Overview of Akagi Nature Park
A Vision of Connecting Children with Real Nature
Akagi Nature Park was created based on the vision of Seiji Tsutsumi, the founder of the Saison Group, who wanted to give children an opportunity to experience authentic nature.
The project began by transforming previously neglected woodland dominated by cedar and larch trees. Rather than simply developing the land for conventional resort use, the project aimed to carefully manage the forest while creating a healthy and diverse ecosystem.
The park covers approximately 120 hectares, with extensive mixed woodland and forests containing pine and cedar trees. Within this large natural setting are a number of distinctive areas, including a vast rhododendron garden and an insect area where visitors can observe many of the insects found in northern Kanto.
The Main Areas of the Park
Akagi Nature Park is divided into three principal areas: Shiki-no-Mori (Forest of the Four Seasons), Saison Garden, and Taiken-no-Mori (Experience Forest). Each area offers a different way to enjoy the natural environment.
Forest of the Four Seasons
Shiki-no-Mori is an area where visitors can experience the changing scenery of the forest throughout the year.
In spring, cherry blossoms and rhododendrons add color to the woodland. Summer brings hydrangeas and the delicate renge-shoma, a woodland flower native to Japan. In autumn, the leaves turn brilliant shades of red and yellow, while winter transforms the forest into a peaceful landscape covered with snow.
The area is ideal for visitors who want to observe seasonal plants and enjoy a leisurely walk surrounded by nature.
Saison Garden
Saison Garden is home to an extensive collection of rhododendrons. The collection includes numerous varieties from around the world and is one of the highlights of Akagi Nature Park.
From spring through early summer, the garden becomes particularly attractive as rhododendrons bloom in a wide range of colors. The combination of colorful flowers and the surrounding woodland creates a striking natural landscape.
Experience Forest
Taiken-no-Mori, or the Experience Forest, provides opportunities for visitors to interact more directly with nature.
Activities include insect observation, collecting insects, and nature observation. Development within the park has been kept to a minimum wherever possible, allowing visitors to experience the forest in a relatively natural condition.
The area is also suitable for simply slowing down and relaxing among the trees, making it an appealing destination for families and anyone looking for a peaceful outdoor experience.
The History of Akagi Nature Park
From Resort Development to Nature Conservation
The history of Akagi Nature Park began in 1971, when Seibu Toshi Kaihatsu began acquiring land in the area with plans for resort development.
However, Seiji Tsutsumi eventually decided that the land should not be developed as an ordinary resort. Instead, he chose to establish a nature observation park where children and visitors could experience the natural environment.
Management was transferred to Seiyu in 1988, and part of the park opened to the public in 1993. In its early years, however, the park was open for only around 50 days a year and continued to operate at a financial loss.
Closure and Reopening
In 2008, Seiyu became a wholly owned subsidiary of Walmart, and the decision was made to close Akagi Nature Park.
Some employees continued caring for the property without pay, helping to preserve the forest during the closure. Eventually, Credit Saison took over operation of the park, allowing it to reopen in 2010.
Since its reopening, the number of operating days has increased substantially to approximately 150 days per year. The park now welcomes around 50,000 visitors annually.
A Different Approach to Park Management
Supported by Corporate Sponsorship
One distinctive feature of Akagi Nature Park is its approach to funding. Rather than relying primarily on admission fees, the park’s operations are supported largely by sponsorship from companies that share its philosophy of preserving and communicating the value of nature.
Former Saison Group companies, including PARCO and Ryohin Keikaku, as well as companies such as IBM Japan, NTT DATA, Asahi Life Insurance, JCB, and Toppan, have participated as official sponsors.
This support helps maintain the park as a place where visitors can experience nature while keeping commercial development within the grounds to a minimum.
A Certified Forest Therapy Base
Restoring Mind and Body in the Forest
In 2014, Akagi Nature Park was certified as a Forest Therapy Base.
Forest Therapy is an approach that uses time spent in natural forest environments to support physical and mental well-being. The quiet woodland, fresh air, seasonal scenery, and natural sounds of Akagi Nature Park provide an ideal setting for visitors seeking relaxation and refreshment.
Rather than simply observing nature from a distance, visitors can walk among the trees, listen to the sounds of the forest, and take time to appreciate the seasonal changes around them.
The Future of Akagi Nature Park
Long-Term Conservation and Nature Education
Akagi Nature Park continues to develop while maintaining its central emphasis on interaction with and conservation of nature.
Long-term projects include collecting fundamental ecological data and developing systems that connect field conditions with photographic information. These efforts are intended to improve understanding of the park’s natural environment and support its future management.
By combining conservation, environmental education, recreation, and opportunities for direct contact with nature, Akagi Nature Park aims to remain a place where people can discover both the beauty of the natural world and the importance of protecting it.
A Forest to Enjoy Throughout the Year
Akagi Nature Park offers a different experience in every season. Spring flowers, summer greenery, autumn foliage, and winter snow each create a distinctive atmosphere in the forest.
For international visitors traveling through Gunma Prefecture, the park provides an opportunity to experience a quieter side of Japan, away from major urban attractions. It is particularly appealing to travelers interested in nature, seasonal scenery, wildlife, forest walks, and environmental conservation.
With its extensive woodland, diverse plant life, wildlife habitats, and carefully preserved natural environment, Akagi Nature Park is a peaceful destination where visitors can slow down, explore the forest, and encounter the changing rhythms of nature throughout the year.