Updated by "Forest Circular Economy" Editorial Board on September 05, 2025, 12:54 AM JST
Editorial Board, Forest Circular Economy
Forestcircularity-editor
We aim to realize "Vision 2050: Japan Shines, Forest Circular Economy" promoted by the Platinum Forest Industry Initiative. We will disseminate ideas and initiatives to promote biomass chemistry, realize woody and lumbery communities, and encourage innovation in the forestry industry in order to fully utilize forest resources to decarbonize the economy, strengthen economic security, and create local communities.
TENOHA TATESHINA Lab.", a hands-on facility utilizing plants native to Tateshina, Nagano Prefecture, which is 1,300 meters above sea level, opened in July in Tokyu Resort Town. It was produced by yaso, which is involved in the utilization of local forest resources. It presents a "new way of tourism" in which visitors to Tateshina can learn about forest conservation and resource recycling by coming into contact with trees, plants, and flowers in the forest.
The facility will have three functions: laboratory, gallery, and atelier. In the laboratory, plants that grow naturally in the resort town will be displayed as data from three perspectives: specimens, fragrance, and color. In addition to scientific information on the plants, the laboratory will archive the fragrance components of essential oils extracted by steam distillation and the details of colors obtained through herb-dyeing. This data will be used in the future for product and equipment development at other locations in the town.
The facility will also hold regular workshops for overnight guests and day visitors. Participants can learn about the diversity and circulation of forest resources through hands-on activities such as dyeing and making plant specimens using plants and trees.
The facility also houses the atelier of "MARU TO," a workwear brand that makes clothes incorporating herb-dyeing techniques, allowing visitors to learn about the manufacturing process. Workshops on grass-dyeing and product exhibition and sales are also planned.
Conventional resort development has had the aspect of unilaterally consuming nature. This facility rethinks such relationships and presents a new way of sustainable tourism in which tourists are not mere consumers, but rather learn about the value of the region's natural capital through contact with it. This initiative will not only contribute to environmental conservation, but will also create a "related population" that will deepen their interest in the region and stimulate a sustainable local economy. The existence of this facility is attracting attention as a model case for the future of resorts.
Reference Links
TENOHA TATESHINA Lab." is now open! | [Official] Tokyu Resort Town Tateshina
