If you want to experience forest bathing or hiking in Japan, Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest is the perfect choice. Here, you'll find yourself surrounded by natural groves of Japanese cypress (Hinoki) trees over 300 years old, where the deep green fragrance fills your whole being.
All seven hiking trails are well-maintained and safe for everyone. It takes about 4 hours from Tokyo, making it an ideal addition to your visit to the historic post towns along the Nakasendo trail in the Kiso Valley.
Akazawa Natural Recreation Forest for a forest bathing experience in Japan
Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest in the Kiso region is recognised as one of Japan's three most beautiful forests. These dense natural groves of Kiso hinoki (Japanese cypress) have been strictly protected since the Edo period (1603-1868), reserved for imperial construction during the Meiji era (1868-1912), and are now managed as national forest land.
How to Enjoy Akasawa
At Akasawa, you can enjoy the forest at your own pace. The facilities are designed so that anyone can easily experience forest bathing.
Seven hiking trails
Akasawa offers seven well-maintained hiking trails suitable for beginners through to experienced hikers. You can choose from the wheelchair-accessible "Fureai-no-Michi" (Friendship Path) to more challenging hiking routes, depending on your fitness level.
When I walked the "Fureai-no-Michi," the path was completely paved and genuinely easy to walk on. Hiking surrounded by hinoki trees was a refreshing experience. The air is so clean, and I could feel my mind calming down with each deep breath. Ancient trees over 300 years old stand quietly all around, and you can truly feel the "weight of time" with your whole body.
Enjoying the Japanese Cypress Forest on the Forest Railway
Board a historic railway once used for timber transport and ride through 300-year-old hinoki groves on a small trolley train—this is a unique experience you can only have at Akasawa. The 2.2km round trip takes about 20 minutes and takes you deep into the forest.
As the forest railway sets off, it moves slowly forward with a rhythmic clattering sound. Looking up from the trolley, you'll see 300-year-old hinoki giants towering on both sides—an overwhelming presence. When the wind blows, the trees sway and you can hear the leaves rustling against each other. It's a different way to experience the forest's depth compared to walking.
Admission fee
Adults: 1,000 yen
Children: 600 yen
Hours of operation: Every 30 minutes during peak season, every hour during normal season (closed on Wednesdays)
How to get to Akazawa Nature Recreation Forest
From Tokyo's Shinjuku Station, take the Limited Express Azusa to Shiojiri (about 2 hours 30 minutes), then a local train to Agematsu Station (40-50 minutes). From Agematsu Station, take a bus for 30 minutes. Total journey time is about 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Nagoya, then the Limited Express Shinano to Agematsu Station.
For detailed information about getting to Kiso and Agematsu Station from Tokyo, please see the article below.
[link id=train-to-kiso]
Bus Access from Agematsu Station and Kiso-Fukushima Station
You can reach Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest by taking the Akasawa Line bus from either Kiso-Fukushima Station or Agematsu Station. The information below is current as of October 2025.
For the latest information, please check the bus operator Ontake Kotsu's website.
[Ontake Kotsu's official website](https://ontakekotsu.com/regular)
Bus Timetable (Departure from Uematsu Station)
Departure from Kiso Fukushima Station | Departure from Kisofukushima Station | Arrival at Akazawa Nature Recreation Forest |
|---|---|---|
9:25 | 9:40 | 10:10 |
11:15 | 11:30 | 12:00 |
13:35 | 13:50 | 14:20 |
15:25 | 15:40 | 16:10 |
Bus Timetable (Departure from Akazawa Nature Recreation Forest)
Departure from Akazawa Nature Recreation Forest | Arrival at Kaminomatsu Sta. | Arrival at Kiso Fukushima Station |
|---|---|---|
10:20 | 10:50 | 10:20 10:50 |
12:10 | 12:40 | 12:55 |
14:30 | 15:00 | 15:15 |
16:20 | 16:50 | 17:05 |
Bus Fare and How to Purchase
Round-trip ticket: Adult 2,000 yen, elementary school student 1,000 yen (if departing from Koumatsu Station)
One-way: Adults 1,200 yen, elementary school students 600 yen (from Koumatsu Station)
Pre-school children: Free
Important:
★Only operates on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and during peak season when the Akazawa Nature Recreation Forest is open.
Advance purchase of round-trip tickets is recommended (reliable and convenient) at the Tourist Information Center in front of Koumatsu Station.
One-way tickets are available for cash payment at the bus stop (cash only, no credit cards).
There are only 4 round trips per day. Please plan accordingly.
Opening Period and Hours
Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest is only open from spring to autumn. The 2025 opening period was as follows. It closes during winter due to snowfall reaching 1.5 metres.
April 26-November 9, 2025, 9:00 AM-16:00 PM
Facilities and Services at Akasawa
Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest has facilities to ensure a comfortable visit.
Seseragi-no-Sato Akasawa (Restaurant)
This restaurant faces the car park and serves dishes made with local ingredients. Having a warm bowl of soba noodles after hiking is wonderfully restorative.
Business Information:
Open: April 26-November 9 (basically closed on Wednesdays)
Payment method: Cash only
Before setting off on my hike, I ordered pork curry at this restaurant and it was delicious. I highly recommend stopping by.
Combine with a Journey Along the Nakasendo Trail
The experience at Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest becomes even more special when combined with a journey along the Nakasendo trail through the Kiso Valley. Nearby are the perfectly preserved Edo-period post towns of Tsumago-juku and Magome-juku, and the stunning gorge scenery of Nezame-no-Toko is just 30 minutes to an hour away. After experiencing forest bathing at Akasawa, stay overnight along the Kiso road and experience both Japan's natural beauty and history in one trip.
[link id=nakasendo-trail]
