Shinrin Yoku Japan Trip | creativeroots

SHINRIN YOKU -FOREST BATHING AT OKUTAMA IN JAPAN

During my trip to Japan, I had the opportunity to experience the Japanese wellness practice Shinrin Yoku known as Forest Bathing. From Tokyo, we traveled to Okutama Town which is located at the outskirts of Tokyo. The Okutma Forest Therapy offers a variety of programs such as Forest Bathing walks, Forest yoga, Aromatherapy, Soba noodles Cooking class and much more. The Forest Therapy Base in Okutama has five therapy roads where you can enjoy forest bathing walks. Prior we started our Forest Bathing walk we had a Health Check, where we had a blood pressure test and saliva test which measures your stress and cortisol levels. The tests are done before the walk and after the walk. Shinrin Yoku is a Japanese research-based practice which supports and promotes physical and mental health through the immersion in the forest.

After having our health check done, we meet with our Forest Bathing Guide, Masuzawa. He led us to the Forest Therapy Trail. We began walking at a very slow pace and we were encouraged by our guide to tune into our senses taking in the natural scent of the forest. There was so much lush vegetation and wildlife around us! I found myself stopping often and exploring the different plants, flowers, fauna, even insects including a Japanese Orange Ladybug.

Throughout our Forest Therapy walk our Guide share with us his knowledge about Japanese trees. We learned about Hinoki, Japanese Cedar or Sugi which is regarded as the national tree of Japan. Our guide invited us to take various leaves from the tree, then by rubbing them in our hands we could smell and enjoy the scent of Japanese cedar.

As we continue to immerse ourselves through the forest, we stopped at a sitting area next to the river at a very calm and serene spot which was perfect to enjoy our forest tea ceremony. Although the forest tea ceremony was different from the traditional Japanese ceremony still represents the same Four Principles known as Wa, Kei, Sei, and Jaku (harmony, respect, purity, and tranquillity) In Japan, a tea ceremony is a very important ritual that has been an integral part of the Japanese culture for centuries. So a forest tea ceremony is an essential element of the of Shinrin Yoku Forest Bathing experience.

The Forest tea was made by our guide with native plants and a variety of herbal blends including Japanese oolong tea. There is something magical about a forest tea ceremony along with the forest walk, it’s a beautiful practice that naturally helps you to slow down, reconnect with yourself and enjoy nature and each other’s presence. That day I learned an old Japanese proverb that originated from the Japanese tea ceremony over 500 years ago. Ichi-go Ichi-e that means “ one chance, one encounter, one opportunity”

After our forest tea ceremony, we continue our forest bathing walk, soaking up the beauty of nature, walking mindfully and being fully present. Our guide encouraged us to take park in the Okutama Fore-respiration method is a breathing method that aims to promote health by actively ingesting compounds that come from trees such as phytoncides. During the deep breathing, I felt very relaxed, enjoying the peaceful sounds of the forest.
Shortly after, we headed back to the Forest Therapy Base where we had our second health checks. After spending over two hours in the forest and experiencing the therapeutic benefits of the forest my blood pressure was down. According to Japanese researcher Dr. Qing Li, the effect of lowering blood pressure is due to breathing in the alpha pinene, which is one of phytoncide emanating from trees.

For our lunch we took part in a traditional Japanese cooking class, at the Forest Therapy Centre, where we made our own soba noodles from scratch - they tasted amazing along with locally made side dishes.

Our Shinrin Yoku Japanese experience was truly fantastic! After our day in the Forest, I felt much happier, relaxed, grounded and overall a stronger connection with nature. Since my Japanese Forest Bathing Experience, I have trained as a Certified Natural Mindfulness & Forest Bathing Guide and Certified Shinrin Yoku Guide. Join one of my forest bathing walks and experience the medicine of the forest, you will leave feeling relaxed, calm and replenished.

Diana