Bijinbayashi

Bijinbayashi Forest, which stretches across the Matsuguchi hills west of Tokamachi City in southern Niigata Prefecture, is home to a strange woodland of 90-year-old slender beech trees. According to legend, these Japanese beech trees maintain their posture by standing tall and gracefully like the silhouettes of beautiful women. With trees all around the same height, it's easy to get lost in the "forest of beauties". Bijin Bayashi Forest, in addition to being a protected habitat for tens of species of wild birds, is a popular photo location for photographers all over Japan throughout the four seasons.

Young leaf buds emerge from below during the first few months of the year, when there is still snow on the forest grounds, signaling the arrival of spring. As the weather warms, the young buds expand and turn a lovely green. As the leaves turn yellow, orange, and red, the forest transforms into a reddish-brown tapestry beneath a golden canopy. Then comes the peak season for photographers and forest visitors. The Niigata winter will dump blankets of snow, turning the forest into a winter wonderland and painting the tall beech ladies white. Snow sparkles in gleaming silver under the sun on clear days. From May to November, two vegetable stalls operate next to the Forest. Like a farmers’ market, the freshest vegetables of the season line up at the shopfront. Sometimes, you can even buy cheap handmade pottery from the stores. At any time of the year, Bijin Bayashi Forest is not to be missed as you tour around Tokamachi for its divine Mother Nature.

Location: 1712-２ Matsuguchi, Matsunoyama, Tokamachi-shi, Niigata, Japan