Almost all the area was gazetted in 1992 as a Nature Conservation Area under the Nature Conservation Law. In 1990, a Forest Ecosystem Reserve, a core zone and a buffer zone were established. Inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1993. The Shirakami Mountains extend over 450 sq. The mountains were rapidly uplifted during the Quaternary, causing faulting which has resulted in a dynamic landscape with numerous mass movements.
Many streams have their sources within the area and it is an important water catchment area.
Heavy snow during winter months due to the proximity of the Sea of Japan and cold air masses that move in from Siberia. All mammals found in northern Honshu exist in the area, other than two species whose existence is restricted by heavy snowfall. The 87 bird species currently identified from the area include one pair of Golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos , which is designated as a Natural Monument and a Special Bird due to its limited breeding record and endangered status in Japan. Three nesting pairs of Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius , also designated as a Natural Monument and a Special Bird, are found in the core zone. Japanese Serow Capricornis crispus is a Special Natural Monument.