A new tourist experience at Akasawa Nature Recreation Forest
At Akasawa Nature Recreation Forest, a representative tourist destination in the Kiso forest, new initiatives for nature experiences are underway.
This forest is home to Kiso cypress trees over 300 years old, and is a popular destination for visitors from all over Japan, as it is considered the birthplace of forest bathing. The vast forest has well-maintained walking trails, offering a variety of programs to experience nature, including forest walks and rides on a forest railway.
In recent years, there has been a growing focus on experiential tourism that allows visitors to connect with nature in the forest, and new tourist attractions such as outdoor saunas are being developed. As a place where visitors can experience the charm of the forest from multiple perspectives, Akasawa Nature Recreation Forest has become a central hub for Kiso tourism.
The "Forest Service Industry": Connecting Forest Bathing with Health
In the Kiso forests, new initiatives are underway to utilize forests for health promotion. A prime example of this is an activity called the "forest service industry."
Akasawa Nature Recreation Forest, known as the birthplace of forest bathing, is implementing initiatives to improve physical and mental health through walking in the forest. The scent of the forest and the tranquil atmosphere are said to be effective in reducing stress and improving immune function, and it has become a popular destination for many people.
In recent years, forest yoga and nature experience programs have also been offered, attracting attention as a place for urban dwellers to rejuvenate their minds and bodies in nature. These activities are expected to become a new regional industry that combines tourism and health.
Izumiyama Botanical Garden
In the Kiso forest, efforts are underway to protect the forest for the future. The Kiso cypress forest, with its trees over 300 years old, is a valuable forest representative of Japan, and its preservation and management are important issues.
Currently, volunteer activities such as forest maintenance and thinning, as well as hands-on forest conservation programs, are being implemented. Participants can learn about the role of forests and the importance of forestry while experiencing work in the forest.
These initiatives are attracting attention as activities that cultivate people to protect the forests and pass on Kiso's forest culture to future generations. Sustainable forest management is being promoted as more people become involved in forest conservation activities.
