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Akasawa Natural Recreational Forest

Akasawa Natural Recreational Forest

Located in the beautiful Kiso Valley, the Akasawa Natural Recreational Forest – or more simply referred to as Akasawa Forest – is blessed with numerous ‘hinoki’ (cyress) trees, many of which are over 300 years old. Despite first appearances, it is not an old-growth forest but was planted during the Edo Period (1603-1868) and harvested for timber More recently, the forest attracts visitors from spring to autumn to wander through the lush and cool surrounds.

Akasawa-Natural-Recreational-Forest-Kiso

For many Japanese, ‘shinrin-yoku’ or ‘forest-bathing’ is considered integral to good health and there is no better place to pursue it than Akasawa. Walking paths span-out through the forest with the Otaki Forest Railway, originally built for transporting timber, now a popular sightseeing train running through the forest. While the forest is always accessible, the railway operates daily from 09:00 to 16:00, between late-April and early-November.

INFO

0264-52-2001

09:00 to 16:00

Railway: operates late-April to early-November

Railway: JPY800 per adult (13+) / JPY500 per child (4-12)

Approximately a 3.5 to 4-hour drive from the Jigokudani Monkey Park

From Agematsu Station, take the the Akasawa Bus - 30 minute - or alternatively, taxis are also available - taking around 25 minutes to reach the forest

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HOTELS

INFO

0264-52-2001

09:00 to 16:00

Railway: operates late-April to early-November

Railway: JPY800 per adult (13+) / JPY500 per child (4-12)

Approximately a 3.5 to 4-hour drive from the Jigokudani Monkey Park

From Agematsu Station, take the the Akasawa Bus - 30 minute - or alternatively, taxis are also available - taking around 25 minutes to reach the forest