Aya

Aya is a biosphere reserve and old-growth forest in Miyazaki Prefecture that spans approximately 14,580 hectares with distinct management zones. The reserve protects one of Japan's largest laurel forests with varied forest composition.

Community leaders including Mayor Minoru Gouda prevented the clear-cutting of state-owned forest in 1967. This successful effort launched decades of conservation work that continues to protect the area today.

The town of Aya has developed a farming approach based on recycling and organic methods that shapes how residents interact with the land around them. This environmental commitment is visible in the choices people make about agriculture and daily life.

Visitors can hike through designated areas, participate in forest therapy sessions, and observe native plant and animal life within the reserve. Planning ahead about which zones are accessible will help make the most of your visit.

The reserve marks the southern boundary where Japanese serow and golden eagle habitats end in Japan. These species live here alongside more than 1,000 different plant types.