Discover Local Living in the Heart of Japan's Satoyama: Shiobara Nature Play Adventure

【STORY】

The Shiobara Onsen, a hot spring retreat with a rich 1200-year history, is nestled in the picturesque mountains of Nasushiobara City. Its people live in harmony with the natural surroundings of the foothills and its wildlife. The forests of the area serve as an ideal playground for children. Fallen trees and soft leaves become playthings. 

When you suddenly look down, you can see animal trails, paths where animals take a stroll. The vivid scenes of animals living in the area make you feel the coexistence with nature firsthand. Experience the charm of the area by moving your body and enjoying everything nature has to offer.

【HIGHLIGHTS】 

• Feel at ease while exploring the Satoyama of Shiobara with an outdoor guide who knows every inch.
  
• Experience nature and community coexisting, and learn while enjoying it.
• Engage in the "Animal Trail Walk" to sense the animals living in nature.
• Participate in activities such as maintaining forest roads, pruning unnecessary trees, and thinning, to experience the efforts of those dedicated to preserving the forest.
• Contribute to the protection of Shiobara mountains and community through play.
  

【SCHEDULE】

Choose from two start times, 09:00 or 14:00.

[09:00 / 14:00] Gather at Spes Activity Shiobara, undergo insurance procedures, and warm up with some light exercises.
[09:10 / 14:10] Enjoy Nature Play in the mountains surrounding the Shiobara Onsen District.
[11:00 / 16:00] Disband.

*The timetable is subject to change depending on the situation.

＜Nature Play in the Satoyama＞

Venture into the foothills and enjoy playing and learning.
Our experts will deliver a seasonal experience based on the day's weather, natural conditions, and the participants' profiles and abilities.

We are also happy to accommodate requests.

Examples:

- "Animal Trail Walk" observing animal footprints
- Experience cutting down a cedar tree
- Summer: Play comfortably in the shade of the trees
- Autumn: Enjoy the soft fallen leaves
- Winter: Try walking on the snow with snowshoes

＜About the Activity Organizer＞

Aozora Project THE DAY - Kimishima Yoichi

Mountain trails abandoned by people gradually transformed into pathways for animals over many years. As areas where animals and humans reside overlap, animals descending to villages are often killed as "pests" for disturbing fields.

Addressing such issues faced by foothills nationwide, the organization Aozora Project THE DAY aims to lead towards solutions through outdoor activities. Representative Kimishima Yoichi, born and raised in Shiobara, continues to convey the nature and history of Shiobara as a guide.
（https://theday.fun/）

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：2 hours
• Meeting point：Spes Activity Shiobara In front of the Entrance　[MAP]
  2196-13, Shiobara, Nasushiobara-shi, Tochigi, 329-2921
  
• Access：11-minute walk from Shiobara Onsen Bus Terminal
  
• Pick-up and drop-off：If you wish to have transportation within the Shiobara Onsen District (accommodations, etc.) please specify the destination in the reservation form.
  　　　*Since the number of passengers is limited, we may not be able to meet your request.
• Minimum number of participants：2 peoples
• Language support：Japanese, English (Supplementary materials, mobile apps, other tools for support)
  
• Included：
  ・Foothills Guide
  ・Snowshoe Rental Fee
  ・Nordic Pole Rental Fee
  ・Insurance
• Excluded：
  ・Ski/Snowboard Wear or Winter Mountaineering Jacket
  ・Snow Boots/Winter Boots
  ・and other clothing-related items
• Items to bring：
  ・Drink
  ・Change of clothes
• Clothes：
  ・Clothing that can get dirty, with pants that cover the knees.
  ■ Winter:
  ・Ski/Snowboard wear or winter mountaineering jacket, providing solid cold and waterproof protection.
  ・Recommended footwear: Snow Boots/Winter Boots or similar, with long lengths for warmth.
  ＊Regular rubber boots are not recommended as they lack insulation. It's advisable to have a hat and gloves as well.
• Participation requirements：
  ・Recommended for ages 3 and above (Snowshoes recommended for elementary school age and above).
  　*Special consultation available for groups.
  ・Not recommended for travelers with back problems.
  ・Not recommended for pregnant travelers.
  ・Not recommended for travelers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
• Free Wi-Fi：No
  
• Toilet：Yes (Western-style) 
• Other things to note：
  - In the event of the experience being canceled due to inclement weather, we will notify you in advance at the email address registered during the application process.
   (The decision will be made at least half a day prior to the event. In situations where the decision is difficult, we generally opt not to proceed.)
  - We will proceed with the activity in a ight rain that does not affect the experience (we will provide activities enjoyable even in light rain). Please understand in advance.
  - Please take care of waterproofing your smartphone and injury prevention during the exploration on your own.
  - Please be aware that natural conditions, such as the weather on the day of the event and the state of the lake, may lead to changes in the course.
  - Understand that there are inherent risks, such as injuries, in the natural environment during the exploration. Please consider obtaining insurance on your own.

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

7 days to 72 hours before the experience start time to start time: 30%
From 72 hours before the experience start time to start time: 100%
Cancellation after the experience has started or cancellation without contact: 100%