The Kiso region, located in southwestern Nagano Prefecture, is known as one of Japan's leading forest areas. The rich forests born from mountains such as Mount Ontake have long been closely intertwined with people's lives, fostering a unique forest culture. The most representative of this region is the "Kiso cypress." Kiso is counted as one of Japan's three most beautiful forests, and its straight, beautiful grain, high durability, and pleasant fragrance have made it a prized material for construction since ancient times. In particular, it is used as a sacred tree in the Shikinen Sengu (periodic rebuilding) of Ise Grand Shrine, and the Kiso forest is an integral part of Japan's spiritual culture. During the Edo period, the forests of Kiso were placed under strict management by Owari, and uncontrolled logging was prohibited by a protection system called "Tomeyama" (reserved forests). Under this system, the "Five Kiso Trees"—cypress, sawara cypress, nezuko cypress, asunaro cypress, and koyamaki pine—were forbidden to be cut down by ordinary people, and the forests were carefully protected. At the same time, people have cultivated wisdom for living in harmony with the forest. A lifestyle and culture that utilizes forest resources, such as charcoal making, woodworking, and the creation of barrels and bentwood crafts, developed, and Kiso's craftsmanship became known throughout Japan. Furthermore, the mountains of Kiso were not merely resources, but objects of reverence for the people. Mountain worship centered on Mount Ontake fostered a spirit that celebrated the forest itself as a sacred entity. Throughout this long history, the forests of Kiso have been protected not merely as forestry resources, but as something that supports people's lives, reverence, and culture. Even today, rich forest landscapes spread throughout this region, and one can see the forest scenery that can be called the original landscape of Japan. The forests of Kiso are the history of people and nature living together. And that culture is a precious asset that will be passed down to future generations.