About
In the heart of Niigata Prefecture, where the land undulates in gentle rhythms and the air carries whispers of ancient tales, there lies a sanctuary of nature and knowledge. Here, the landscape is a tapestry woven with emerald threads of beech forests, their leaves rustling like the soft murmur of a distant stream. The earth, rich and fertile, cradles terraced rice fields that contour the hillsides, reflecting the sky's moods in their watery mirrors.
Amidst this verdant expanse stands a structure that seems to have emerged organically from the soil itself. Its form, serpentine and sinuous, mirrors the meandering paths of the surrounding trails. Clad in weathered steel, the building's exterior bears the patina of time, its rusted hues blending harmoniously with the autumnal palette of the forest. This is a place where architecture and environment engage in a silent dialogue, each enhancing the other's beauty.
Within its walls, the air is imbued with the scent of aged wood and the subtle aroma of earth after rain. Sunlight filters through expansive windows, casting dappled patterns on the polished floors, reminiscent of the forest canopy above. Exhibits celebrate the rich biodiversity of the region, from the delicate dance of dragonflies over still ponds to the secretive lives of creatures that dwell beneath the leaf litter.
The name of this haven echoes the call of the ruddy kingfisher, a bird whose arrival heralds the season of planting. Its distinctive "kyororo" resonates through the trees, a melodic reminder of nature's cycles and the deep connection between the land and its inhabitants. This avian visitor, with its vibrant plumage, is a symbol of the area's natural wealth and the enduring bond between people and place.
Surrounding the sanctuary, the "Forest of Kyororo" stretches over eighty hectares, a living classroom where the lessons of the land are taught not through words, but through experience. Here, one can wander beneath towering beeches, their trunks standing as silent sentinels, or pause by tranquil ponds that mirror the sky's ever-changing canvas. In winter, the landscape transforms under a thick blanket of snow, muffling sounds and creating a serene, monochromatic world where the only color comes from the occasional flash of a bird's wing or the crimson berries clinging to bare branches.
The community, deeply rooted in this land, has long understood the importance of harmony with nature. Traditions of foraging for wild plants, harvesting mushrooms, and cultivating rice are passed down through generations, each practice a thread in the intricate fabric of local culture. Festivals mark the changing seasons, celebrating the gifts of the earth and reinforcing the ties between people and the environment.
In this place, time seems to slow, allowing for reflection and a renewed appreciation of the natural world. The rustling leaves, the distant call of the kingfisher, and the gentle hum of insects create a symphony that speaks to the soul, inviting all who visit to listen, learn, and become part of the ongoing story of this land.