The Shirakawa Barrier Site in Hatajuku, Shirakawa City, is the remains of a checking station that was placed at the entrance to the Mutsu Province along the ancient Tosando Route. The Shirakawa Barrier, which lost its functionality along with the decline of the ritsuryo governing system, later became a place of admiration for cultural figures from the urban areas, eventually becoming known as a place for waka poetry. Surrounding the barrier site are a number of giant trees, including an 800-year-old cedar, which create an ambiance of longevity.