Nijinomatsubara

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Nijinomatsubara (虹の松原, nijinomatsubara^?) is a 360 year old pine forest in Karatsu, Saga. It has a width of 400 - 700 metres, a length of about 4 km, and a total area of 240 hectares. It was also referred as The Black Pine Forest of 1 Million Trees (100万本のクロマツを中心とした松林, hyaku man hon no kuromatsu wo chuushin toshita matsubayashi^?), however this name is uncommon today.

The forest was originally planted by the feudal lord Terasawa as a counter-measure against the strong winds and tides in Karatsu Bay. Today it is a popular tourist spot amongst Japanese tourists, and is a part of a Japanese-made list of the 100 most beautiful places in Japan.

This forest is easily accessible from both Karatsu City and Fukuoka City, by the Chikuhi Subway Line. As well, there are several hotels and places to park nearby the forest to allow tourist to come by car.

[edit] External links

• Yokatoko (in Japanese)