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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: 303 952 0379
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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Lace up your hiking boots for a three-day hike along the Sekida Mountain's Shin-Etsu Trail.
Shin-Etsu Trail Three-Night Module (Intermediate Hiking)
This three-day hiking module introduces you to our favourite sections of the 70km-long Shin-Etsu Trail, allowing you to enjoy hiking through majestic beech forests and along mountain ridgelines. It can be added to many Self-Guided Adventures as it's easily accessible from Tokyo and Kanazawa.
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