The “Forest of Fantasy” spreads out in Tozawa Village, Mogami District, Yamagata Prefecture. It is a popular spot where you can feel as if you have wandered into a mythical world, with giant trees that are over 1,000 years old. In this article, we will introduce the charm of “Forest of Fantasy” in detail in the form of a review based on our experience when we actually visited in April 2021.

To help future visitors, we have compiled information on how to get there, highlights, and the atmosphere during your visit.

What is the Forest of Fantasy?

If you drive north on National Route 47 and pass a little past Tozawa Village, you will see a sign for “Gensou no Mori” along the road.

“Forest of Fantasy” is a primeval beech forest located in Tozawa Village, Yamagata Prefecture. Spread out on a gentle hill at an altitude of about 400 meters, the sight of huge trees that are said to be over 300 years old is a sight to behold. During the season of fresh greenery and autumn leaves, you can enjoy the mystical scenery of light and trees, making it a spot worthy of the name “Fantasy”.

Originally, the forest served as a source of firewood and livelihood for the local people, but over the years it has been carefully protected. Nowadays, it has been developed as a place to convey the preciousness of nature, and has become well-known as a tourist destination.

What makes this forest unique is not only the huge beech trees, but also the unique shape of the trees, with their roots spreading out and undulating. It stirs the imagination of visitors with the power of seeing living things come to life.

I visited in April 2021, a season when there were still traces of the snow melting.
The contrast between the white snow and the bark of the beech trees was fantastic, giving it a completely different look than in summer or autumn.

Illusion Forest Review | Impressions after actually visiting

I visited Fantasy Forest in April 2021. Snow still remained here and there, covering the roots of the trees in white. Under the soft spring sunlight, I was struck by the sound of melting snow forming small streams and the quiet sound echoing through the forest.

My first impression was that it was huge! There are huge beech trees that are over 1000 years old, and their trunks are large enough for several adults to hold. The way the roots curve and spread out is unique, and when you point your camera at it, you can take photos that look like something out of a fantasy world.

The walking path is well maintained and easy to walk, but depending on the season it can become muddy due to melting snow. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.

As you go deeper into the forest, the silence is overlaid with the sounds of birds chirping and leaves swaying in the wind, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing time that will make you forget about your everyday life.

Another attraction of the Illusion Forest is that its appearance changes with the seasons. A bright green tunnel in early summer, a cool shade of trees in midsummer, and a vivid world of colorful leaves in autumn.
In winter, the area becomes covered in snow, creating a silver-white forest that adds to the magical feeling.

In this review, I showed you how it looks in spring, and I felt that it was a spot that I would want to visit again and again.

Photography spots/recommended attractions in the Forest of Fantasy

The Forest of Fantasy is a photogenic spot where many visitors bring their cameras. I would like to write a review of the highlights that I actually wanted to take photos of after walking around.

Giant beech group

After walking for a while from the entrance to the forest, you will come across a series of giant beech trees with trunks measuring several meters in circumference.
Some trees grow straight up into the sky, while others have curved roots that look like dragons. If you take a picture of the huge trees standing in a row with a wide-angle lens, you can express the power of a fantasy forest.

Arch of undulating roots

The intricate beech roots that spread out under your feet are also a highlight. The beauty created by nature is like a work of art, and it becomes even more impressive when photographed from a low angle. When I visited in early spring, it was wet with melted snow and shiny, making it look more three-dimensional.

A path woven by light and shadow

In the afternoon, sunlight filters through the trees, and the shadows of the trees stretch long along the path. The appearance of the light changes depending on the time of day, so we recommend visiting in the morning and afternoon to enjoy the different atmosphere. In particular, the soft light of spring and the changing leaves of autumn are great opportunities to take fantastic photos.

Spectacular views of each season

• Spring: Contrast between melting snow and new buds
• Summer: Dark green tunnel
• Autumn: Forest wrapped in golden autumn leaves
• Winter: A silver world covered in snow

No matter what season you visit, the scenery is worthy of the name “Forest of Fantasy,” and you will feel like you are in a completely different place.

Access method and basic information

The most common way to access the Forest of Fantasy is by car. The most typical route is from Murayama City or Shinjo City via National Route 13 and then along the Tsuchiyuzawa Forest Road, but care must be taken when visiting.

[Points to note when visiting]
・As this is a mountain road, the road is narrow and has many curves, so please be careful when driving.
・There are no convenience stores or gas stations in the area, so you need to prepare in advance.
・Bring insect repellent and comfortable shoes.

[Important notice]
Due to the heavy rain disaster in July 2020, a large-scale collapse occurred on the Tsuchiyuzawa forest road. Currently, the road is closed, and as of August 22, 2020, there is no prospect of restoration. Opening information will be updated from time to time, so if you are planning to visit, pleaseTozawa village official websiteやOfficial website of Tozawa Village Tourism Association Instagram Please be sure to check.

Summary | Forest of Fantasy Review

Gensou no Mori “Forest of Fantasy” is a unique spot where you can encounter giant beech trees that are over 1,000 years old. The way the trees take on different expressions in spring, summer, fall, and winter is truly a sight to behold.

However, as of 2025, Tsuchiyuzawa Forest Road continues to be closed due to heavy rain disasters. Please be sure to check the latest traffic information before visiting.
What I can convey to you in this “Forest of Fantasy” review is an overwhelming power that cannot be expressed in photos or text. Looking forward to the day when we can visit, we are now waiting for nature to recover.