TRADITIONAL FORESTRY EXPERIENCE

Step into Chizu’s centuries-old cedar groves to explore the town’s traditional forestry practices, and become part of a living story of renewal. More than simply observing, you will learn skills and traditions to pass on to future generations. Try your hand at cedar cutting and woodworking, and immerse yourself in the process of restoring Chizu’s cultural landscape. Enjoy campfires and smoking local foods—experiences unique to a town built on forestry. Connect with local professionals who keep age-old forest management practices alive, and deepen your appreciation of the region’s cultural heritage.

Dates

Mid-March to mid-November 2025
(1st & 3rd Sat. and Sun.)

Main Venues

Chizu’s forests, Chizu-juku, Hirano Residence

Meals

Mitaki-en, Outdoor dining at Sugi Shrine

Group Size

5–10 guests (minimum 5) days

Duration

2 days

Price

100,000 JPY per person (including lodging, meals, guide, and tax)

Day 1 (10:00-12:00)

Forestry Experience

Learn from professionals who carry on Chizu’s rich forestry traditions. Head into the woods to discover how trees are grown, felled, and used sustainably—knowledge and techniques passed down through generations. You will learn about the life cycle of a forest and gain a deeper appreciation for the harmony between people and nature.

- Guided exploration of the forest, focusing on tree growth and woodland management
- Observe and try your hand at practicing traditional logging techniques
- Participate in a simple woodworking workshop using Chizu cedar

Day 1 (12:00-14:00)

Lunch at Mitaki-en

Savor rustic mountain fare amid Chizu’s lush greenery at Mitaki-en. Experience the healing power of local ingredients—from pristine water and seasonal wild vegetables to freshwater fish nurtured by Chizu’s natural ecosystems. Through this meal, you will feel a tangible connection to the forest.

Day 1 (14:00-16:00)

Historic Architecture Walk

Take a guided stroll through Chizu-juku, a former post town that still exudes the atmosphere of the Edo period (1603–1867). Admire traditional wooden houses, learn how local forestry has shaped the area’s building techniques, and discover stories that connect the town’s past and present.

- Insights from experts into Chizu’s history and architecture
- Get a close-up look at building interiors and participate hands-on to learn about their original construction methods.
- Photography opportunities abound as you soak in the town’s historic ambiance.

Day 1 (16:00-18:00)

Twilight Stroll Through Chizu-juku’s Historic Streets

Wander past traditional wooden houses and timeworn buildings as the hush of evening settles over the centuries-old post town of Chizu-juku, and discover local culture and everyday life at each turn. Bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, the streets transform into a dreamlike scene, inviting you to slow down and savor the gentle pace of dusk.

- Explore Chizu-juku with a knowledgeable guide who will explain the town’s historical and cultural significance.
- Admire the nostalgic architecture and immerse yourself in the timeless atmosphere of this former Edo-period lodging town.

Day 1 (18:00-9:00)

Stay at Hirano Residence

Spend a memorable night at Hirano Residence, an iconic part of Chizu’s nationally recognized cultural landscape. Admire traditional architecture as you savor an evening meal prepared with local ingredients, and delve deeper into the stories and heritage of the old post town, where weary travelers would seek rest and nourishment during the Edo period.

Day 2 (10:00-16:00)

Woodworking Workshop

Join local artisans to craft items from responsibly harvested Chizu cedar, including offcuts, and discover how nothing goes to waste in a sustainable forestry cycle. By working closely with the wood, you will gain insight into the deep-rooted traditions that unite the forest and the community.

- Create handcrafted pieces using byproducts of forest management.
- Explore eco-friendly design concepts that value and protect natural resources.
- Take your finished work home, or leave it in Chizu to remain part of the town’s evolving cultural landscape.