Bijinbayashi Forest

Stretching over gentle hills of approximately three hectares, Bijinbayashi, or “Forest of Beauty” is the enchanting destination blanketed in century-old beech trees. At the end of the Taisho period (1912–1926), the area was extensively logged for charcoal production, leaving it completely bare. However, the following spring, new beech saplings sprouted simultaneously, eventually growing into today's stunning forest. Its rich natural environment has been carefully preserved, making it a thriving habitat for numerous wild birds.

One of Bijinbayashi’s charms is how dramatically its scenery changes throughout the seasons. Springtime after heavy winter brings sightings of fresh green shoots emerging from lingering snow, signaling the definite arrival of warmer days. In summer, the lush, vibrant greenery and refreshing breezes that flow through the trees provide relief from the heat, as temperatures here are said to be about 2°C cooler than the surrounding area. Autumn transforms the forest into a painter's palette of gold and orange hues, creating a breathtakingly beautiful landscape. During sunny winter days, the snow sparkles brilliantly under the sunlight, lending the forest an almost dreamlike beauty.