Koajiro Forest and Aburatsubo
Just ninety minutes from Tokyo lies this primeval forest, a true miracle of nature. In the ecosystem that stretches from the riverhead to the bay, over two thousand species of flora and fauna live nearly untouched by human hands.
Behold a miracle of nature, just ninety minutes from Tokyo
Koajiro Forest
In the spotlight as a ecotourism destination, Koajiro Forest is home to the only untouched natural ecosystem in the greater Tokyo area. From the verdant wood and riverhead to wetlands, mudflats, and the ocean, marvel at the otherworldly beauty of the Japanese landscape, unchanged since ancient times. The forest trails are well maintained to be easily walkable, and it's a perfect spot for picnics as well. Experience the awe and wonder of the natural world.
A firefly and wildflower sanctuary
The trail will take you through broad-leaved woods and valley groves where majestic oak and alder trees rise high. Emerge from the forest to find a wetland where reeds grow thick, a veritable treasure chest of animal and plant life. Due to devoted environmental conservation efforts in recent years, fireflies now often appear on summer nights, making for a positively dreamlike sight.
Creatures of the woods
Over two thousand species of flora and fauna—including many endangered species—call make their home in Koajiro Forest. Open your ears to the lilting calls of the Japanese bush warbler, the Japanese tit and other songbirds, and let the sound of the rushing brooks cleanse your soul. Look closely amidst the grass and, depending on the season, you'll see all sorts of insect life, from butterflies and dragonflies to grasshoppers.
The red-clawed crab, the honorary mascot of the forest
This is the red-clawed clab (akategani in Japanese). These little fellows are unique among their crab brethren, as they make their homes in the forest, rather than by rivers or the sea. When spring turns to summer, you can enjoy their delightful mating dance. Almost sixty species of crabs can be observed at Koajiro, including the endangered mudflat crab chiromantes dehaani.
Address/Misakimachi Koajiro, Miura, Kanagawa, Japan
Phone/Environmental Conservation Division of Kanagawa Prefecture 045-210-4310
Hours/April to September: 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. October to March: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Getting There/From Misakiguchi station on the Keikyu Kurihama Line, take the Keikyu bus to Hikibashi, and walk five minutes.
http://www.pref.kanagawa.jp/docs/d2t/kankyo/p820028.html
Enjoy a cruise and fine dining at this lovely marina
Seabornia Marina
Seabornia Marina offers ocean hiking cruises that will take you around the bay and to the nearby Koajiro Forest. Charter a boat, and a nature guide will show you around the area's most stunning spots. You can choose from two destinations, Koajiro or Aburatsubo, and cruises can be enjoyed by day or by sunset (reservation required). When you're back on land, head to the clubhouse restaurant for an exquisite lunch or dinner.
Address/1286 Misakimachi Koajiro, Miura, Kanagawa, Japan
Phone/046-882-1286
Hours/(Telephone reception hours) April to October: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. November to March: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Admission Fee/Day cruise:6,000 yen (plus tax) Sunset cruise:8,000 yen (plus tax)(*Fee includes rental of a single boat that can hold up to five adult passengers.)
Getting There/From Misakiguchi station (KK72) on the Keikyu Kurihama Line, take the Keikyu Bus to Seabornia Iriguchi, and walk three minutes.
Refresh yourself at this seaside aquarium and theme park
Keikyu Aburatsubo Marine Park
Features a distinctive round tank offering a 360-degree view of incredible marine life, including the massive, three-meter sand tiger shark. At the indoor ocean theater, take in spectacular performances featuring dolphins and sea lions, the darlings of the sea. You also won't want to miss other attractions like the Dolphin Pool, Otter Forest, and Penguin Island, where you can watch these always-charming birds frolic in an open-air environment.
Address/1082 Misakimachi Koajiro, Miura, Kanagawa, Japan
Phone/046-880-0152
Hours/9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (hours may vary by season)
Admission Fee/Adults: 1,700 yen Junior high students: 1,300 yen Elementary school students: 850 yen Toddlers: 450 yen
Getting There/From Misakiguchi station (KK72) on the Keikyu Kurihama Line, take the Keikyu Bus to Aburatsubo, and walk five minutes.
Getting to Koajiro Forest from Tokyo
From Keikyu Shinagawa station (KK 01), take the Keikyu Kurihama Line 78 minutes to Misakiguchi station (KK 72). From there, take the Keikyu Bus to Hikibashi. It's about a five-minute walk from the bus stop.
For a luxurious stay after touring Kamakura and the Miura Peninsula, treat yourself to a night at the Hotel Maholova Minds Miura on Tokyo Bay.
- Savor a delicious meal of freshly-caught tuna and other fare prepared with only the highest-quality ingredients. The spacious guest rooms all offer a spectacular ocean view, and you can even see Mount Fuji on clear days. This lavish resort hotel offers a wide variety of accomodation plans catering to all guests.
Don't Miss It!
The beautiful natural splendor of Koajiro Forest will blow you away! It reminds me of Monterey Bay back home in the States. It's fascinating to see the crabs and all sorts of living creatures!
Sidney
Home Country: United States
Interests: Singing, acrobatic gymnastics, anime.
Japan Connection: First came to Japan as a student, and has been living here for seven years. Her favorite manga is Boys Over Flowers!