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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:
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380
Important notice: We are pleased to be able to offer so many amazing experiences in Japan. However, we are sorry that we can only include these as a part of a full Japan holiday package which includes your accommodation and transport alongside the experiences presented in this section of the web site.
Shinrin-yoku
Available throughout Japan
Interested in this Experience? It is included in this tour:
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Combine days of intrepid hiking along the 70km-long Shin-Etsu with a relaxing day off at a family-run inn in a rural village.
Shin-Etsu Trail Four-Night Module (Intermediate Hiking)
This four-night module offers the best of both worlds: three days of hiking along scenic sections of the Shin-Etsu Trail, along with a rest day in rural Togarinozawa Onsen where you can enjoy a farm stay experience. This module can easily be tailored to fit into a variety of Self-Guided Adventures.
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