Atebi-daira Bird Forest is a beautiful natural area in Urugi Village, Shimoina District, Nagano Prefecture. Located within the Tenryu-Okumikawa Quasi-National Park, the forest preserves a rich natural environment on the eastern foothills of Mount Chausuyama.
The forest covers approximately 60 hectares and is known for its diverse plant and animal life. With its quiet woodland atmosphere, fresh mountain air, and abundant birdlife, it is an ideal destination for travelers looking to slow down and experience the peaceful side of rural Nagano.
Atebi-daira Bird Forest lies at an elevation of approximately 1,200 meters. A network of walking trails extending for about 4 kilometers allows visitors to explore the forest and observe its changing scenery throughout the year.
The area consists largely of a naturally regenerated forest, with coniferous trees including Japanese umbrella pine and other native conifers. The forest floor remains moist, and extensive communities of sphagnum moss can be found in the damp woodland environment.
Walking along the trails offers an opportunity to experience a mountain ecosystem that has developed over a long period of time, far from the noise and bustle of urban areas.
The forest is home to a wide variety of wild plants. In spring, wetland plants such as skunk cabbage and Asian skunk cabbage add fresh color to the woodland, while witch hazel, Chichibu rhododendron, and other native plants create a constantly changing display.
Atebi-daira is also known as an excellent habitat for wild birds. Visitors may encounter birds such as the Japanese robin, Blue-and-white Flycatcher, Narcissus Flycatcher, and Long-tailed Tit, along with many other species that inhabit the surrounding forest.
The quiet environment makes the area particularly appealing to birdwatchers. Even without specialized equipment, simply stopping along the trail and listening to the songs and calls of the birds can be a memorable part of a visit.
Each season brings a different character to the forest. Spring brings fresh greenery and wetland flowers, while summer offers a cool and refreshing escape from the heat of the lowlands.
Autumn is especially beautiful, when the deep green of the coniferous forest contrasts with the brilliant colors of the surrounding broad-leaved trees. Around November, planted Japanese larch trees turn a striking golden yellow, creating a particularly beautiful seasonal landscape.
In 1980, the area was designated by Nagano Prefecture as a “Bird Forest”. Since then, walking trails and management facilities have been developed so that visitors can enjoy the natural environment while observing its plants and wildlife.
The designation reflects the importance of the area as a habitat for wild birds as well as its value as a place where people can experience and learn about the natural environment.
One of the greatest attractions of Atebi-daira Bird Forest is its sense of tranquility. There are no large-scale tourist facilities or busy urban streets. Instead, visitors can walk beneath the trees, listen to birdsong, observe wild plants, and enjoy the changing light and colors of the forest.
For travelers exploring southern Nagano, the forest offers a peaceful contrast to the region’s historic temples, traditional villages, hot springs, and scenic mountain viewpoints.
Atebi-daira Bird Forest is a rewarding destination for nature lovers, birdwatchers, hikers, photographers, and anyone who simply wants to spend time in a quiet Japanese mountain forest.
A walk along the approximately 4-kilometer trail provides an opportunity to encounter the seasonal beauty of the forest while surrounded by the songs of wild birds. It is a place where the natural landscapes of southern Nagano can be enjoyed slowly and quietly, offering a refreshing break from everyday life.