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Toru Fujita – Nature-Based Education & Discovery Programs
A hybrid outdoor educator and creative innovator based in Matsumoto and the Utsukushigahara highlands of Nagano. Through a range of nature-based and community-focused projects, he connects people with the natural world and cultivates the next generation’s capacity to explore, create, and thrive. Learn More
Nurturing the Power to Live in Harmony with Nature
Toru Fujita aims to help children discover their own potential and develop the strength to shape their future through immersive nature-based education. His work takes a multidisciplinary approach to contribute to a sustainable society where people and nature are richly connected.
The changing seasons of Utsukushigahara, the expansive grasslands of Kirigamine, and the quiet forests of the Northern Yatsugatake Mountains—these rich natural environments offer children the opportunity to sharpen their senses and feel the cycle of life with their whole being. Through direct dialogue with nature, children cultivate both a sense of respect for the environment and a deep curiosity that drives exploration.
The Three Guiding Principles
Living in Harmony with Nature
We place great importance on experiences that awaken all five senses within the rich natural environments of Utsukushigahara and beyond—feeling the dignity and cycles of life through direct contact with nature. The breath of the mountains, the murmuring of clear streams, the scent of the forest—these are forms of essential wisdom that cannot be learned inside a classroom.
Cultivating a Spirit of Inquiry
We nurture children’s innate curiosity for the unknown, encouraging them to identify their own questions, explore possible solutions, and engage in self-directed learning that builds true resilience and the power to live. By valuing their pure questions—“Why?” and “How?”—we create an environment that draws out their sense of wonder and deepens their desire to explore.
Unleashing Creativity
We value free and imaginative thinking, helping children express themselves with joy while drawing out their full creative potential. Through nature-based art activities, storytelling, and inventive play, each child’s individuality shines as they discover new ways to create and communicate.
These activities aim to foster the foundation for the next generation to build a sustainable society. The learning gained through nature experiences will remain in children's hearts throughout their lives and become the power to create the future.
7 Nature Usagi Project — 7 Themes for Narrating Nature
This project is the origin of Mr. Fujita's creative activities, telling the story of the connection between nature and people. Centered on seven natural categories, the project aims to foster environmental awareness and a spirit of inquiry in children.
Forest (森)
Experience the richness of the forest, the source of life, and the cycles of nature. A carpet of fallen leaves, the breathing of trees, the lives of small creatures.
Water (水)
Learn about the connection of nature and the importance of life from the flow of clear water. The coldness of spring water, the river's current, the ecosystem nurtured by water.
Fire (火)
Experience the history of human interaction with nature through fire-starting. Ancient techniques, the warmth of fire, time spent together around it.
Mountain (山)
Develop the strength to overcome challenges and a sense of accomplishment through mountain climbing. The accumulation of each step, the view from the summit, the joy of achievement.
Sky (空)
Sense the grandeur and mystery of nature through the expansive sky and stargazing. The flow of clouds, a sky full of stars, a connection to the universe.
Earth (大地)
Connect with the earth and cultivate awareness for a sustainable future. The smell of soil, the blessings of the earth, the cycle of life.
Animal (動物)
Understand the balance of ecosystems through coexisting with wild animals. Observing footprints, animal calls, the connections in the natural world.
THE NORTH FACE Kids Exploring Program
Adventures that nurture children's life skills
From 2007 to 2019, as an art facilitator for THE NORTH FACE Japan, I planned and operated day-trip mountain climbing programs that fostered children's "life skills."
The exploration program, guided by 7 Nature Usagi character 'reck', was held in various locations such as Kanagawa, Yamanashi, and Hyogo, nurturing children's environmental awareness and spirit of inquiry through adventures in nature. Walking mountain trails, listening to the voices of nature, and making new discoveries—these were invaluable learning experiences for the children.
Nature exploration with solar panels
Experience renewable energy firsthand and foster environmental awareness.
Tracking animals and plants
Decipher the activities of living things from small traces in nature.
Climbing experience
Develop physical ability and courage through challenges on rocky terrain.
Activities to promote environmental awareness
Integrate learning into play, enhancing environmental awareness while having fun.

Never stop exploring — The spirit of inquiry is a lifelong treasure. The adventurous spirit cultivated through this program continues to illuminate the children's future.
Future Kids Adventures — Adventures Connecting Families and Nature
We plan and operate outdoor tours for children, parents, and three-generation families in the Northern Yatsugatake region, including Utsukushigahara, Kirigamine, Kurumayama, and Tateshina. We offer opportunities to deepen family bonds through adventure and learn about coexistence with nature.
From first-time camping and parent-child trekking to nature walks with grandparents, we help create unforgettable memories with tailor-made programs for each family. Our experienced guides accompany you, prioritizing safety while fully conveying the charm of nature. We also cater to inbound tour guides, introducing the beautiful nature of Shinshu to international visitors.
Utsukushigahara Highlands Trekking
We support families in creating memories amidst the vast scenery of the Utsukushigahara Highlands. Our guides ensure safety and convey the charm of nature.
Kirigamine Nature Exploration
This program allows children to cultivate their curiosity by using all five senses in the rich nature of Kirigamine. They deepen their learning through insect observation and plant discovery.
Camping Program
This program allows you to fully enjoy the charm of nature experiences, including making fires, outdoor cooking, and stargazing.
Connection with the World - WALK JAPAN Tour Leader: Introducing Japan's Natural Treasures to the World
Tenure
Active for over 5 years as an inbound tour guide.
Clientele
Hosted tours for guests from Australia, New Zealand, UK, America, and Italy.
Tours
Led journeys to world heritage sites, temples, and the Northern Alps for groups of 7-14 people over 8-12 days, serving as both guide and interpreter.
Skills
Fluent English proficiency and communication skills honed through living abroad.
Sakurashimizu Cottage — A Small Resort in the Forest
Located at the trailhead of Utsukushigahara and Mt. Ogato, this is a comprehensive resort featuring 27 cottages, 27 auto-campsites, and glamping facilities. Mr. Fujita is responsible for overall planning, operation, management, and SNS/content creation as the manager.
Situated at an altitude of 1,450m, Sakurashimizu Cottage is a tranquil resort surrounded by the rich nature of Utsukushigahara. It boasts a wide range of facilities, including a large public bath utilizing the abundant spring water of Sakurashimizu, known as "Heavenly Water," a fishing pond where you can enjoy grilling self-bred char, and dog-friendly cottages with dog runs. Despite its excellent location, just a 25-minute drive from Matsumoto city, it offers a peaceful time away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Utsukushigahara Spring Water Public Bath
Enjoy a moment of healing in the large public bath using "Sakurashimizu," the heavenly spring water, and a private tent sauna.
Fishing Pond Experience
A luxurious experience where you can catch self-bred char and grill them over charcoal on the spot.
Direct Access to Trailhead
From the starting point of the Ogato hiking trail, reach the spectacular Ogahana in just 1.5 hours. Custom tour guides are also available.
Pet-Friendly Facilities
Enjoy nature with your beloved dog in cottages equipped with a dog run.
Fukushima Kids Dolphin Camp — Healing the Ocean and the Heart
This project was proposed by Mr. Fujita to his friend Mr. Tetsuo Nakahara, targeting children affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Through the experience of swimming with wild dolphins in Mikurajima, it aims to foster the strength to overcome difficulties.
It offers a therapeutic experience to heal emotional wounds from the disaster and regain the "power to live" by returning to nature. A 4-night, 5-day program is conducted on Mikurajima, 200km south of Tokyo, home to over 150 wild dolphins. Children's smiles return through various activities such as swimming with dolphins, hiking, drawing, yoga, and stargazing.
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Encounter with Dolphins
Swim with wild dolphins and experience the vitality of the ocean.
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Healing in Nature
Relax mind and body amidst the rich nature of Mikurajima.
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Bonds with Friends
Foster new friendships through time spent together.
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Restoring the Power to Live
Regain the strength to move forward through nature experiences.

Circle of Support — Operated with donations and a portion of FKA's participation fees. Organic ingredients are also provided by farmers nationwide. This project continues thanks to the warm support of many people.
FUKUSHIMA KIDS DOLPHIN CAMP
Watch the promotional video to learn more about the Fukushima Kids Dolphin Camp.
International Art Project
Where Nature and Art Intersect
Toru Fujita is promoting an international art project that merges nature and art, creating new value in local communities. As part of the artist unit 'Sprit-Nature-Technology' with Natalya Ribovic, he creates works focusing on the relationship between technology, the human spirit, and nature. In 2010, he exhibited 'BLACK USAGI' and other works at the Aichi Triennale.
Based in Tokyo, Berlin, and Vienna, he has developed international projects that stimulate communication beyond ideology. The motif of 'Usagi' (rabbit) is shared with the 7 Nature Usagi Project, symbolically representing the relationship between nature and humans.
Forest Usagi Life Support
A gentle hand between people and the forest
A life support service centered in Sakurashimizu, expanding across the Suwa, Chino, and Matsumoto areas. We provide gentle and warm human support, as quiet as nature itself.
Housekeeping Services
Support for daily life, including cleaning, laundry, organizing, and waste sorting.
Shopping & Delivery Services
We handle the purchase of groceries, pharmacy items, and daily necessities.
Snow Removal Services
Winter only. We safely perform snow removal for entrances, parking lots, and pathways.
Watching & Escort Services
We provide warm emotional support, including escorting to medical appointments, companionship, and welfare checks.
Contact Us / Inquiries
Projects Connecting Nature and People Together
We offer a wide range of consultations, including outdoor tours, nature education programs, planning and operation of accommodations, and creative writing. Regional businesses, educators, local government officials, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking collaborative partners are welcome to inquire.
Toru Fujita
Nature × Exploration × Creative
Hybrid Specialist
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Contact Information
Phone: 080-3127-7476
Business Hours: 9:00-18:00
(Varies by season)
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Office 1 (Winter)
17217-114 Harayama, Hara Village, Suwa District, Nagano Prefecture
Maruyama no Mori A-16
(December to Mid-April)
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Office 2 (Summer)
8961 Ishikiri-ba, Iriyamabe, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
Sakurashimizu Cottage
(Mid-April to Early November)
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Main Service Areas
  • Matsumoto City, Utsukushigahara, Kirigamine, Nagano Prefecture
  • Suwa, Chino, Tateshina Area
  • Other areas nationwide also available