The birthplace of shinrin-yoku, or ‘forest bathing’, Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest is one of Japan’s best-kept secrets.
Bursting with new life in the spring and home to some of Kiso’s most beautiful autumn leaves, it’s also one of the absolute best places to escape the heat during the summer months.
A visit to Akasawa is not only a chance to see a stunning natural forest landscape – it’s a chance to relax and take a well-earned rest.
Alongside a registered forest guide or forest therapy instructor, you’ll take a laid-back stroll through this peaceful forest, and learn all about its history, its culture, and its deep connections to Japanese religion and spirituality.
You’ll also get the chance to explore the world of forest bathing and forest therapy – a therapeutic practice focusing on relaxation and sensory immersion in nature.
Contact and reservations:
Agematsu Town Tourism Association
Phone: 0264-52-1133
hinoki@avis.ne.jp
You can also contact us using the contact form.
There are only a few guides available for the Forest Therapy Guided Full Tour and interpreter, so we are not yet sure whether we can arrange it.
If you would like to make a tentative reservation, please let us know your desired plan at least two weeks in advance.
Our Guided Tours:
We offer several options for guided tours during your visit to Akasawa:
Please note that an English language interpreter will be necessary for visitors who do not speak Japanese (please see the information below)
1. Forest Guide Tour:
Take a walk through the forest and experience its nature, history, and culture alongside a knowledgeable local forest guide.
Duration: 2 hours
Price: ¥6,000 for up to 6 people
2. Full Forest Therapy Tour:
Enjoy a full forest therapy session led by a Forest Therapy Society-certified forest therapist.
They’ll guide you through immersing yourself in the forest with all five senses, and help you enjoy the various health benefits of forest therapy.
The tour usually runs from around 10am to 3pm, with a one hour lunch break from 12pm-1pm.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Price: ¥15,000 for up to 7 people
3. Forest Guide + Simple Forest Therapy Tour:
This course allows you to experience both a forest walk and a condensed forest therapy session.
Recommended for those who want to experience both options.
Duration: 2 hours
Price: ¥10,000 for up to 6 people
★ English interpreter:
Interpreting fee for each tour:
・¥22,000 for 2-3 hours
(Forest Guide Tour or Forest Guide + Simple Forest Therapy Tour)
・¥33,000 for 3-4 hours
(Full Forest Therapy Tour)
※Prices may change in the future
※If a nearby interpreter is unavailable, we will request an interpreter from a distant location, which will increase the price.
※Please also check our cancellation policy:
・Cancellation 14+ days before the day of the tour: free cancellation
・Cancellation 7-13 days before the day of the tour: 25% of the total price of the tour
・Cancellation 4-6 days before the tour: 50% of the total price
・Cancellation up to 3 days before the tour: 100% of the total price
Optional add-ons:
• Stress Check: only for Full Forest Therapy Tour
If you wish to take an optional stress check during the tour, it will cost ¥550 per person.
※Please note that taking the stress check may impact the time available for the walking sections of the tours – especially for larger groups.
• Akasawa Forest Railway:
Akasawa forest is home to the only remaining stretch of the Kiso valley’s once-sprawling historical logging railway network.
It now runs regularly for visitors to the forest.
A ride on the railway costs ¥1,000 per person.
