Guida
Nanasawa Forest Park, spanning the areas of Nanasawa, Ono, and Kamikosawa in Atsugi City, Kanagawa, is an expansive urban park covering approximately 64.6 hectares. The park has been carefully developed to preserve the traditional 'Satoyama' landscape, featuring flowing streams and lush woodlands. It is recognized as one of Japan's top 100 urban parks, offering a perfect environment to reconnect with nature.
Historically, this region served as a 'Satoyama'—a managed woodland area that supported the lives of local residents. Today, the park functions as a protected forest to prevent soil erosion while maintaining the natural topography of the former woodlands. Since its opening on April 1, 1990, the park has been dedicated to preserving the local natural environment while providing a high-quality urban park experience.
The park features a diverse landscape with undulating terrain, mountain streams, and dense forests. Visitors can witness the dramatic changes of the seasons, from the vibrant fresh greenery of spring to the stunning autumn foliage of red and yellow leaves. The park also includes an outdoor stage and specialized areas for nature observation, making it a versatile space for recreation and learning.
Nature takes on a different face in every season. Spring brings a sense of renewal with new leaves, while autumn offers breathtaking views of colorful maple trees. For those looking to enjoy outdoor dining, the BBQ areas are available from March through November. Additionally, various seasonal events and programs are held throughout the year, offering unique experiences depending on the time of your visit.
Nanasawa Forest Park offers a wide range of programs designed to connect visitors with Japanese nature and culture. You can participate in artistic programs such as pottery and traditional crafts, musical programs involving the Alphorn, or folk-culture-based activities like traditional children's songs and folklore. For those seeking physical wellness, the park also hosts Nordic walking-related programs. Please note that the BBQ areas require advanced reservations and are subject to fees.
The 'Kanto Fureai-no-michi' path runs through the park, serving as a scenic hiking route leading toward the Iiyama Hakusan and Hyuga Yakushi areas. The surrounding landscape continues to showcase the beautiful, nostalgic scenery of the traditional Japanese countryside.
Due to the undulating and uneven terrain, we highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots. If you plan to use the BBQ facilities, an internet reservation is required in advance. For specific details regarding events and programs, please check the official website before your visit.