Volunteer to Restore a Forest Together near Tokyo

Name: 🌳Udon Noodle Making, Organic Farming & Forest Hiking + Homemade French Fries🍟
Start: 2026-09-27T01:00:00.000Z
End: 2026-09-27T07:00:00.000Z
Location: Tokyo

4.8•24 ratings

About us

If you're looking for an opportunity to contribute to nature and the local community while enjoying the outdoors and meeting new people, this group is for you.

We're working on a project to restore an abandoned forest and create a comfortable, welcoming space in Ogawamachi, Saitama, about one hour from Ikebukuro by direct train.

Let's enjoy nature while bringing the forest back to life together with other nature lovers!

The work varies, and no prior knowledge or outdoor experience is necessary. We don't always have a fixed list of tasks. Instead, we look at what needs to be done, find something that suits each person's pace and ability, share ideas, and work together to improve the forest step by step.

Whether you're interested in nature and the environment, want to get active outdoors, or simply hope to meet new people, everyone is welcome!

You'll have opportunities to:
✅ Contribute to a forest restoration project
✅ Enjoy refreshing outdoor exercise while working
✅ Exchange ideas about how we can make better use of the forest
✅ Relax and refresh your body and mind through forest bathing
✅ Learn about Japanese forests and how they can be cared for
✅ Meet new people, from nature lovers to those interested in environmental issues

~ About This Project ~
Over 70% of Japan is covered by mountains and forests, but many forests are no longer actively managed. In the past, forests were closely connected to everyday life and were used for firewood, compost, building materials, and many other purposes. As lifestyles changed and imported resources, fossil fuels, and chemical fertilizers became more common, many forests gradually lost their role in people's daily lives.

Since 2020, we've been working little by little to restore and revitalize this forest and give it new value as a place where people can relax, connect with nature, and meet others.

The project started with just one person, but through our volunteer events, more people have joined us and we've made great progress together. We started by clearing areas that had become difficult to enter because of fallen trees, overgrown vegetation, and bamboo grass. Since then, we've built log stairs, bamboo handrails along the slopes and even created an elevated wooden deck in a sunny, open area of the forest.

There's still plenty more we can do. We want to continue developing the forest into a place where more people can visit, relax, enjoy nature, try new things, and connect with others. We don't have a fixed vision for everything yet. Part of the fun is thinking together about what this forest could become.

We also believe that protecting and maintaining nature needs to be economically sustainable. Caring for a forest takes time, effort, and money, so we're exploring ways to create both environmental and economic value that can help keep the project going for the long term.

Our members are mostly people who love nature, enjoy learning new things, and are open to meeting new people. It's always a pleasure to meet people who share similar interests. About half of our participants are returning members and half are first-time visitors, so you'll always find both familiar faces and newcomers. Whether you come alone or with friends, you'll be warmly welcomed.

Our organizers speak both English and Japanese, so there's no need to worry about the language barrier.

We look forward to restoring the forest, sharing ideas, and enjoying nature with you!

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/taka_in_ogawamachi/