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Fuji-Hakone-Izu NP, Kanagawa
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Seven trees planted by Emperor Showa and Empress Kojun in 1949 still stand in Kojiri Enchi. The planting event, attended by local schoolchildren and residents, helped inspire Japan’s National Tree Planting Festival.
The Children’s Plaza preserves traces of the area’s former susuki—Japanese silvergrass—grassland. After World War II, much of the open land was cleared for planted forests of cedar and hinoki cypress.
The Wild Bird Forest was partly made for its feathered visitors: fruit-bearing trees were planted and a pond created to attract birds. An observation hut lets visitors watch their activity quietly.
The accessible 3-km walkway starting at the visitor center has recorded more than 110 bird species—a remarkable roll call for a gentle walk through the area’s woods and parkland.
Winter’s leafless branches make birds easier to spot, while spring is another rewarding time during the breeding season. Woodpeckers, bush warblers and migratory birds are among the visitors to the surrounding forest.
Look for mamezakura, or Fuji cherry, one of Hakone’s most common cherry trees. Its flowers aren’t its only treat: it also bears small, edible fruits. Nearby honoki magnolia leaves can reach 40 cm long and 20 cm wide.
Parts of the Flower and Children’s plazas form a nature-learning path, with a wide, gently sloping route and Braille on its interpretation panels. The displays help visitors explore plants and insects along the way.
