The Way of Shinrin-yoku
Azumino
The forest of Karasugawa Valley Green Park is lovingly cared for by the local community and stretches across the foothills of the Northern Japan Alps, around 900 meters above sea level in Azumino.
Here, you can experience a rich variety of natural landscapes in a short time and walking distance—refreshing waters flowing from the Alps through the Karasugawa River, a naturally formed mossy trail, vibrant autumn foliage, and forest areas filled with Japanese cedar and cypress trees.
Spending quiet, mindful time in this beautiful satoyama forest—fully engaging your senses—will not only become a special memory of your journey but will also help ease travel fatigue.
A local Shinrin-yoku facilitator will gently guide you through the forest, tailoring the experience to your pace and needs.
Experience Shinrin-yoku in its birthplace — the forests of Japan.
This experience is perfect for those who:
- People who want to enjoy Japan’s natural beauty
- People who want to experience forest bathing
- People who want to relax in nature
- People who want to visit a satoyama forest (traditional rural forest in Japan)
| Location (Prefecture / City) | Azumino, Nagano |
| Forest Name | Karasugawa Valley Green Park |
| Forest Type | Sotoyama |
Guide’s name
Sumie Ojima
Shinrin-yoku Facilitator
Born and raised in Azumino, I studied cultural anthropology in Canada to learn more about development issues. After that, I traveled to various countries and took part in volunteer activities. I also lived with my family in Bangladesh and India. Four years ago, I returned to my hometown of Azumino and became an adventure travel guide.
Through forest bathing, I hope to help people—who may have grown distant from nature—reconnect with it and rediscover, through their senses, that we are a part of nature.
I see my work as a life mission: to be one small piece in building a healthier, more harmonious relationship between people and the natural world.
Program Details
| Sample Itinerary | 9:00 Meet at JR Hotaka Station, JR Akashina Station, or the Karasugawa Valley Green Park parking lot Transfer ➝ Restroom break, warm-up exercises 10:00 Shinrin-yoku walk begins 12:00 Shinrin-yoku ends ➝ Transfer 12:30 Tour ends at JR Hotaka Station or JR Akashina Station |
| Hours Available | Morning Session Program starts between 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM During the hotter months, we recommend starting earlier. In colder seasons, a later start is ideal. Afternoon Session Program starts between 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Depending on the forest location, we recommend starting earlier during colder months. |
| Duration | Approximately 2–4 hours |
| Participant Capacity (Minimum / Maximum) | 1 to 6 participants (For groups larger than 6, please contact us. Maximum capacity: 8 people.) |
| Participation Requirements | Age: No specific age restrictions.If you plan to join with children, please consult us in advance. Physical Requirements : Participants should be able to walk on slightly uneven natural trails. Courses can be customized based on your physical strength and walking distance. Languages: Available in Japanese or English |
| Meeting Point | Approximate Location: JR Hotaka Station or JR Akashina Station. Or Karasu River Valley Green Park parking lot (for those coming by car) |
| Access (by Public Transportation) | From Tokyo Area: From JR Shinjuku Station: Take the Limited Express Azusa → Transfer at JR Matsumoto Station to the JR Oito Line → Get off at JR Hotaka Station From JR Tokyo Station: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen → Transfer at JR Nagano Station to the JR Shinonoi Line → Get off at JR Akashina Station From Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal: (Details upon request) From Nagoya Area: Take the Limited Express Shinano → Transfer at JR Matsumoto Station to the JR Oito Line → Get off at JR Hotaka Station From Nagoya Bus Terminal: (Details upon request) |
| Location | Site Address: Karasu River Valley Green Park Environmental Management Office 26 Karasugawa, Horigane, Azumino City, Nagano 399-8211, Japan |
Price
| 1 person | 20,000 JPY |
| 2 person | 40,000 JPY |
| 3 person | 60,000 JPY |
| 4 person | 65,000JPN |
| 5 person | 70,000JPN |
| 6 person | 85,000JPN |
* Tax included, Insurance is not included