Finnos Nature Gate
“Finnos Nature Gate” is a revitalized forest project located in Kita-Karuizawa. We offer visitors a unique opportunity to connect with nature through hands-on activities like wood crafting, tree planting, and forest maintenance. It’s a place to experience the beauty of the forest while actively participating in its preservation.
Concept: A place to experience forest regeneration, focusing on SDGs principles and sustainability.
Key Features
Experiential Forest Stay:
Offers a unique “Forest Stay” experience where visitors can enjoy the beauty of the woods and experiential activities
SDGs & Carbon Neutrality:
Focuses on restoring neglected forests to promote carbon-neutral, eco-friendly practices.
Workshop Events :
You can experience hands-on woodworking crafts and seasonal outdoor events.
Experiential Forest Stay
Hands-on forest stay:
Finnos offers a unique ‘Hands-on Forest Stay’ where guests can connect with nature through various outdoor activities. Located in the scenic Kita-Karuizawa area, it provides an authentic experience beyond just accommodation.
Activities:
Tree planting, seasonal nature workshops, and exploring the local history, including the former Kusakaru Electric Railway.
Accommodations :
Clubhouse has wood stove, wood burning bath & shower.
Recomended for :
Nature lovers looking for a tranquil escape.
Families and individuals interested in sustainable living and environmental experiences.
Clubhouse features:
- Fee: JPY30,000 per night
- Capacity 5 people
- Wi-Fi Available
- Please note that the forest is a “nature-first” area, so there are no vending machines—bringing your own food is recommended.
- Microwave oven, dishes, glasses
Seasonal Events @ Finnos Nature Gate
Event information for April 2026
Shiitake Mushroom Cultivation Workshop (Kinoko Koma-uchi):
We are hosting a hands-on workshop where you can learn how to inoculate logs with mushroom spores and create your own shiitake log.
Each group will work on three logs, using specialized tools to drill about 50 holes per log and plant the mushroom plugs. Harvest is expected to begin from the autumn of the following year! Come and enjoy the rewarding process of nurturing forest resources with your family and friends.
- Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026
- Time: 10:00 ~
- Fee: JPY3,000 per person
Tree Planting & Nature Observation:
Participate in forest regeneration by planting young fir trees and learning about the local ecosystem.
- Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026
- Time: 13:30~
- Fee: Free
Chainsaw Workshop & Log Bucking Experience :
Join us in the spring forest to learn the basics of firewood preparation! This workshop is designed for beginners, offering a safety lecture on how to operate a chainsaw properly. After the lesson, you can try “bucking”—cutting raw logs into smaller lengths suitable for firewood.
The wood you cut yourself is perfect for campfires or wood-burning stoves. Safety gear is available for rent, so even first-timers can participate with confidence.
- Date: Sunday, April 26 2026
- Time: 10:00~
- Fee: JPY3,000 per person
Seasonal Events @ Finnos Nature Gate
Event information for May 2026
Experience harvesting wild vegetables in the spring forest:
Join the Finos staff for a leisurely stroll through the forest and harvest wild fiddlehead fern.
- Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
- Time: 10:00 ~ 12:00
- Fee: JPY3,000 per person
Eco Tour Along the Former Kusakaru Railway Track:
We will take a walk along the Finnos forest trail, starting from the former Kusakaru Railway track, passing the site of the legendary Nidoue station, and guided by local expert.
- Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026
- Time: 10:00 ~ 12:00
- Fee: JPY3,000 per person
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