Shizuoka

ECOPA Nature Walks

A walk in the woods around a handsome stadium

Peter Sidell Jan 23, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>A sculpture on the approach to the stadium</p>

<p>The stadium itself, with another sculpture</p>

<p>Just a few minutes' walk away, you're surrounded by peaceful forest</p>

<p>Some of the trails go up and down hills</p>

<p>Looking down through the tall trees</p>

<p>Out of the woods you find some very pleasant scenery</p>

<p>Here's where the frogs were jumping into the pond</p>

<p>Dragonflies sometimes have to take a break</p>

<p>A view of the stadium from a hilltop</p>

<p>I met this chap on the path back to the stadium</p>

By Aino station one stop from Kakegawa, Shizuoka ECOPA Stadium was built for the 2002 World Cup, and now hosts music concerts, athletic events, and J-League soccer games. Behind and around the stadium there are a number of nature trails, some gentle and paved, some more challenging through thicker forest. There are also plenty of (small) animals to be seen: I saw dragonflies basking on railings, frogs jumping into a pond like kids from a pier, and a snake slithering across the path not two meters in front of me! It's a good place to get some exercise while enjoying the scenery and fresh air.

Peter Sidell @peter.sidell

I came to Japan from Manchester, England in 2003, and have travelled a lot since then, around Japan and in Asia. When I'm not working, I write satire and perform stand-up comedy in and around Tokyo. Check YouTube for a taste.