Prefectural 21st Century Forest (県立21世紀の森)

Flow of the course

About this spot

A prefectural forest park spread across the mountains of Minami-Ashigara, with the best foliage viewing typically from late November to early December. The large Japanese maple visible in front of the Forest Hall (森林館) is beautiful, and on the slopes near the Forest Hall, maples turn brilliant shades of red and yellow. Admission to the park is free, and the Forest Hall and Forest Interaction Center (森林ふれあいセンター) are also free to enter (9:00-16:30). There are exhibits where you can learn about the structure of wood and the role of forests, and you can try woodworking at the Wood Craft Center (木材工芸センター) (usage fee 200 yen, kit cost separate). Parking is also available.

Season & hours

Tips

Closed on Mondays and the day after a public holiday (except weekends and holidays), and from December 28 to January 4 for the New Year holidays. The Forest Hall closes at 16:30, so visit the exhibits earlier in the day. Since it gets dark early in the mountains, it's reassuring to start heading down around 16:00.

Best time to visit

Afternoon, when the light is soft

Access & map

250-0131 2870-5 Uchiyama, Minami-Ashigara City, Kanagawa Prefecture