Finding Adventure in the Forests of Mie

The forests of Mie are famous in history and legend. Trees and forestry are a big part of the culture throughout the prefecture. There are also new and exciting ways to celebrate the natural wonders of Mie and learn about yourself along the way. Explore the exciting challenges waiting for you in Forest Adventure Tourism.

Written by Lauren Shannon

Explore nature and challenge yourself at Yunoyama Forest Adventure

So what is a FOREST ADVENTURE? In this context nature and adventure lovers have set up a forest challenge course, climbing, balance, zip lines and other amazing activities are designed to thrill you and are safe but exhilarating in equal measure. Fun for everyone, you are sure to enjoy the fresh air and try something new along the way. This program is flexible and unique. One of their slogans at Forest Adventure is “CLIMB CROSS FLY” and that really captures the adrenaline and excitement that awaits!

I was so excited to try this new experience and made a booking at this lovely park in Komono-cho, Mie. It was something quite different and I did not know exactly what to expect so I hope to give you some idea of the experience in this post.

Starting our forest adventure

Forest Adventure Yunoyama is a charming park built in the middle of an existing forest. In fact this is one of the core tenets of sustainability that are a keystone of a great adventure park. First of all we should explain “What is a Forest Adventure Park?”

The concept of Forest Adventure Amusement parks originated in France, as a fun exercise and activity amusement park built in harmony with nature. The First course was created in 1997 Altus in France, first for corporate training. The activities became so popular that soon after the park was opened to the general public. The idea was later exported abroad and Altus has built courses all over the world including the amazing Yunoyama Course in Mie.

Paths, platforms and activities built in the forest

Climbing, Zip Lines, and balance challenges with different course levels

The idea is fairly simple, climbing ladders and platforms are built high up in the forest. Depending on the course you choose you can experience different challenges and activities. Courses vary from easier to very challenging depending on your skill and experience. The Yunoyama team helps explain everything to you before you begin and if you choose the full course it will take about 2 hours to complete.

Rental Gear and Merchandise

Upon arrival the first step after enjoying a few of the green trees and creative park layout is to get your gear. It is highly recommended to wear one of the jumpsuits provided to keep your clothes clean and undamaged. These can be included in your course package. Also you will be provided with a great pair of cotton branded gloves and you get to pick your own color! These make a fun souvenir after the event. Choose your favorite color jumpsuit and use the convenient and clean changing rooms to get ready. Next the helpful staff will outfit you with your safety harness and anything else you need for a safe fun adventure.

Harness for climbing and Zipline

As you can imagine safety is a primary concern for these kinds of activities. After getting gear the next step is to watch a short safety briefing video and then you have a chance to do a practice session, low to the ground, to understand all of the procedures and how to complete the course safely. The explanations are available in English and Japanese and I had a great time speaking with the warm friendly staff and learning how to work all the equipment.

Friendly Staff Helpful Safety Briefing

The equipment is well maintained and you can tell everyone at the park is focused on making sure you have a great time in a safe way. You are shown how to use their clamps and belay system to stay safe. One thing that was very interesting was the idea of self-safety.

At Forest Adventure, It is clear they help but you are responsible for your safety while you do the course, and this applies to adults and children alike. You are in control of your own safety equipment, making sure you are properly attached as you move around the course. This is a very positive feature, as it puts you in charge, and it means the experience is serious as well as fun. They mention that “Adults can have fun like kids, and kids can feel responsible like adults.” Which I quite liked!

Multilingual Safety information

Because Japan does not have specific safety regulations for this type of course, Forest Adventure holds itself to European safety standards. From the experience of operating treetop courses since 2006, Forest Adventure has built up the expertise to run courses that are both safe and fun. And this is clear from the moment you arrive and go through the briefing and trial experperience.

If you are worried to try this kind of activity, there is no need to be concerned. The safety is great. Participants must wear harnesses to use the course. While they are on the course they are connected at all times to a safety system by carabiners and pulleys, which are joined to their harnesses by safety lines. This is called the belay system. Because of this, if participants slip while on the platforms or crossings, they cannot fall and hit the ground. Therefore the courses are safe.

There are three types of courses you can try at Forest Adventure Yunoyama. The course programs are called;

1. The Canopy Course (this one is a bit easier would be great for kids and families (participants must be over 10 years old and 110 cm tall) Please note all participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
2. The Discover Course- a bit more challenging and still good for kids and adults together.
3. The Adventure Course, this is the most challenging, higher up in the trees and so much fun!

All of the courses include fun balance and climbing activities but the most exciting for me is the ZIP LINE parts of the experiences. If you have never tried a zip line before it should really be on your bucket list. The feeling of flight through the trees is so exhilarating. Zip Lines are a great way to have fun with friends, try something new, and the feeling of light is so exciting. The zip lines at Yunoyama are great, there are several on the adventure course including one very long one that you can do with a friend at the same time as a fun duo adventure too!

Zip Lines through the forest canopy are so exciting

I tried the 2 hour Adventure course and I was so happy to have this experience. Tourism is not only about culture, history and sightseeing. Travel is also about doing new things and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. I found the Forest Adventure to be just that! It was something totally new for me and yet I had a chance to connect with locals and do something out in nature in Mie that I will never forget. I made friends and was so proud of myself for finishing the course!

Photo Opp at the End of my Adventure

Some practical information, please leave extra time in your schedule for the course but also for getting your gear and relaxing a bit afterwards. The area is beautiful. After all the excitement you will be a bit tired too so this should be done on a day without a lot of other sightseeing activities planned.

The cost of this experience is very affordable. Individual : ¥3,800 per person or
Group8 per.+ : ¥3,500 the fee is slight discounted.

This was a first for me but I would certainly recommend it as an unforgettable way to see nature in Japan.

About the Author:
Lauren has degrees in education and art and a background in multicultural businesses. She is a lover of food, wine, travel, design and LIFE! Lauren has worked in Tourism in Japan for the last 7 years. She is a long-time resident in Japan. Her favorite thing is discovering new local stories and connecting with people across Japan.

〇Forest Adventure

https://fa-yunoyama.foret-aventure.jp/