自然観察の森

The place

Nature Observation Forest (Shizen Kansatsu no Mori), a municipal forest in Himeji City, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. Opened on 2 April 1987 under the auspices of the Ministry of the Environment (one of ten such facilities in Japan, the second oldest). 60 hectares of forest between 60 and 170 meters elevation, on the north side of the Sakurayama reservoir, 8 km as the crow flies from JR Himeji station and about a 20-minute drive. An 8 km observation trail for birdwatching and observing local plants and insects; visitor centre, pavilions, observation shelters, outdoor toilets, parking. A site for nature awareness and walking, no overnight accommodation. Open 9:00 am - 4:30 pm, closed Mondays (or Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday) and from 28 December to 4 January. Tel. 079-269-1260.