Sustainability and Forest Tourism in Mie

Written by Lauren Shannon

Hinoki Forest in Matsusaka Mie Prefecture

The history of forestry in Mie goes back more than 300 years and though not as famous as some of the Hinoki (Japanese cypress) producing regions elsewhere, forestry of Mie is a hidden wonder. Much of Mie culture and customs are influenced by the beautiful and important Ise Jingu (shrine) so perhaps a culture of forestry was inevitable in the area because of the large amount of high-quality timber required for the upkeep and rebuilding of the shrine every 20 years.

Setting off on a gorgeous drive into the countryside we headed out to enjoy the forests with local experts and learn more about the area, the history and the culture of the woodland areas around Matsusaka, Mie.

We first journeyed into the mountains with a local professional lumberjack. We learned so much about the revered Hinoki trees grown and harvested with care from a multi-generalional local company.

Driving into the forest

Learning together in the forest.

Local connections, local experiences and deep learning.

Hinoki are one of Japan’s most significant tree species. They have been revered for centuries for their beautiful, durable wood and fragrant essential oils from the bark. Hikoki has a beautiful, straight grain – and it is very resistant to splitting, warping and rot. These factors make it an important building material in Japan: in construction, tools, sculptures, and civil engineering. Traditionally, it was and continues to be used in Shinto ceremonies & purification rituals, to build shrines & temples, and to construct fragrant tubs for bathing and at onsen (hot springs) Well-built hinoki structures can last 1000 years, and some famous Hinkoki buildings/artifacts in Japan are even older.

While we were learning about sustainable forestry practices, common in the area for over 100 years, we visited a shrine to the forest spirits up in mountains. And we also learned about a piney but soft local ground plant nicknamed Kamino Zabuton, “The God’s Pillow.”

Small forest shrine

The God’s Pillow a ground pine with soft needles and a lovely fragrance

We had a wonderful time communing with the trees. Hinoki in the wild are very rare and new modern techniques of forestry plus sustainable harvesting are crucial for harmonious living with man and nature.

We also stopped by Tenkaizan Taiunji Temple, that its famous for beautiful autumn leaves. The octagonal bronze temple bell is inscribed with 69,384 characters related to Buddhism.

The techniques used in this area were developed over many years: as planting density (dense planting), managing water resources, pruning and thinning techniques, have been handed down over generations. Sadly, demand for domestic timber has continued to be sluggish due to the spread of cheap foreign plywood in recent years. Due to the topography of the mountains, steep valleys and narrow flatlands, landslide disasters can become more common and dangerous if people do not practice sustainable forestry. It is thought in the area that the history of forestry is the history of the coexistence of the mountains and human settlements.

Stunning tables, desks and furniture featured in the Moku Showroom

After our mountain tour, we headed to Mokuichi, another local, multi-generational business taking the harvested lumber, fallen trees, reclaimed wood and amazing hinoki and transforming it into furniture, art and other wonderful wooden sculptures, tables and one of a kind pieces. The small showroom is lovely but the real star is the huge warehouse filled with massive tree trunks, slabs of gorgeous cypress and creative wooden works of art. Browsing the warehouse was a highlight of our forest adventure day.

Handmade pins celebrating global sustainability goals

Browsing the warehouse filled with inspiring pieces

After our woodland walk and our explorations of the artistry at Mokuichi there was another wonderful surprise waiting for us.

Mokuichi has a new program called Moku Alfresco, it is a hunter’s gourmet meal prepared outdoors along a gorgeous river and under the canopy of local trees. Our local hunter-chef Mr Sugiyama prepared venison, wild boar, river fish and a special regional variety of shiitake mushrooms. The grilling was beyond perfect. He certainly had a deep understanding of the best way to prepare game meats, and enjoying this meal out in the open-air made everything taste even better. The wood-artists of Moku prepared cypress “plates” which made our meal a feast for the eyes as well as the taste-buds. We also had “river-chilled” local rice wines and tried a flight of several different types paired with our delicious lunch.

Local Hunter and Expert Game-Grilling Chef