The Mori-no-Fureai Nature Center is the main facility of the Yasuragi Forest area on the southern shores of Lake Ashi where visitors can enjoy learning about the beauty of nature and the importance of forests through exhibits of animals and plants. It is also a popular place for adults and small children to enjoy making crafts using natural materials or to enjoy the seasonal exhibits, such as beetles in summer.
At the Nature Center, you can enjoy learning about plants, animals, and nature while looking at the displays of flowers, berries, birds, and insects. There are also activities like guided walks, woodcrafts, quiz rallies, and forest bathing.
Yasuragi Forest is located on the southern shore of Lake Ashi and covers an area of 44.4 hectares. It is surrounded by greenery and nature, with good views of Mt. Komagatake and other surrounding mountains. In the park there is space to enjoy a picnic under the blue sky with your family or friends. The park has 2.2km of paths, where you can enjoy forest bathing while listening to the sounds of birds or take a walk while solving quizzes.
Exhibitions at the Mori no Fureai Nature Center
- Hakone Sightseeing Guide Map
Hakone’s mountains and hiking trails are shown on a map of Hakone.
- Animals of the Forest
15 kinds of animals are introduced based on the original drawings by Toyomi Tanaka, a painter.
- Diorama of a black bear
This exhibit introduces the black bear, which is a top predator in Japan and a symbol of the richness of the forest.
- Fantasy Plaza
A fantastical musical featuring images and robotic forest animals.
- Forest Ecology
Models of subterranean animals, nocturnal animals and forest ecology are introduced.
- Forest Quiz
The ecology and uniqueness of forests and their plants and animals are introduced in the form of a quiz.
- Forest Gallery
A seasonal introduction to the animals and plants that live in Hakone. Insects and other animals are also exhibited depending on the season.
- Hakone Plants Corner
Plants peculiar to the Hakone area and plants with the word “hakone” are introduced with mini-dioramas, drawings and replicas.
- Lecture Room
This room can be used for a variety of purposes, such as study sessions for nature observation.
- Craft Room
Visitors can make fun and easy crafts with tree nuts and wood.
From November 1 to December 25, you can make pine cone Christmas trees.
Multi-purpose room (2nd floor)
This is a corner where special exhibitions of animals and plants that grow in Hakone are held. The contents of the exhibitions change depending on the season. It can also be used as a place for groups to have lunch in case of rain.
Parking lot (free of charge)
Public toilets are available (toilets for the disabled are also available).
Please refrain from camping and bonfires.
