Shinrin-yoku

森林浴
The art of forest bathing

It's a simple fact: spending time among trees makes you feel better. We might all know this on some level, but in the 1980s the Japanese coined a term for it. Shinrin-yoku literally translates as 'taking in the atmosphere of the forest'. Forest bathing in other words.

To forest bathe Japanese-style, you need to really slow down to absorb your surroundings. Pay attention to the details: the colours of the leaves, the quality of the light, the sounds you can hear, the feeling on your skin. Breathe deeply and simply observe.

67% of Japan is forested, that's some 25 million hectares. Some of our favourite spots for forest bathing are the bamboo groves of Arashiyama in Kyoto, the Nakasendo Way between Magome and Tsumago, the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails and the Shin-Etsu trail.

When to go:

Shinrin-yoku

Available throughout Japan

Interested in this Experience? It is included in this tour:

Feel a sense of achievement as you complete all six days and 70km of the Shin-Etsu Trail.

Shin-Etsu Trail Six-Night Module (Advanced Hiking)

On this adventurous six-night itinerary you can escape to the mountains for a week and hike the full length of the Shin-Etsu Trail through northern Nagano Prefecture. It's easy to slot this hiking module into many Self-Guided itineraries, so you can experience the best of urban and rural Japan.

Read more >

Other Outdoors experiences

Beginner's scuba dive
Ever fancied learning to scuba dive? Ishigaki Island is a great place to start.
Read more >
White water rafting in Minakami
For Japan's best white water experience, head to the Tone River in Minakami.
Read more >
Tokyo cycling city tour
Explore Tokyo by bike.
Read more >