Kasugayama Primeval Forest

Overview

Kasugayama Primeval Forest is an expanse of primeval woodland spreading east of the city center of Nara, Nara Prefecture, covering roughly 250 to 300 hectares depending on the source. As the sacred precinct of Kasuga Taisha, hunting and logging have long been forbidden here, and active protection has preserved its primeval character. It is designated a Special Natural Monument of Japan and forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.

Highlights

• ●The rare setting of a large primeval forest lying just east of an urban center
• ●A long history of protection as the sacred precinct of Kasuga Taisha, where hunting and logging were forbidden
• ●Its value as a designated Special Natural Monument of Japan
• ●Its standing as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara

History

Kasugayama Primeval Forest has been treated as the sacred precinct of Kasuga Taisha, and hunting and logging there have long been prohibited. Under this active protection, with human intervention kept to a minimum, the forest has retained its primeval form and plays an important role in preserving the landscape of Nara. It has been designated a Natural Monument and a Special Natural Monument, and it forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.

Map

34.6831, 135.8628 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Take in the extent and setting of the forest from near an entrance on the eastern side of the city
2. 2Walk through the woodland that has been protected as a sacred precinct, keeping to the public routes
3. 3Observe the natural features of this designated Special Natural Monument
4. 4Move on toward nearby landmarks while keeping in mind the forest's value as part of a World Heritage Site

Did you know?

💡 It is exceedingly rare anywhere in the world for a primeval forest to survive so close to a city.

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