Dakedai Education Forest
nature
Dakedai Education Forest
岳岱自然観察教育林
Overview
Dakedai Education Forest displays two seemingly contradictory aspects of Shirakami Sanchi’s environmental history: old-growth beech forests and extensive lumber plantations.
This forest in the Shirakami Sanchi buffer zone shows two contrasting histories side by side: beech replaced by cedar plantations about 70 years ago, and old-growth beech that was never cut. In the logged areas, the beeches are slowly reclaiming ground as the cedar goes unmaintained. Deeper in stands one of the oldest trees in Shirakami Sanchi, a 400-year-old beech, surrounded by generations of trees in various stages of growth and decay. The Studio Ghibli team referenced this forest visually while making Princess Mononoke. The cycle of old trees falling, rotting, and feeding new growth is on full display throughout.
Practical info
- Japanese name
- 岳岱自然観察教育林
- Nearest station
- Shirakami-Sanchi Bus Stop (30 min bus)
- Payment
- Cards accepted
- Reservations
- not required
Good for
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