For the Japanese, the forest is a therapist, and forest bathing, or Shinrin Yoku, is a genuine spiritual and mindfulness practice in nature.
University studies have even shown that by walking among the trees, forest bathers stimulate their immune response by improving their cardiovascular and respiratory systems. More generally, the major benefit is a real sense of relaxation and mental clarity that can be felt during meditation.
In Japan, the country is criss-crossed by numerous trails specially designed for forest bathing, and there are also forest therapy centres where companies send their employees on seminars to combat overwork. Among the best-known trails is the Akazawa forest, where around 150,000 people take forest baths every year. There’s also the forest trail at Okutama, on the outskirts of Tokyo prefecture, a magical place where, after a few winding paths through the trees, the walk leads to a square with benches where you can gaze up at the stars when night falls… Shinrin Yoku is a real part of the Japanese way of life, and when you consider how long they live in good health, a walk in the forest can’t do any harm!
