Meditation Forest (Yaotsu Town, Gifu Prefecture) Complete Guide | Metasequoia Tree-Lined Path Spectacular Views and How to Enjoy All Four Seasons
“Meditation Forest” (Meisou no Mori) located in Yaotsu Town, Kamo District, Gifu Prefecture, is a nature-rich forest park within Hida Kisogawa National Park. It is particularly known for the spectacular autumn foliage of the metasequoia tree-lined path, attracting many tourists. This article provides detailed information about the attractions of Meditation Forest, basic information, access methods, and nearby tourist spots—everything you should know before visiting.
What is Meditation Forest?
Meditation Forest is a natural park developed within Kisogawa National Park, featuring about 5 kilometers of walking trails. There are hiking paths with unique names such as “Meditation Path” and “Little Bird Path,” creating an environment where visitors can easily enjoy forest bathing and hiking.
From the observation deck, you can see an overview of Yaotsu’s townscape, with Ninmichi Hill behind and mountain ranges surrounding beautiful scenery ahead. Designed with a commitment to harmony with nature, the park is beloved as a place that provides peace of mind to visitors.
Main Facilities in the Park
Ichii Garden
A garden planted with “ichii” (Japanese yew), Gifu Prefecture’s prefectural tree. A precious spot where visitors can feel close to the prefectural tree.
Tree Specimen Garden
A place where various trees are planted, suitable for learning about and observing plants.
Ikoi Plaza
An open space with expansive lawns. Popular with families who bring picnic lunches to enjoy.
Observation Deck
A spectacular viewpoint overlooking Yaotsu Town’s townscape and surrounding mountains. On clear days, you can see distant mountain ranges.
Spectacular Views of the Metasequoia Tree-Lined Path
The greatest attraction of Meditation Forest is the metasequoia tree-lined path that turns brilliant colors in autumn. Metasequoia, called a “living fossil,” is a deciduous conifer that displays beautiful reddish-brown and orange foliage in autumn.
The tree-lined path continues along well-maintained hiking trails, and the foliage covering overhead like a tunnel creates an impressive landscape. The tree-lined path changes expression depending on the angle of light filtering through, making it a popular photography spot and enjoying popularity on social media as an Instagram-worthy landscape.
Peak Foliage Season
The metasequoia foliage typically peaks from late October to mid-November. However, the peak season may shift earlier or later depending on temperature and weather that year. It is recommended to check the latest foliage information at the Yaotsu Town Tourism Association or the Gifu Prefecture official tourism site before visiting.
During peak foliage season, many tourists visit, so weekday mornings or the time right after opening are good opportunities to stroll relatively peacefully.
Enjoying Nature’s Beauty Throughout the Four Seasons
Meditation Forest shows different faces not only in autumn foliage but in each of the four seasons.
Spring Cherry Blossoms
In spring, many cherry blossoms such as Oshima cherry and Somei Yoshino bloom. Cherry blossom bloom time is typically late March to early April. You can enjoy a different vibrant landscape than the metasequoia tree-lined path. Many families and groups can be seen enjoying cherry blossom viewing under the trees.
Early Summer Azaleas
In early summer, azaleas bloom beautifully, and the contrast with new greenery pleases the eye. May to June is an ideal season for refreshing forest bathing with rich green foliage.
Summer Deep Green
Summer brings deep green surroundings, with tree shade providing coolness. Walking the trails allows you to enjoy hiking while feeling the fresh forest air.
Autumn Foliage
Not only metasequoia but also Japanese maples and other broad-leaved trees turn color, with the entire forest turning red, yellow, and orange. The foliage gradient is breathtakingly beautiful.
Winter Silence
In winter, fewer people visit, allowing for leisurely strolls through the quiet forest. On snowy days, a silver-white world spreads before you, creating a fantastical landscape.
Basic Information (Hours, Admission, Access)
Operating Hours
Basically open all day. However, there are no nighttime lighting facilities, so daytime use is recommended.
Admission Fee
Free. Parking is also free.
Location and Address
〒505-0301
Yaotsu, Kamo District, Gifu Prefecture 444-3
Access Methods
By Car
- About 30 minutes from “Tajimi IC” on the Chuo Expressway
- About 25 minutes from “Kani Mitake IC” on the Tokai Ring Expressway
- Accessible via prefectural roads
- Search for “Meditation Forest” or the address on car navigation
By Public Transportation
- From Meiji Station on the Meitetsu Hiromi Line, take the YAO Bus to “Somasawa” stop, about 15 minutes on foot
- Limited bus service, so check the schedule in advance
- Yaotsu Town community buses may also be available
Parking
Free parking available. About 30 regular parking spaces. Congestion may occur during peak foliage season, so early arrival is recommended.
Inquiries
Yaotsu Town Tourism Association
TEL: 0574-43-2111 (Yaotsu Town Hall main line)
Hiking Courses and How to Enjoy Trails
Meditation Forest has approximately 5 kilometers of well-maintained walking trails, allowing visitors to choose various courses according to their fitness level and available time.
Recommended Hiking Courses
Short Course (About 30 minutes)
Parking lot → Ichii Garden → Metasequoia Tree-Lined Path → Ikoi Plaza → Parking lot
Recommended for first-time visitors and families with small children seeking a casual outing.
Standard Course (About 1 hour)
Parking lot → Meditation Path → Observation Deck → Metasequoia Tree-Lined Path → Tree Specimen Garden → Parking lot
A standard course visiting major spots. You can also enjoy the observation deck’s panoramic view.
Long Course (About 2 hours)
Parking lot → Little Bird Path → Meditation Path → Observation Deck → Metasequoia Tree-Lined Path → Ikoi Plaza → Tree Specimen Garden → Parking lot
Designed for those wanting to thoroughly enjoy forest bathing.
Notes for Trail Hiking
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Bringing insect repellent spray in summer is advised
- Prepare beverages in advance (there are no vending machines in the park)
- Always take trash home with you
- Trails may become slippery after rain
Recommended Spots Around Meditation Forest
Visiting nearby tourist spots in Yaotsu Town when you visit Meditation Forest will make your trip more fulfilling.
Ninmichi Hill Park
About 5 minutes by car from Meditation Forest. This park has a facility honoring diplomat Chiune Sugihara, who saved many Jewish refugees during World War II.
Chiune Sugihara Memorial Hall
A memorial hall within Ninmichi Hill Park. A valuable facility where you can learn about the achievements of Chiune Sugihara, known as “Japan’s Schindler.” Yaotsu Town is Sugihara’s birthplace, and the town preserves his humanitarian spirit.
Basic Information
- Hours: 9:30～17:00 (Last entry 16:30)
- Closed: Mondays (following day if holiday), year-end holidays
- Admission: Adults 300 yen, Elementary and middle school students 100 yen
Sosui Gorge
A scenic spot where you can enjoy the gorge beauty of the Kiso River. A man-made lake created by the Maruyama Dam featuring a characteristic emerald green water surface. Sightseeing boats also operate, allowing you to enjoy views from the water.
Gohoutaira Nature Park
A natural park located in mountainous areas of Yaotsu Town. In spring, moss phlox blooms across the entire area, creating a pink carpet-like landscape. A popular spot for enjoying flowers in different seasons than those found in Meditation Forest.
Best Viewing Periods
- Moss phlox: Mid-April～Early May
- Hydrangea: Mid-June～Early July
Maruyama Dam
A gravity concrete dam built on the Kiso River. Dam cards are also distributed here, making it popular with dam enthusiasts. The observation deck offers a panoramic view of the dam lake and surrounding mountains.
Hotel and Accommodation Information Near Meditation Forest
Accommodations near Meditation Forest are limited, making stays in nearby Kani City or Tajimi City more convenient.
Hotel Route-Inn Kani
About 20 minutes by car from Meditation Forest. A business hotel chain known for clean rooms and popular breakfast buffets. Equipped with a large public bath where you can ease the fatigue from sightseeing.
Park Hotel Kani
Located in central Kani City. Good access to Meditation Forest with many dining options nearby for convenience.
Hotels in Tajimi City
Multiple business hotels are available around Tajimi Station with abundant choices. Good access from Tajimi IC makes it a convenient base for car-based tourism.
Gourmet Food and Local Specialties of Yaotsu Town
When visiting Yaotsu Town, be sure to taste local cuisine and specialty products.
Kuri Kinton
A famous traditional Japanese sweet from the Tono region of Gifu Prefecture. Multiple long-established confectionery shops in Yaotsu Town produce kuri kinton, sold seasonally in autumn.
Gohei Mochi
A regional dish of the Chubu region. Characterized by sweet and savory sauce with a savory aroma, available at tourist shops.
Yaotsu Senbei
A traditional rice cracker long-beloved by locals. Perfect as a souvenir.
Recommended One-Day Model Course
Here is a suggested one-day sightseeing model course centered on Meditation Forest.
Morning
9:00 Arrival at Meditation Forest, use parking lot
9:15～11:00 Enjoy metasequoia tree-lined path exploration, panoramic view from observation deck
11:00～11:30 Picnic lunch at Ikoi Plaza
Afternoon
11:45 Move to Ninmichi Hill Park (about 5 minutes by car)
12:00～13:30 Visit Chiune Sugihara Memorial Hall
14:00 Move to Sosui Gorge (about 10 minutes by car)
14:15～15:30 Take sightseeing boat at Sosui Gorge, enjoy gorge beauty
16:00 Purchase kuri kinton at confectionery shops in Yaotsu Town
17:00 Depart for return journey
This course allows you to efficiently visit major tourist spots in Yaotsu Town.
Photography Tips
Meditation Forest has numerous photography spots.
Best Photo Spots
Metasequoia Tree-Lined Path
Especially beautiful during foliage season, with composition utilizing the depth of the tree-lined path recommended. Morning light filtering through creates a mystical atmosphere.
Panoramic View from Observation Deck
A spectacular viewpoint overlooking Yaotsu Town’s townscape and mountains. Wide-angle lens photography is recommended.
Ikoi Plaza
A place with beautiful contrast between green grass and metasequoia. Ideal for family photos and commemorative shots.
Photography Advice
- Soft morning light is recommended during foliage season
- Colors photograph more vividly on cloudy days
- Dappled sunlight on trails is beautiful, so be conscious of light direction when shooting
- When using tripods, be considerate of other visitors
Event Information
Various seasonal events may be held at Meditation Forest. Check the latest event information on the Yaotsu Town Tourism Association website or Gifu Prefecture’s official tourism site “Gifu Travel Guide.”
During foliage season, events such as “Yaotsu Maple Festival” may be held in certain years, featuring local specialty products and traditional performing arts.
Summary
Meditation Forest is a nature-rich tourist attraction that Yaotsu Town in Gifu Prefecture is proud to offer. The metasequoia tree-lined path’s autumn foliage in particular is spectacular, making it a place definitely worth visiting once. The charm lies in enjoying different seasonal expressions: spring cherry blossoms, early summer azaleas, summer deep green, and winter silence.
Free to visit and with parking facilities, it is easy to access. Nearby attractions include the Chiune Sugihara Memorial Hall and Sosui Gorge—spots rich in history and nature—making it an area where you can enjoy a full day of sightseeing.
Whether for family picnics, hiking with friends, photography, or solo forest bathing, Meditation Forest offers something for everyone. When visiting Gifu Prefecture, be sure to stop by. A wonderful experience awaits where you can feel the beauty of nature and peace of mind.
