Yama no Furusato Mura, Nature park in Okutama, Japan
Yama no Furusato Mura is a nature park located at the foot of Mount Mito near Lake Okutama, featuring hiking trails, campgrounds, tennis courts, and a central lodge. The grounds span roughly 30 hectares with distinct areas designed for recreation and outdoor activities.
The land was originally inhabited by three villages named Hisashi, Minami, and Kukizawa before being transformed into a public park in 1990. This conversion marked the preservation of the rural landscape and its opening to public use.
The park preserves traditional performances like the Kashima Dance, which holds national recognition as an important intangible folk-culture property. Visitors can experience these local art forms during certain events held throughout the year.
It is best to arrive early to enjoy the quieter hiking trails and views without crowds, since the grounds become busier on weekends. Weekdays are ideal for exploring at a more relaxed pace.
The grounds contain historical wasabi fields and old charcoal kilns that show how former village residents lived off the land and forest resources. These structures are often overlooked by visitors but tell an important story about the region's economic heritage.
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