Shirakami-Sanchi, Mountain range in northern Tohoku region, Japan.

Shirakami-Sanchi stretches across Aomori and Akita prefectures and protects the largest remaining virgin beech forest in East Asia at elevations reaching 1243 meters. The trees form a dense green canopy over steep slopes and narrow valleys where clear streams flow.

In 1982 work began on the Aokihi prefectural border forest road, prompting protests that led to the 1990 designation of the area as a Forest Ecosystem Reserve and the road's cancellation. UNESCO listed 16,971 hectares as a World Heritage Site in 1993, with a 10,139-hectare core zone and 6,832-hectare buffer zone.

The name Shirakami combines the characters for white and god, and long ago the area was called Kōsei Sanchi after Hirosaki and the western coast. The Matagi, hunters of Ainu descent, still know the forest and lead eco-tours, though hunting is now banned in the protected zone.

Visitors must obtain a permit seven days ahead to enter the protected core area, while the trail to Anmon Falls stays open without special permission. Sturdy footwear is advisable because of wet paths and steep sections throughout the range.

The 1993 listing covered 16,971 hectares, split into a 10,139-hectare core zone and a 6,832-hectare buffer zone. Entering the core zone requires permission from the Forest Management office, while Shirakami-dake, at 1,235 metres, lies outside the World Heritage area and can be climbed without a permit.