Discover Kawazu: Cypress Forest and River Landscapes

Izu Genki Wakuwaku no Mori and the Sagano River Trail near Sanyoin offer different experiences to consider when planning your trip. The park is defined by its forest, trails, and summit views; the river trail focuses on a walking path along the Sagano River and a landscape shaped by lava. This makes it easy to choose a nature experience based on what you would like to see and do.

Forest, Trails, and Summit Views

Izu Genki Wakuwaku no Mori is home to a hinoki cypress grove that is about 100 years old, as well as a diverse range of plants. Forest bathing is also possible there. These features offer different ways to experience this natural destination: the approximate age refers to a specific grove, the variety of plants broadens the botanical perspective, and forest bathing describes an activity that places the forest itself at the center. This makes the park appealing to travelers who want to make the natural environment a focus of their stay in Kawazu.

The park’s hiking trails are wide and have moderate inclines, making them easier to walk. Those who want to combine time in nature with physical activity can take these two trail features into account when choosing a route. From the summit of Izu Genki Wakuwaku no Mori, there are expansive views of the Amagi Mountains and the Izu Seven Islands. The panorama offers a different perspective from the forest’s plant life, turning your gaze toward the wider landscape. The park therefore offers both a forest-focused experience and trails with far-reaching summit views.

The Sagano River Trail and Its Landscape

Along the Sagano River Trail near Sanyoin in Kawazu-ikadaba, the Sagano River flows over lava that came down from Hachinoyama about 36,000 years ago. As the lava cooled, it formed columnar joints that shape the landscape along the trail. A 2021 description characterizes the Sagano River Trail as a well-maintained walking path along the Sagano River. This combines a waterside stroll with a landscape shaped by geology: the river, lava, and columnar joints are all part of the same natural scene.

The two nature destinations can be distinguished by the experience you are looking for. At Izu Genki Wakuwaku no Mori, the focus is on the forest, plant life, forest bathing, trails, and summit views. Along the Sagano River Trail, a riverside stroll goes hand in hand with the surrounding landscape shaped by lava. If you would like to plan your stay around nature, this comparison offers a concrete guide: forest and plants on one side, river and geology on the other.

Car Camping in Kawazu-ikadaba

Kawazu Auto Campground is located at 555 Kawazu-ikadaba and has 67 sites for car camping. Of these, 25 have AC power hookups. The figures can be read separately: 67 is the total number of sites, while 25 is the number of sites with AC power hookups.

Discover more destinations: Shimoda, Iwata, Kamo District, Higashiizu, Fuji, Nishiizu, Inatori Higashiizu, Fujinomiya.

Go to the regional travel overview: Shizuoka Prefecture.