Connecting Cities and Forests through Tree Planting in Hida Takayama

On October 25-26, 2025, the certified nonprofit organization Environment Relations Institute held a significant tree planting event, marking the first planting tour in 11 years for its forest regeneration project, "Present Tree," in Hida Takayama, Gifu Prefecture. This event brought together 14 participants, including individual and corporate supporters from across Japan, to engage in meaningful reforestation efforts that contributed not only to forest renewal but also to deepening connections with the rich local resources and people involved in forestry.

Over the past years, "Present Tree in Hida Takayama" has aimed to nurture water conservation forests, leading to the creation of approximately 30,000 trees with supporters called “guardian parents.” This reforestation initiative started in 2011 and culminated in a new agreement signed in 2024 between the city of Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, and the landowner, Kobayashi Minosuke Shoten. The tour allowed participants to witness firsthand the growth and scale of the vast first agreement forest developed since 2011.

Participants, some of whom were returning guardians, expressed their amazement at the significant growth of the trees they had donated in the past. One participant commented, "I was moved to see how large the trees I donated have grown," highlighting the emotional connection individuals can make through their contributions to the environment. Attendees got to plant 100 new trees during the event, including maples and cherry trees native to the region. Despite the rainy weather, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees stating, "I enjoyed using the hoe to plant the trees" and "I have developed affection for the forests of Hida Takayama."

The planting event also featured remarks from Takayama's Deputy Mayor Shimizu and Ito, Deputy Director of the Gifu Prefectural Forestry Division, who shared insights into the current challenges of forest management, such as the lack of forestry workers. They expressed strong support for the "Present Tree in Hida Takayama" project and emphasized the importance of creating relationships with the forest. Collaborations with local businesses, including Kobayashi Minosuke Shoten, played a crucial role in making this event a success and renewed the participants' commitment to preserving the forests for the future.

Discovering Hida Takayama’s Charms while Cultivating Community Connections

"Present Tree" endeavors to simultaneously achieve forest regeneration and local revitalization. The tree planting tour provided an opportunity for participants to experience not only the act of planting trees but also to immerse themselves in the local culture and community of Hida Takayama, fostering a deeper sense of local pride and connection.

On the tour's first day, participants from various cities, including Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Hyogo, explored Takayama. They visited the showroom of Kobayashi Minosuke Shoten, a local company, to view furniture made from regional forest resources. They also engaged with the town's rich history and enjoyed local cuisine at favorite eateries, which helped them appreciate the unique culture and friendly people of Hida Takayama. Many participants expressed their desire to return, sharing sentiments like, "I want to participate again" and "I loved the food and the picturesque town." This marked a successful start to nurturing ongoing relationships with the community.

Expanding the 'PT Hida Takayama' Circle of Empathy

"Present Tree in Hida Takayama" stands as a model area for forest creation through regional collaboration, particularly accessible from central Japan. The project has collaborated with companies from Nagoya, Osaka, and Gifu, aiming for simultaneous forest regeneration and regional promotion.

The initiative seeks to engage more individuals and corporate guardians to further develop the forests of "PT Hida Takayama." Interested supporters, whether individuals or corporations, are encouraged to join.

Ways to Support

As an Individual:

1. Become a guardian parent of a sapling:
Supporters can become guardian parents for saplings at various planting locations, including Hida Takayama. The cost for a sapling in Hida Takayama is ¥5,000, which includes the sapling cost, management expenses (such as planting, animal damage prevention, and underbrush cutting), and a gift set that includes a planting certificate and more. More details are available on their website.
2. Participate in Events:
Annual spring and autumn tree planting events are held. Please register as a free member for event notifications.

As a Corporation:

Contributions can be made through direct donations or collaborations with various businesses tailored to ecological initiatives, enhancing the corporate value while contributing to environmental sustainability.

The Environment Relations Institute aims for forests to thrive even as Japan's population is predicted to dwindle in the coming decades. They invite individuals and business entities who wish to support forest development or require guidance in managing their forest land to reach out. Together, they can promote sustainable forest development for future generations.