Muslim Friendly Japan

Shirakami-Sanchi

UNESCO World Heritage

白神山地

Shirakami-Sanchi is a mountain range on the border of Akita and Aomori prefectures, home to one of the world's last remaining virgin beech forests. Its central area has been a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site since 1993, and most of that core is still unexplored. Visitors can walk nature trails through the woods and see lakes, gorges and waterfalls, especially beautiful in early summer and autumn.

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Visitor information

Getting there

By plane, it is just over one hour from Tokyo Haneda Airport to Odate-Noshiro Airport; renting a car is the best way to get around the area.

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Good to know

  • Most of the World Heritage core area is still unexplored except for a few climbing paths; areas outside the core are easier to visit.
  • You can learn about the area at the Shirakami Sanchi Visitor Center and the Shirakami World Heritage Center.
  • Early summer (fresh green) and autumn (red leaves) are the recommended seasons.

Tips for Muslim visitors

  • Natural sites may have few facilities. Bring water, a travel prayer mat and a qibla app, and check the weather; mountains and lakes can be much colder than the city.
  • Restrooms for wudu can be far apart on trails. Many Muslim travellers carry a small water bottle for wudu.
  • Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Akita and the verified places to pray nearby.
  • Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.

Prayer times in Akita

Today (5 Nov 2026)

  1. Fajr04:30
  2. Sunrise06:12
  3. Dhuhr11:25
  4. Asr14:11
  5. Maghrib16:34
  6. Isha18:05

Times are calculated for Akita City. Times may differ elsewhere in Akita.

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Places to pray near Shirakami-Sanchi

We have not verified a place to pray near here yet. Many large stations, airports and department stores in Japan have prayer rooms.

How to find a place to pray in Japan →

Halal food near Shirakami-Sanchi

We have not verified a halal restaurant near here yet. Until then, these guides can help you choose food safely:

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Sources (Checked 4 Nov 2026): japan.travel