Bijinbayashi Forest

Bijinbayashi is a beech forest in the Matsunoyama area of Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture, made up of trees that are about 90 to 100 years old. Spanning roughly 3 hectares on the hills of Matsunoyama Matsuguchi, it is a popular spot known for its beautiful scenery, where slender beech trees stand neatly in rows. Another distinctive feature of Bijinbayashi is its clear, open forest floor, which creates a uniquely spacious atmosphere.

The background behind the name “Bijinbayashi” is a rather mysterious and memorable history. In the late Taisho period, or possibly the early Showa period, the beech trees in this area were cut down for charcoal production, leaving the hillside bare. However, the following spring, young beech shoots sprouted all at once, and over time they grew straight and tall, forming the beautiful, evenly shaped beech forest seen today. Because the trees stand so gracefully, the forest gradually came to be called “Bijinbayashi,” meaning “beautiful forest.”

Bijinbayashi is also known as a place where visitors can feel the richness of nature. Many wild birds inhabit the forest, and if you listen closely, you may hear their songs. Since the forest’s appearance changes with the seasons and the time of day, simply taking a walk here allows you to feel a sense of unity with nature. The local community also continues to maintain the forest by picking up fallen branches and cutting down standing dead trees, and this careful stewardship supports its beautiful landscape.

Another major attraction of Bijinbayashi is that it offers completely different scenery in each season. In spring, especially in years with heavy snowfall, the sight of fresh green leaves budding amid the remaining snow is particularly striking and makes the arrival of spring feel unmistakable. In summer, the entire forest is wrapped in vivid green, and refreshing breezes blow through the beech trees. As temperatures are said to be about 2°C lower than in the surrounding area, it is a perfect place to escape the summer heat.

In autumn, the beech leaves turn yellow and orange, transforming the forest into a beautiful, almost painterly scene. Fallen leaves cover the ground, and the warm colors stretching into the distance are so captivating that you may find yourself stopping to admire them. In winter, the forest becomes a silver world blanketed in snow. On sunny days, the snow sparkles in the light, creating a magical atmosphere. During the winter season, visitors can also explore the forest using snowshoes, allowing them to fully enjoy the beauty of nature unique to a snowy region.

Bijinbayashi also has a well-maintained parking area, making it relatively easy to visit. As you slowly walk through the forest, you can appreciate the beauty of the trees and the refreshing clarity of the air, making it a great destination not only for sightseeing but also for those seeking a change of pace or a moment of healing. It is also highly popular with photography enthusiasts, and no matter when you visit, you are sure to encounter the special beauty of this beech forest.