi and the Dakedai Forest, and it can be used as a rest stop. Everyone, from small children to the elderly, can enjoy strolling around this primeval beech forest. At the deepest part of the walking trails is an ultra-soft spring water, a blessing of the Shirakami Sanchi that has been featured on TV programs. On rainy days, the stemflow of the beech trees are also a sight to behold. The Dakedai Forest is located in the Shirakami Sanchi area, but is designated as being outside the World Heritage Site.