Genso no Mori (Fantasy Forest)

Not easy to get to if u do not drive a car.. I was headed for Niigata from Mogami , driving along the sea coast. The entrance to the forest is a very sharp tiny turn which can be easily missed. The drive up to the forest is very stoney and pretty dangerous if u are not an experienced driver due to not road rails and very steep drop down treacgerous valleys. It is at least 2 to 3 km up to the forest along that gravel road, but lovely nonetheless. In spring it was cold and windy, so gear up. At the end of the drive was a little area to park a few cars and then u can walk into this magical wonderland. It was just ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. The "enchanted" area wasnt all that big but is lined wif wood chips for a nice soft padded walk. Well worth all that adrenaline and tension that was created during the drive up, as the forest simply melted all the stress away. Love love love and highly recommend all to visit. U will not find tour buses or noisy crowds there for sure. No buses shud go there and no people shud try to trek up. With a car, the visit took about an hour. Without, it will probably take 5hours, or more.

Now if you want to visit the "Forest of Fantasies", you need to be prepared for a long, windy, and narrow forest road with lots of bumps and gravel that might be thrown up against your car. You might also have to back up quite a bit of you come across another cat In exchange you get to visit a first full of ancient cedar trees that convey a solemn atmosphere. Knowing that the trees have been around for hundreds of years is quite impressive. There's a little parking space with room for about 3 cars. I didn't have reception on my mobile phone, and I was also told to be careful of bears and vipers (for the bears, you can bring along a bell, talk to your friends aloud or sing if you're alone).

2024.7 Tsuruoka City 🍜 After the expedition, I found this place on Google search. There is a small signboard on the main road, but it is difficult to see. It is about 1 km from Kusanagi River Station, and there is a signboard in front of some private houses. After entering the side road, it takes about 15 minutes to arrive on the gravel road. It was such a long journey that I thought about turning back. We somehow arrived without passing each other. The local parking lot has roughly 4.5 spaces. No one is there. Truly a fantastic tree. Wood chips are spread underfoot. It's too scary to drive on the road.

Enter the path from the road along the Mogami River and walk about 2 kilometers to reach the destination.The road is unpaved and narrow along the way, so We do not recommend low-height cars or large cars. However, it is a place that is well worth the effort. I think a group of giant trees that are over 1000 years old is rare in Japan. Wood chips are also spread in the forest. It's easier to walk. But it seems like hardly any tourists come. There were a lot of spider webs. There are also snakes, so it's best not to wear light clothing. The energy of giant trees that gives you goosebumps I want you to go and feel it.

Visit once a year such a place On the way There is a gravel road from Route 47 to Gensou no Mori. A gravel road narrow slope by car It might be quite painful but Once you get there Can't see it anywhere else Wonderful scenery That's excellent art created by nature After all I can't help but want to see it I thought it was okay this time As expected to see There isn't much parking available It's a tough road to pass each other Be careful of that