A Vast Park Rich in Trees and Greenery
The park covers approximately 281.31 hectares and contains around 113,000 trees representing approximately 200 species. Its extensive woodland and landscaped areas provide a varied environment for walking, outdoor activities, wildlife observation, and quiet relaxation.
Each season brings a different atmosphere. Spring brings fresh foliage and seasonal flowers, summer offers the cool shade of the forest, autumn transforms the trees with vibrant colors, and winter reveals a quieter landscape. The spacious grounds make it easy to spend several hours exploring different areas of the park.
The park is generally open year-round, with regular opening hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. From November through March, it closes earlier, at 4:00 p.m. Visitors should check current operating information before traveling, particularly if planning to use specific facilities.
Explore the Park’s Main Facilities
Forest Learning Center
The Forest Learning Center features exhibits related to forests, forestry, and the natural environment. It offers an opportunity to learn about the importance of woodland ecosystems and the role forests play in people’s lives. The educational displays make it particularly suitable for children and visitors interested in nature and environmental conservation.
Rest House
The park’s rest house provides a convenient place to take a break during a day of exploring. Visitors can enjoy a meal or relax between outdoor activities while taking in the surrounding scenery. It is a useful stop for families and travelers planning to spend an extended period in the park.
Poteretto Plaza: One of Shikoku’s Scenic Views
Poteretto Plaza is one of the park’s signature locations and the viewpoint recognized among the 88 Scenic Views of Shikoku. The open space provides an opportunity to appreciate the landscape as it changes throughout the year, from the fresh greens of spring and summer to the rich colors of autumn.
For visitors who want to experience the park’s seasonal character, this plaza is an excellent place to pause, enjoy the view, and take photographs.
More Places to Explore
The park contains a wide variety of recreational facilities, including a water-play area, a gathering plaza, a forest sports ground, a wooden-horse play area, a commemorative tower, a hedge maze, an observation plaza, and designated cooking and barbecue facilities.
Other highlights include Tarzan no Mori, an athletic adventure area, and Mih arashi-ga-hara, an open area where visitors can enjoy the surrounding scenery. These facilities offer a mixture of play, exercise, and relaxation, making the park an attractive destination for visitors with different interests.
Outdoor Activities and Nature Experiences
Birdwatching in the Forest
A birdwatching hut is provided within the park, allowing visitors to observe wild birds in their natural habitat. The woodland environment attracts a variety of bird species, making the park a rewarding destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
For the best experience, move quietly through the forest and take time to listen for bird calls among the trees. Bringing binoculars can make it easier to observe birds without disturbing them.
Family Recreation and Forest Adventures
Families can enjoy a range of outdoor activities throughout the grounds. Children can explore the play areas, while adults can take leisurely walks, enjoy the viewpoints, or relax in the open spaces. The athletic facilities offer opportunities for more active visitors to exercise in a natural setting.
The park’s combination of woodland trails, open plazas, and recreational facilities makes it easy to tailor a visit to different ages and interests. Visitors should check which facilities are available on the day of their visit, especially when planning activities that depend on particular equipment or amenities.
A Park with an Important Place in Japan’s Forestry History
Kamiyama Forest Park is closely associated with two major national events that highlighted the importance of planting, nurturing, and protecting Japan’s forests.
The National Tree-Planting Festival of 1989
On May 21, 1989, the park hosted the National Tree-Planting Festival, attended by the Emperor of Japan at the time. During the event, symbolic trees, including a Japanese cedar and a Japanese bayberry, were planted by hand. The festival became an important milestone in the park’s history and strengthened its role as a place for promoting forest conservation.
The National Forest-Nurturing Festival of 2004
In October 2004, the park hosted the National Forest-Nurturing Festival. During the ceremony, the Crown Prince at the time tended the Japanese cedar that had been planted by the Emperor during the 1989 festival.
The two events represent different stages of forest stewardship: planting trees for the future and caring for them as they grow. They also reflect the park’s connection to environmental education and the long-term protection of Japan’s woodland resources.
The Story Behind the Park’s Name
On March 20, 2012, Shōei acquired the naming rights to the park, and its official name became Tokushima Prefectural Kamiyama Forest Park Il Rosa no Mori. The change was part of an initiative intended to support the park’s development as a regional attraction while encouraging appreciation of its natural environment.
How to Get to Kamiyama Forest Park
By Car
Travel by car is the most convenient way to reach the park. From Aizumi Interchange on the Tokushima Expressway, follow Prefectural Roads 1 and 21 toward Kamiyama Town. The park is approximately 24 kilometers from the interchange.
Because the park covers a large area and includes multiple facilities, allow sufficient time to explore once you arrive. If you plan to visit nearby attractions in Kamiyama Town, the park can also be included as part of a wider sightseeing itinerary.
Enjoy Tokushima’s Natural Beauty Throughout the Year
Kamiyama Forest Park Il Rosa no Mori combines expansive woodland, seasonal scenery, family-friendly recreation, and opportunities to learn about the natural environment. From the panoramic views at Poteretto Plaza to birdwatching, forest exploration, and outdoor play, the park offers a varied experience in the mountains of Tokushima.
Its history as the venue for major national tree-planting and forest-nurturing festivals adds another dimension to a visit, highlighting the importance of protecting forests for future generations. Whether you are traveling with family or simply looking for a peaceful place to enjoy the outdoors, this forest park is a worthwhile stop on a trip through Tokushima Prefecture.