
Do these woods have what it takes to beech out the stiff competition?
Japan is famous all over the world for its gorgeous scenery and traditional temples. But once you’ve seen all of the popular places, you might want to enjoy the lesser-known beautiful spots Japan has to offer, like the “hidden villages,” or the “restaurant in the clouds.”
And we can now add another location to that list: Bijinbayashi in Niigata Prefecture. This forest filled with Japanese beech trees looks like it was lifted straight out of a movie, and we have the pics to prove it:
▼ Oh, hello, there.
You just crossed over a bridge into a different world.
▼ The sign reads “Bijinbayashi,” which translates
to “beautiful woods” or “beautiful people woods.”
▼ And I would agree. Beautiful people wood definitely come here.
▼ One of the most stunning features of the woods is this gorgeous pond
that makes it look like there’s another forest inside the water.
▼ And of course, Bijinbayashi looks beautiful in all seasons.
In autumn when the leaves turn colors and fall…
▼ …at the beginning of winter when there’s a light frost on the ground…
▼ …and when it’s full-blown winter and the trees are asleep…
▼ …or when Bijinbayashi can’t make up its mind about what season it is.
▼ Bijinbayashi is becoming a popular “power spot,” and while we can’t guarantee you’ll receive any powers from the trees, it can’t hurt to try.
▼ Bijinbayashi – the perfect place for pictures, picnics, and samurai duels.
If you’re feeling inspired, or want to feel inspired, then add Bijinbayashi to your list of places to see in Japan. It’s located in Niigata Prefecture’s Tokamachi, and we’re assuming to find it you just need to follow the glowing light that resonates within your heart. That, or, you could check out the Niigata tourism page.
We just have one question though: do they allow adorable Shiba Inu?
Source: RETRIP
Featured/top image: Instagram/ozu_ken

Sado Island: A relatively unknown historical, natural, and tourist gem of Japan
Beautiful forest in southern Japan will spirit you away to another world
It’s almost time for Japan’s “flower rafts,” one of the most beautiful parts of sakura season
Beautiful mountain farmlands are yet another reason to visit rural Japan
Motonosumi Inari Shrine: a site of beauty in Japan that tourists are yet to discover
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japan’s craziest burger chain takes menchi katsu to new extreme levels
Daiso unveils new official mascot, Daizo the elephant
The fish in rural Fukui that rivals Japan’s most auspicious sea bream
Potama serves up epic rice balls like no other, and there’s only one store in Tokyo
Japanese restaurant chain serves Dragon Ball donuts and Senzu Beans this spring
The impossible circular staircase is just that… impossible【Video】
The results are in! One Piece World Top 100 characters chosen in global poll
Drift ice in Japan is a disappearing winter miracle you need to see now
Can we be just like Shohei Ohtani on a budget with a Hello Kitty cap?
Highest Starbucks in Japan set to open this spring in the Tokyo sky
Tokyo Skytree turns pink for the cherry blossom season
Yakuzen ramen restaurant in Tokyo is very different to a yakuza ramen restaurant
Japan Extreme Budget Travel! A trip from Tokyo to Izumo for just 30,000 yen [Part 1]
Japan has only one airport named after a samurai, so let’s check out Kochi Ryoma【Photos】
Japanese drugstore sells onigiri at pre-stupid era prices, but how do they compare to 7-Eleven?
Burning through cash just to throw things away tops list of headaches when moving house in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Epic lantern festival in Niigata rivals the Yi Peng festival in sheer beauty【Photos & Video】
Flower park in northern Japan looks too beautiful to be real, but this happens every year【Photos】
The “Venice of Japan” in Kyoto: a secret destination tourists don’t know about yet
Sakura 2017: The best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan
Photos of abandoned power plants in Japan show the hidden beauty in ruins【Photos】
Kyoto’s primeval forest to come to life in beautiful interactive light art display 【Video】
Blue heaven as Nemophila flowers come into bloom in Japan’s Ibaraki Prefecture【Photos】
10 places in Japan so beautiful it’s practically hard to take a bad picture while you’re there
Three bridges in Okinawa Prefecture offer the most spectacular panoramic vistas of the sea【Pics】
This hot springs town in Japan sets fire across a mountain every winter in a beautiful tradition
Breathtaking Japanese moss garden cafe is like a real-life setting for a Studio Ghibli anime film
Don’t let the rain get you down! Here are Japan’s top 10 most beautiful rainy day travel spots
We visit Starbucks location in Japan that’s been called the most beautiful in the world
These stunningly beautiful seasonal pink flowers from Japan are NOT cherry blossoms【Photos】