Two Japan Times articles on the region. Climbing Mount Akadake and low environmental impact horse drawn selective logging.
An expedition up Akadake (Red mountain/peak? I guess)
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fv20111002a1.html
And some Eco friendly Logging using traditional low impact methods in a block of land in western Nagano near Kurohimegawa, owned by long term Japanese resident of British roots. C.W.Nichol.
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fe20111002cw.html
Nice reading.
Milton