Akazawa Nature Rest Area

Akazawa Nature Rest Forest is said to be the birthplace of forest bathing in Japan, where you can enjoy the benefits of being surrounded by nature. You can enjoy the changing seasons and particularly in autumn, the beautiful fall foliage attracts many tourists. There are also camping sites and lodging facilities available, allowing you to relax in the midst of nature. Forest therapy is also offered, providing stress relief and relaxation through forest bathing. Akazawa Nature Rest Forest is located about a 20-minute drive from the center of Uematsu town, and if using public transportation, you can take a taxi from Uematsu Station on the JR Chuo Main Line.

At Akazawa Natural Recreation Forest, there are various trails to choose from, so you can pick one that suits you. The trails are equipped with signboards, so you won't get lost. The forest along the valley is mainly composed of Kiso Hinoki cypress, and upstream is the "Akazawa Natural Recreation Forest," which is designated as a national forest. There are walking trails along the stream, such as the "Stream Course," and hiking trails that are fully paved and maintained with wooden bridges. Around Akazawa Natural Recreation Forest, there are also historical tourist spots such as Akazawa Forest Railway and Nakasendo Road.

At Akazawa Natural Recreation Forest, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of blooming flowers such as rhododendrons and skunk cabbages in spring. In particular, the rhododendrons are a flower that appeared in the NHK morning drama "Ranman," and can be seen at the Akazawa Natural Recreation Forest from April to the end of May. In summer, there is also a firefly viewing event. Autumn is the best season for walking as the autumn leaves are beautiful. In winter, you can also enjoy the snowy scenery.

At Akazawa Natural Rest Forest, forest therapy programs are also held. On the Forest Therapy Road, which is walked with a doctor, you can stroll through the forest while receiving explanations from a forest therapy guide who knows Akazawa Natural Rest Forest and Dr. Kumedan, the honorary director of Nagano Prefectural Kiso Hospital. In addition, the Akazawa Forest Interaction Center provides information on forest bathing. Through forest bathing, you can relieve stress and achieve a relaxing effect.

Various events are held throughout the seasons around Akazawa Natural Recreation Forest, such as the Nanakiso Mitsubatsuzakura Festival and the Forest Therapy Road where you can walk with a doctor. In addition, mountains such as Mount Ontake, Mount Kiso-Komagatake, and Mount Kazagashira are nearby, allowing you to fully enjoy nature. Akazawa Natural Recreation Forest is also one of the 14 selected valleys in Nagano Prefecture, and tourist spots such as the stream course and forest railway are popular. There are also accommodations, dining options, and specialty shops in the surrounding area, creating a convenient environment for tourists.