Chinju no Mori
Township forests are believed to have been preserved since ancient times, making their forest vegetation an original part of the area's nature. They are one of the few remaining clues to the former nature of the area, as surrounding nature is often destroyed. Because of this, they are often surveyed and protected as natural monuments. In Forest ecology in Japan, township forests are emphasized and referred to as shrine and temple forests, as they are often associated with these religious sites. Similarly, the forests associated with Utaki in Okinawa are also valuable and protected.