Family Walk event to take place in November at JT-no-Mori Shigetomi, Aira

PUBLISHED Sep 28, 2022

The panoramic view from Sakura Miharashidai

On November 6, “Family Walk for Parents and Children” will take place at JT-no-Mori Shigetomi in Aira City, Kagoshima Prefecture.

The forest JT-no-Mori Shigetomi, owned by JT (Japan Tobacco Inc., Minato-ku, Tokyo), was acquired by JT’s predecessor, the Tobacco Monopoly Bureau, in 1948 to cultivate camphor trees, used to make a natural insect repellant, camphor. It was designated as a part of the Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park in March 2012 and is currently open to the public. Over 60 years have passed since the trees were planted, and various flora and fauna have established themselves in the forest, transforming it into a more natural environment.

Under the slogan “Rethink,” the company promotes the “Rethink Project,” a nationwide effort to solve issues in local communities through partnerships employing “unprecedented perspectives and ideas.” The Family Walk is part of such efforts.

Baku Hamamoto, Executive Director of Kusunoki Shizenkan, will serve as a guide and give a lecture on biodiversity and its connection with Kagoshima Bay while exploring the area. The route is a round trip from the Shirakane-zaka Entrance to the Sakura Miharashidai (Sakura Observation Platform). Located on a small hill that is part of the outer ring of the Aira Caldera, it offers a panoramic view of Sakurajima and Kagoshima Bay, as well as the cliffs, gorges, and waterfalls that define the caldera wall. The stone-paved path Okuchi-suji Shirakane-zaka that runs through the center of the forest is a historical path where warlords had set up camp.

The event runs from 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Advance registration is required, and the application deadline is October 14. Open to parent-child pairs (4th to 6th graders and their parents). The maximum number of participants is ten pairs (if the number exceeds the limit, participants will be selected by a drawing). The event is free of charge. Participants are reminded to bring their own food and refreshments.

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