- Experience
- Nagano
Akasawa Natural Recreational Forest
"Tastes of JAPAN by ANA" is a regional vitalization project that collaborates with the different prefectures in Japan to present the Land of the Rising Sun in all of its diverse glory.
Akasawa Natural Recreational Forest in Kiso, Nagano - The birthplace of forest bathing in Japan
The Akasawa Natural Recreational Forest, which is considered one of the three most beautiful forests in Japan, is home to gorgeous natural Kiso Hinoki (Japanese cypress trees) of over 300 years old. In the mid-1600s, the forest was placed under a strict protection policy set by the Owari Domain, which is said to have led to the current forest. Today, walking trails have been paved, allowing you to enjoy a soothing forest bathing experience while strolling.
Akasawa Forest Railway that lets you casually enjoy the forest bathing experience
Among the forest railways operated throughout Japan, the Akasawa Forest Railway, formerly known as the Kiso Forest Railway, was the last one in active service. Over time, the main transportation means of lumber was taken over by trucks; consequently, the Kiso Forest Railway was also taken out of service in 1975. However, in 1985, the Akasawa Forest Railway resumed operation as a forest train consisting of a small diesel locomotive and passenger coaches, carrying visitors through the natural Hinoki tree forest.
Location
| Name | Akasawa Natural Recreational Forest |
|---|---|
| Web Sites | https://kiso-hinoki.jp/en/01akasawa.html |
| Address | National Forest, Ogawa, Agematsu-machi, Kiso-gun, Nagano |
| Access | Approximately 90 minutes’ drive from the Nakatsugawa IC or Ina IC on the Chuo Expressway Approximately 45 minutes’ bus ride from JR Kiso-Fukushima Station |
| Business Hours | 9:00 to 16:00 |
| Closed | Mid-November to mid-April Please see the website for details. |
| Inquiries | TEL: 0264-52-1133 (Agematsu Town Tourism Association) |
| Others | Please drive safely as the road widths get narrow in some parts. |