A Forest with a Long History of Conservation
Akasawa has a long and distinguished history as a protected forest. Its timber was once used as sacred trees for the rebuilding of Ise Jingu, one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines. During the Edo period, the forest was controlled by the Owari Domain, which strictly restricted logging in order to preserve its valuable timber resources.
After the Meiji era, the forest became part of the Imperial family’s forest estate. Following the postwar reorganization of Japan’s forestry administration, it was incorporated into the national forest system. As the domestic forestry industry declined with the increasing import of foreign timber, Akasawa was transformed into a recreational forest where forest conservation and tourism could coexist.
In 1985, television coverage of the cutting of sacred timber for Ise Jingu brought Akasawa to nationwide attention. The forest has since become widely known as one of Japan’s most remarkable examples of a landscape where centuries of forestry traditions continue alongside carefully protected natural surroundings.
Eight Forest Bathing Trails
The forest contains eight walking courses, allowing visitors to experience its natural beauty at different levels of difficulty. The Fureai Trail, approximately 2.8 kilometers round trip, is a barrier-free route that can be comfortably enjoyed by visitors using wheelchairs or strollers.
The Komadori Course is suitable for experiencing forest therapy, while the Keiryu Course follows a clear mountain stream. For visitors seeking a more immersive experience in the natural environment, the Hiyasawa Course offers a deeper exploration of the forest.
Walking beneath the towering trees while listening to the sound of flowing water and the gentle movement of the leaves provides a welcome escape from the noise and stress of everyday life. The cool air, forest fragrance, and peaceful surroundings make Akasawa an ideal place to slow down and reconnect with nature.
The Kiso Five Trees and Ancient Hinoki Forest
The most distinctive trees in Akasawa are its Kiso hinoki cypress. With an average age of around 300 years, these trees have grown slowly under the region’s demanding mountain conditions, developing tall, straight trunks that reach toward the sky.
Other valuable tree species can also be found throughout the forest, including sawara cypress, nezuko Japanese arborvitae, asunaro, and koya-maki Japanese umbrella pine. Together with Kiso hinoki, these are known as the Kiso Five Trees, a group of timber species that have long been closely associated with the forests and culture of Kiso.
The forest stretches across approximately 760 hectares at elevations ranging from about 1,080 to 1,558 meters. Even during summer, the high elevation provides a pleasantly cool environment, while winter can bring more than one meter of snow.
In 2016, the forest was once again designated as part of the Kiso Eternal Forest, an initiative aimed at maintaining a healthy forest ecosystem for the next 200 years. Long-term conservation efforts continue to protect this remarkable woodland for future generations.
The Kiso Forest Railway: A Nostalgic Train Through the Woods
One of Akasawa’s most popular attractions is the Kiso Forest Railway. Originally built to transport timber, part of the historic railway network has been restored so that visitors can experience a nostalgic train journey through the forest.
The railway was constructed in 1916 and formed part of the extensive Kiso Forest Railway network that once served the entire Kiso region. Until its closure in 1975, the railway played an important role in supporting Japan’s forestry industry.
In 1985, railway operations were revived to transport sacred timber for Ise Jingu. This revival eventually led to the railway reopening as a tourist attraction in 1987. Today, visitors can ride along a route approximately 1.1 kilometers long while enjoying the peaceful scenery of the forest.
The Story of the Baldwin Steam Locomotive
The symbol of the forest railway is its American-made Baldwin steam locomotive. One story surrounding the locomotive tells how its arrival in Japan was delayed by World War I and that it eventually reached Japan via Australia.
The locomotive is particularly distinctive for its unusual onion-shaped smokestack. During periods of wartime fuel shortages, the locomotive was operated using wood instead of coal. The unusual chimney was designed to help prevent sparks from escaping and starting forest fires. This distinctive design is said to be found nowhere else in the world quite like it is at Kiso.
Forest Museums and Visitor Facilities
Akasawa offers several facilities where visitors can learn more about the forest and its history. The Forest Museum introduces the Kiso Five Trees and the history of forestry in the region, while the Forest Railway Memorial Museum displays railway cars and steam locomotives.
The Akasawa Therapy Experience Center offers programs focused on health and relaxation, while the Akasawa Forest Exchange Center provides opportunities for woodworking experiences and exhibitions. At Seseragi-no-Sato Akasawa, visitors can also enjoy meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
Seasonal Opening and Access
Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest is generally open from Golden Week through early November. By public transportation, visitors can take a taxi from JR Agematsu Station, or use Ontake Kotsu buses from Kiso-Fukushima Station or Agematsu Station.
By car, the forest can be reached via National Route 19, with the journey taking approximately 90 minutes depending on the starting point. Paid parking is available, with passenger cars charged 600 yen per day.
A Timeless Forest for Rest and Renewal
Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest is a special place where the traditional culture of Kiso and the power of nature exist in harmony. For centuries, its trees have been carefully protected, first as a source of sacred timber and today as a precious natural environment for future generations.
The scent of Kiso hinoki, the sound of clear streams, the gentle rustling of leaves, and the nostalgic sound of the forest railway create an experience that is both peaceful and memorable. With its ancient trees, historic railway, forest therapy trails, and changing seasonal scenery, Akasawa offers visitors an opportunity to experience the quiet beauty of Japan’s mountain forests at its finest.