Japan is a country with significant forest coverage. Approximately 68.5% of Japan’s total land area is covered by forests. This translates to about 25 million hectares of forest land. These forests include both natural forests and planted forests (such as cedar and cypress plantations). Natural forests make up about 40% of Japan’s forests, while the Planted forests account for roughly 30%, with most of them established after World War II.
The high percentage of forested land in Japan plays a crucial role in environmental protection, such as preventing soil erosion, conserving water resources, and mitigating the effects of natural disasters like landslides.
These forests are designated under various laws and regulations to protect biodiversity, water resources, cultural heritage, and forest ecosystems. Here are the main types of protected forests in Japan.
1. National Forests (国有林, Koku-yu-rin)
Governed by: The Forest Act (森林法) and the Law on the Establishment of National Forests.
National forests are managed by the Forestry Agency under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries. They cover about 30% of Japan’s total forest area and include many remote mountainous areas. These forests are often used for conservation purposes, water resource protection, and preventing landslides. Many national forests overlap with special zones of national parks and world heritage sites.
- Applicable Law:
- Forest Act (森林法)
- Law on the Establishment of National Forests (国有林野の管理経営に関する法律)
- Documents to Refer To:
- Forest Act (森林法): Provides the legal framework for managing forests, including national forests.
- National Forest Management Plans (国有林の管理計画): These are prepared by the Forestry Agency and outline the specific management practices for national forests.
- Where to Find:
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) website or the Forestry Agency provides detailed documents and management plans for national forests.
2. Protected Forests (保護林, Hogo-rin)
Governed by: The Forest Act (森林法).
Protected forests are designated for their ecological importance, such as water conservation, disaster prevention, or biodiversity protection. There are several subcategories of protected forests:
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- Water Conservation Forests (水源涵養保安林): Protects water sources by maintaining stable water cycles and preventing floods.
- Disaster Prevention Forests (災害防止保安林): Designed to protect against landslides, coastal erosion, and other natural disasters.
- Environmental Conservation Forests (環境保全保安林): Aimed at preserving biodiversity and ecosystems in environmentally sensitive areas.
- Applicable Law:
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- Forest Act (森林法)
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- Documents to Refer To:
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- Forest Act (森林法): Includes detailed provisions for the designation and management of protected forests.
- Basic Policy for Forest Management (森林施業方針): Sets guidelines for the management and protection of forests, including water conservation, disaster prevention, and biodiversity conservation forests.
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- Where to Find:
The Forestry Agency provides access to detailed regulations and policies governing protected forests.
3. National Parks and Quasi-National Parks (国立公園 / 国定公園, Kokuritsu Koen / Kokutei Koen)
Governed by: The Natural Parks Act (自然公園法).
National parks are designated areas of outstanding natural beauty and biodiversity that include forests, mountains, rivers, and coastal areas. The government designates and manages these areas to conserve natural scenery and biodiversity while allowing public enjoyment. There are currently 34 national parks in Japan, such as Shiretoko National Park (Hokkaido), Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park (Honshu), and Yakushima National Park (Kyushu).
- Applicable Law:
- Natural Parks Act (自然公園法)
- Documents to Refer To:
- Natural Parks Act (自然公園法): Provides the legal framework for the designation and management of national and quasi-national parks.
- National Park Designation Orders (国立公園の指定令): These orders define specific boundaries and regulations for each national park.
- Where to Find:
Information is available on the Ministry of the Environment website, which oversees the management of national parks. The Japan National Parks website also provides detailed maps and regulations for each park.
4. Natural Habitat Conservation Areas (自然環境保全地域, Shizen Kankyo Hozen Chiiki)
Governed by: The Nature Conservation Act (自然環境保全法).
These areas are designated for the protection of ecosystems and species. The focus is on preserving the natural environment with minimal human interference. Public entry may be restricted, and activities like logging or development are tightly controlled.
- Applicable Law:
- Nature Conservation Act (自然環境保全法)
- Documents to Refer To:
- Nature Conservation Act (自然環境保全法): This law establishes conservation areas and provides for the protection of natural habitats.
- Natural Habitat Conservation Area Designation Orders (自然環境保全地域指定令): These orders provide details about the boundaries and management regulations of specific conservation areas.
- Where to Find:
The Ministry of the Environment website contains detailed documents and maps for natural habitat conservation areas.
5. World Heritage Sites (世界遺産, Sekai Isan) – Natural Sites
Governed by: International guidelines under UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention
Some forests in Japan have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage natural sites due to their exceptional ecological and cultural value. Yakushima and the Shirakami-Sanchi beech forests are notable examples. While these areas are managed under national law, their global significance warrants additional international oversight.
- Applicable Law:
- Cultural Property Protection Act (文化財保護法)
- UNESCO World Heritage Convention (国際連合教育科学文化機関世界遺産条約)
- Documents to Refer To:
- UNESCO World Heritage Site Listings: Provides detailed descriptions of each site’s natural and cultural significance.
- Cultural Property Protection Act (文化財保護法): Contains regulations for the protection of World Heritage sites in Japan.
- Where to Find:
The UNESCO website and the Agency for Cultural Affairs in Japan provide details on Japan’s natural World Heritage sites.
6. Wildlife Protection Areas (鳥獣保護区, Chojū Hogo-ku)
Governed by: The Wildlife Protection and Hunting Law (鳥獣保護及狩猟法).
These areas include forests that serve as critical habitats for wildlife, particularly birds and mammals. The government restricts hunting and development within these areas to protect animal populations and biodiversity. Many forests in these zones also overlap with national parks and protected forests.
- Applicable Law:
- Wildlife Protection and Hunting Law (鳥獣保護及狩猟法)
- Documents to Refer To:
- Wildlife Protection and Hunting Law (鳥獣保護及狩猟法): This law governs the designation and management of wildlife protection areas.
- Wildlife Protection Area Designation Orders (鳥獣保護区指定令): These orders detail the boundaries and specific regulations for protected areas.
- Where to Find:
Documents are available through the Ministry of the Environment and the Japan Wildlife Conservation Society.
7. Special Green Conservation Areas (緑地保全地域, Ryokuchi Hozen Chiiki)
Governed by: The City Green Spaces Act (都市緑地法).In urban and suburban areas, these forests and green zones are protected to preserve greenery and provide natural spaces for city dwellers. These areas help mitigate urban heat, improve air quality, and offer recreational spaces for residents.
- Applicable Law:
- City Green Spaces Act (都市緑地法)
- Documents to Refer To:
- City Green Spaces Act (都市緑地法): This law governs the designation and management of green conservation areas in urban and suburban settings.
- Green Conservation Area Management Plans (緑地保全管理計画): Local governments typically prepare these documents to guide the management and protection of green areas.
- Where to Find:
Local municipal government websites or the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) provide details about green conservation areas.
8. Sacred Forests (鎮守の森, Chinju no Mori)
Governed by: Local cultural property protection laws.
Sacred forests are often found surrounding Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. These forests are preserved for their cultural, spiritual, and historical significance. Examples include the sacred forest of Ise Shrine and forests surrounding ancient temples like those in Nara and Kyoto.
- Applicable Law:
- Cultural Property Protection Act (文化財保護法)
- Local Cultural Property Ordinances (地方文化財条例)
- Documents to Refer To:
- Cultural Property Protection Act (文化財保護法): Protects sacred forests that are associated with temples and shrines.
- Local Ordinances and Shrine Management Documents: Sacred forests often have additional protection under local laws or religious institutions’ management plans.
- Where to Find:
Information on sacred forests can be found through local governments and shrine/temple administrative offices. The Agency for Cultural Affairs also provides documents for areas recognized as cultural properties.
