Fuchi no Mori Park
This is a small forest on the border between Higashimurayama City and Tokorozawa City.
The pristine Yanase River flows through lush greenery that nurtures a variety of animals and plants.
It is said that director Hayao Miyazaki developed the idea for the movie “My Neighbor Totoro” while strolling through this forest with its primordial nature intact.
Many rare wildflowers grow naturally, and the arrival of goshawks and the presence of damselflies and natural ayu or sweetfish have also been confirmed.
In 1996 (Heisei 9), director Miyazaki, who learned about a residential land development plan, and local organization carried out conservation activities and solicited donations, and it was made a public green space.
At present, Higashimurayama City has signed a memorandum of understanding with the volunteer group “Fuchi no Mori no Kai,” represented by director Hayao Miyazaki, and is engaged in joint conservation activities.
Not only inhabitants of both cities, but also many Ghibli fans from outside them, participate as volunteers in regular undergrowth weeding activities in the Fuchi no Mori green space,
