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Feature | Exploring Forests with Professionals: Gifu Prefecture's "Wellness Tourism" - Chapter 1

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Feature | Exploring Forests with Professionals: Gifu Prefecture's "Wellness Tourism" - Chapter 1

Kumi Kurosaka, an interpreter at Toyota Shirakawa-go Nature School. During tours, she is affectionately known by her nickname, "Kotaro."

The exterior of Toyota Shirakawa-go Nature School, designed to resemble a Gassho-zukuri farmhouse.

A stroll along the "Forest Path." A touch-me-not (Tsurifuneso) appears underfoot.

Rest assured, this mouse is a stuffed toy. It's used to explain how different animals eat walnuts.

The shape of pinecones also has a reason. Their form allows seeds to be carried far by typhoons. For more details, please ask on-site.

An explanation of kaya, the material used for the thatched roofs of Gassho-zukuri houses.

Asiatic black bears inhabit the forest on the premises.

This is an "earth tube," a chimney-like structure. It's installed to draw cool air into the facility, reducing the cooling load.

The interpreters belonging to Toyota Shirakawa-go Nature School.

The icon for Toyota Shirakawa-go Nature School, inspired by Gassho-zukuri architecture.

Wood is used extensively in the construction and furnishings of the accommodation facilities.

A spacious Western-style twin room. This room costs from ¥14,200 per person for two guests.

It was raining on the day of our visit, but the view from the lobby was superb.

French cuisine using natural ingredients is served. Pictured is the half-course dessert, "Panna Cotta with Berry and Cherry Sauce."

The main dish of the day, "Grilled Sea Bream." The refreshing sauce and the fragrant, crispy skin were exquisite.

Entering the village of Shirakawa-go. The Gassho-zukuri houses are truly impressive.

The view from the hill overlooking Shirakawa-go, known as "Tenshukaku" (Castle Keep). It's called this because a castle once stood here.

Sei Village Co., Ltd. Its exterior resembles a cottage.

Kenji Kitagawa of Sei Village Co., Ltd. He guided us through the forest and explained the trees.

Lindera umbellata, a shrub of the Lauraceae family, with a citrus-like fragrance.

The well-maintained forest is bright and airy.

Young seedlings of Japanese red pine (Himekomatsu) at the base of a Japanese white oak (Mizunara). Broadleaf and coniferous trees are mixed in a good balance.

Its formal Japanese name is Mizumezakura, also called Azusa. It's a tree with a scent of methyl salicylate, reminiscent of medicinal plasters!

Hideki Iwamatsu, Director of Oak Village Co., Ltd. Beside him is Minamo, the mascot for the Gifu Seiryu National Sports Festival.

The "Forest School of Nature" within Oak Village.

Panna cotta available at Cafe Little Oak.

Mr. Inamoto, the founder of Oak Village, has also published books.

Hinoki cypress from which oil has been distilled and extracted.

This is hinoki cypress before distillation. A sharp fragrance fills the air.

There are four stills. Hida's natural water is used for distillation.

The "Clear Stream Scent - Kirameki" set, consisting of a forest diffuser and natural aroma liquid made from hinoki cypress, costs ¥3,675.

At the top of the funnel, the essential oil is slightly separated and glistening.

The exterior of the reception at Oak Village Takayama.

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Feature: Exploring Forests with Professionals – Gifu Prefecture's "Wellness Tourism" – Chapter 1