Guide
Located in the Nabekura Kogen area of Iiyama City, Nagano Prefecture, Chayaike Pond is a breathtaking natural landscape surrounded by a lush beech forest with trees estimated to be around 200 years old. Historically, when the Sekida Pass served as a vital transportation route, a teahouse once stood by the lakeside. Today, the area is centered around the "Chayaike House," a rest facility where visitors can enjoy the stunning scenery of the beech forest, which has been selected as one of the "100 Natural Landscapes of Nagano." This area is also recognized as a certified "Forest Therapy" course, a location where the health benefits of forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) have been scientifically verified.
The region holds a deep connection to the past; historical accounts suggest that a teahouse once existed on the shores of the pond during the era when the Sekida Pass was a major thoroughfare. This history of coexistence with nature is reflected in the local landscape. To preserve this historical and natural integrity, much of the surrounding area is carefully managed under strict conservation standards, ensuring that the ancient scenery remains untouched.
There are two primary walking paths designed for visitors to enjoy the scenery. The first is the "Ikemawari Course" (Pond Loop Course), which spans approximately 1.1 km around the perimeter of the pond. The second is the "Buna-rin Course" (Beech Forest Course), a 0.8 km trail that leads you deep into the heart of the rich beech forest. Both paths offer stunning views of the clear pond and the surrounding greenery. Additionally, visitors can feel the weight of history at the site where "Moritaro," a legendary giant beech tree over 400 years old, once stood as a local symbol.
Chayaike Pond displays a different face with every season. The area is particularly beautiful when the beech leaves are lush and green, or during the transitional seasons when the colors of the forest shift. Since this is a certified Forest Therapy site, visiting during bright daylight hours is highly recommended to fully experience the revitalizing effects of forest bathing. A typical visit, including walking the trails, takes about 60 minutes.
The primary activity at Chayaike Pond is nature walking. You can choose between the path around the pond or the path through the deep beech forest to immerse yourself in the natural environment. For those interested in exploring the "Valley of Giant Trees" (Kyojuki no Tani), where much older trees reside, it is highly recommended to go with a professional guide for conservation purposes. If you wish to arrange a guide, please contact the "Nabekura Kogen Mori no Ie" facility.
Chayaike Pond is situated within the scenic Nabekura Kogen highland. The area features facilities such as "Nabekura Kogen Mori no Ie," which serves as a hub for nature-based experiences. The region is part of a larger highland resort area that includes various attractions within Iiyama City.