Feeling stressed? Research has shown that nature therapy and forest bathing may help improve your health. In this article, we explore findings on the practice of “shinrin-yoku” and how nature may enhance your well-being!
Also, simply taking in nature around you may provide health benefits. Therefore, explore forests and nature locally and as you travel the world! Now, there are even walks and travel experiences to explore with a certified forest therapy guide!
What is “shinrin-yoku”?
The Japanese practice “shinrin-yoku,” or forest bathing, is rooted in traditions and encourages people to benefit from the therapeutic effects of being in a forest environment.
Technically, in Japanese, “shinrin” translates into forest or woodland. And the Japanese term “yoku” translates into well or often.
Essentially, when you go to a forest area, immerse yourself! Consciously and mindfully absorb the forest and nature around you. Enjoy the experience with all your senses!
Ultimately, the positive health benefits and findings give us more reason to get outside, spending time amongst the trees! And try to be out in nature more often!
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Forest Bathing Health Benefits
There have been studies on the human health benefits of “shinrin-yoku” not only in Japan, but more and more in medical science.
“Decades of research show that forest bathing may help reduce stress, improve attention, boost immunity, and lift mood.”
–Article “Can forest therapy enhance health and well-being?” by Susan Abookire, BSEE, MD, MPH, FACP (Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School website)
Forest bathing encourages us to experience the forest in an intentional way and through our senses (i.e. sight, smell, sound, touch, taste).
In general, research and studies suggest forest bathing effects include mental and physical health benefits.
Benefits of forest bathing may include the following effects and more:
- reduces stress and helps us feel calm and more relaxed
- reduces stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol
- reduces blood pressure
- enhances mood
- improves sleep
In this informative article from the National Library of Medicine, the health benefits and effects of forest environment are discussed from this official U.S. government website.
Notably, the National Library of Medicine article indicates forest bathing may have beneficial lasting effects on the body, even days after visiting a forest!
And it is important to note, as highlighted in this Cleveland Clinic article on forest bathing, that even a short amount of time can be good for you: “ideally, you should be immersed in nature for a few hours at a time, but even 15 minutes could make a difference.”
Therefore, if you cannot go to a forest, even a walk in a park or local green space to enjoy the beauty of nature may help improve your health!
Forest Bathing: Travel & Guided Experiences
Forest bathing can be experienced alone or with others. And remember, you do not have to travel far to enjoy the trees!
And, if you love to travel like us, experience forest bathing around the world! There are so many tours and experiences where nature is celebrated!
In fact, there are now forest therapy walks with certified guides in different countries for a more in-depth experience!
Places We’ve Visited with Amazing Forests
Notably, of course you can benefit from the beauty of nature without a certified guide!
Three examples of stunning natural environments that I have personally visited that offer beautiful forests are shared below!
These forest environments were indeed therapeutic and beautiful to explore!
France: The Gardens at Château de Versailles (The Palace of Versailles)
If you are visiting the famous residence of the kings of France, be sure to also explore the extraordinary, extensive gardens and landscapes at the Château de Versailles!
We spent a whole day at the Palace of Versailles – check out our detailed article here on our visit to the estate!
Explore Versailles tours here from Viator.com or these popular tours with hundreds of reviews below:
United States: Maui Rainforests & Bamboo Forests
I did an incredible full-day tour with my family during our Maui trip! We ventured on the Road to Hana, hiked the rainforest, and explored the stunning bamboo forest!
Exploring the natural forests of Maui and traveling the “Road to Hana” are one of my most recommended travel experiences! Just be prepared for a full day on a tour on the “Road to Hana”! It is a winding, but beautiful, scenic journey. However, the nature and adventure are worth it! Maui is truly spectacular!
Check out popular Maui tours from Viator with hundreds of reviews and free cancellation here or the two highly rated below:
Canada: Newfoundland’s Gros Morne National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
My husband and I enjoy hiking on our travels. And our hike in Newfoundland, Canada was incredible.
The Gros Morne Mountain Trail is located in Gros Morne National Park of Canada, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Gros Morne Mountain Trail:
- estimated time: may exceed six hours
- hike rating: difficult
- mountain Elevation: 806 m
- Government of Canada Parks Canada website – Gros Morne National Park, hiking:
The full-day hike was spectacular! However, I do not recommend the difficult hike to the mountain summit if you are an inexperienced hiker or scared of heights! Fortunately, we did the hike with my husband’s cousins who were very familiar with the challenging trail.
Explore Viator tours for Newfoundland & Labrador here with hundreds of reviews here.
Japan: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto
Although this popular tourist destination can be busy, the Arashiyama bamboo forest was amazing to see in person!
Walking amongst the tress and bamboo was stunning! To me, this natural attraction is a must-see if you are in Kyoto. It was a dream come true to finally experience the Arashiyama bamboo forest!
Also, my husband and I did a 6-hour private tour with government-licensed guide in Tokyo & Kyoto! We highly recommend it as you can customize your private tour to what you want to see (check back for our detailed article and review)!
ANFT Certified Trails, Spaces & Places
The practice of forest bathing and its benefits are becoming more well known and popular, especially in the United States. Therefore, guided forest bathing sessions and tours, as well as certified places and guides, for a more in-depth experience, is growing, and may interest you!
The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) provides “Certified Forest Therapy Trails, Spaces, or Places” on their ANFT website here.
Examples of ANFT trails which can be experienced are listed below. A certified guide may also be available for your forest bathing:
- Canada:
- Ontario: Scandinave Spa, Blue Mountain, Scandinave Forest Bathing Trail
- British Columbia: Radius Retreat forest bathing
- United States:
- Hawaii: Kahaluʻu Gallery and Gardens
- for several other U.S. locations explore the ANFT website
- Costa Rica:
Forest Bathing: Conclusion
The practice of “shinrin-yoku” and its beneficial effects, add to the joy we already feel when amidst beautiful trees and forests!
Travel certainly enables us to also enjoy the benefits of forest bathing and natural landscapes in different places and countries! And experiencing a forest therapy walk with a certified guide sounds like a new and more in-depth guided nature experience that I would like to try!
In summary, the potential health benefits of forest bathing simply provides even more reason to get outside and enjoy nature!
Happy travels and enjoy the beauty of nature!
Forest Bathing: Additional Resources
For more information on forest therapy or if you are interested in being a certified guide, there are forest therapy training programs that offer training and certification, such as:
Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT):
- Website: https://anft.earth/
- “the world’s leading provider of forest therapy guide training and certification.”
The Nature and Forest Therapy of Canada (NFTC):
- NFTC is Canada’s independent, non-profit organization for Nature and Forest Therapy
- lists ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guides throughout Canada
- website: https://natureforesttherapycanada.org/
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Our travel experiences described in this article were self-funded. The views and opinions expressed through this website are our own from personal experience(s). Our content and this article is informational only, not facts, and cannot be construed as professional advice. We always give our honest opinions on topics, experiences or products, made in good faith. Any product or service claims, made by the product or service, should be verified with the manufacturer or provider in question. There may be potential errors on our website, for example due to changes and unintentional mistakes. Thank you.
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