Hiking in the snowy forest, I discovered another secret place in Japan

Niigata Prefecture, not far from Tokyo, is really a small secret snow country. In Tokamachi, there is a fairyland-like beauty forest🌳, where beech trees about 90 years old grow, and different seasons have different charms. I came here in winter and put on snowshoes and hiked into the forest. It was an awesome experience! Snowshoes can be rented at "Forest School KYORORO" for a one-time fee, with no time limit, and can be returned before the end of business hours on the day.

❄️The snow here is so thick and soft that you can't walk on it with ordinary shoes. The large bottom area of ​​the snowshoe can disperse the weight of the human body, allowing people to walk easily on the snow. Starting from the "Forest School KYORORO", the forest is deep and the snow is thick along the way. Although it is easy to get lost, it is okay to follow the footsteps of others. As you walk, you can also see a small lake in the forest covered with snow. In summer, the lake reflects the mountains and forests, which must be beautiful!

📍Address: 1712-2 Matsunoyama Matsuguchi, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture (right next to the Forest School)

🌟Best season to visit:
🌿In summer, the forest is green and perfect for hiking. You can stroll through it and feel the vitality of the forest.
🍁In autumn, maple leaves turn red, which is a great place to enjoy the maple leaves. The red leaves are so beautiful.
❄️In winter, the snow-covered forest looks like a dream, like a fairy tale world.

🚗Transportation:
Take the Hokuetsu Kyuko Hokuhoku Line to Matsushiro Station, then take the bus bound for Matsuedayama Onsen for about 15 minutes. Get off at Matsunoyama High School Mae and walk for about 20 minutes to reach the destination.

🏫Echigo Matsunoyama "Forest School Kyororo" - Tokamachi City Satoyama Science Museum:
Opening hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (last admission 16:30, closed on Tuesdays)
Admission: Adults 500 yen, elementary and high school students 300 yen
Woodworking experience: from 300 yen

🏠This red copper building is very eye-catching. It is built with weathering steel and looks bright all year round without paint. The museum has many specimens of animals, plants and insects from the local forests, conveying the ecological concept of coexistence with the forest. Come here after visiting the forest to learn about local aquatic creatures, look for the true identities of animal footprints on the snow, see the species of birds flying in the sky, and experience woodworking. It's perfect!

Post by EpicWanderings#555 | Jan 6, 2025