Musashino Satoyama: Coppice Forests and Original Rural Landscapes

Musashino Plateau Satoyama

The areas around Iruma, Hanno, and Hidaka in western Saitama have the characteristic coppice forests and satoyama (rural) landscapes of the Musashino plateau. Deciduous forests of konara and kunugi oaks display beautiful seasonal changes.

Totoro's Forest

The Musashino coppice forests are said to be a model for the forests in Miyazaki's "My Neighbor Totoro." The "Saitama Forest" and "Totoro's Forest" in the Sayama Hills are protected by nature conservation activities.

Hiking and Nature Observation

Hiking courses in the Musashino satoyama offer birdwatching and plant observation. Satoyama hiking while experiencing the changing seasons is healing for body and mind.