Guide To Japanese Forest - Eco Tourism Park, Kolkata

Things to do / Highlights

Zen garden

Japanese Forest is accessible from Gate 1 of New Town Eco Park. It abides by principles of the Shinto religion, which is deeply rooted in respect and worship for the elements of nature. The plants and flowers are carefully chosen to imbue the area with harmony, and invite visitors to commune with nature. The wisteria arbor is particularly inviting because entering it offers a feeling of being cut off from the rest of the world. There is also a moon gate believed to be auspicious, especially for newly wed couples. You will find a wishing bowl in the pond, where you can toss coins to be blessed. The central pond has a semi-circular bridge that you can cross. Various elements such as walking stones and lanterns transport visitors to the Land of the Rising Sun for a few hours.

Walkways and labyrinths

The newest section of New Town Eco Park takes inspiration from Japanese gardens but uses locally available materials to promote harmony through nature. The layout of Japanese Forest features pathways that twist and turn, catching your attention and reminding you to reconnect with nature with full attention. The walkways are narrow, which encourages reflection in solitude. A labyrinth in the garden offers an opportunity to meditate as well.

Monastery

The monastery in Japanese Forest was built with the Ryoanii Temple in mind (found in Kyoto, Japan). The central pagoda is a building with three levels, but only the first floor is open to the public. While the construction of the monastery takes inspiration from Japanese architecture, it is adorned with Garuda sculptures (Garuda is the vehicle of Lord Vishnu). You will find prayer wheels with statues of the Buddha, each of which houses 1,000 prayers. The smell of incense smoke from the monastery brings visitors to a state of calm, and the ringing of the monastery bell is likely to compel everyone to be still. The positive energy flowing around here is undeniable.

Yellow bamboo forest

Watch out for the yellow bamboo forest, where you can write your wishes on strips attached to the leaves. The bamboo forest is an enclave for various species of bamboo and planted in a sustainable manner. The bamboo groves also feature sculptures and stone lanterns.

What to eat

Japanese Forest Restaurant

A taste of authentic Japanese cuisine awaits patrons of Japanese Forest Restaurant. There’s plenty of indoor seating, but if the weather is fine, you can opt to dine outside. The menu is extensive, with appetizers ranging from sushi maki and teriyaki to tempura, yakitori (skewered chicken), karaage (Japanese fried chicken), kushiage (deep-fried skewers), and gyoza (pan-fried dumplings). For the main course, you may order from the set menu or choose from a variety of rice, soup, and yakisoba dishes. A page of the menu is dedicated to beverages, so take your time when ordering the best accompaniment for your meal.

Travel tips

Explore Kolkata's nature enclave

Japanese Forest is a 3.5-acre (1.42 ha) enclave on the banks of a man-made lake within the wide, open spaces of New Town Eco Park. The entire park is administered and maintained by Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO). Its vastness contains urban recreational spaces, gardens with specific themes, and ecological zones. After spending ample time in Japanese Forest, explore other park features, such as the replica of the Seven Wonders of the World, Tropical Tree Garden, Rose Garden, Musical Fountain, and Graffiti Walls.

Bring the kids with you

Play areas for children are found in many areas within the park. The park’s centerpiece is a 112-acre (45 ha) man-made lake with a promenade lined with coconut trees. You won’t have to content yourself just looking at the water from the shore. There are pedal boats, kayaks, wooden boats, and speedboats to rent for a sojourn across the lake. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, a zorb awaits. You can try walking on water while inside a large plastic orb. At night, secure seats at Adda Zone and watch the musical fountain and laser light show.

Weekend and holiday crowd

Since New Town Eco Park is the largest of its kind in the region, expect plenty of visitors during the weekends and holidays. You may want to skip these days if you’re not keen on competing for space.

How to get there

From Kolkata city proper

Japanese Forest in New Town, Kolkata, is a lush and calming place. There is a parking space, so you can drive there and not worry about where to leave your car. If you’re coming from the city center, it would take anywhere from 40 to 50 minutes to reach New Town. You can also take a taxi from Kolkata and reach New Town in about 15 minutes.

From Kolkata Airport

Kolkata’s international airport, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, is located in Dum Dum, West Bengal. From Kolkata Airport, it’s easy enough to take a taxicab to New Town. You can cover the distance of 12.1 km (7.52 mi) in 30 minutes. You may take a Volvo bus from the airport terminal as well.

How to get tickets

Japanese Forest requires an entrance fee for access. The cost of a ticket is INR 30 (0.41 USD). Entry to the park itself costs INR 20 (0.27 USD). You can purchase tickets from the official website or on-site. Note that refunds are not available, so check the website for schedule updates and announcements before buying your tickets.

Japanese Forest - Eco Tourism Park information

Japanese Forest - Eco Tourism Park

Address: Jatragachhi, Deshbandhu Nagar, New Town, West Bengal 700156, India

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 12pm - 8pm (closed on Mon)

Department of tourism: Experience Bengal