MAY 2024
JAPAN’S HEALING FORESTS (PART 1)
Japan is one of the most forested countries in the world, with approximately 70 percent of its land area covered by forest. There are many rich and diverse forests that have been nurtured over a long period of time. In Japan, the practice of relaxing in such a forest, away from the busy daily life, is called ‘Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing)1’, and overseas it is also known as ‘Shinrin-Yoku’ as the Japanese term implies. Actually, forest bathing has scientifically proven health benefits. This issue of Highlighting Japan introduces readers to some of Japan’s most famous forests, including the Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest in Nagano Prefecture, the birthplace of forest bathing, the Akan Mashu National Park, the Shirakami Sanchi Mountain Range, and the ancient pilgrimage routes of Kumano Kodo, as well as various initiatives that utilize forests.
1. The Japanese term for ‘Shinrin-Yoku’ is forest bathing. Shinrin means ‘forest’ and Yoku means ‘bath.’ Shinrin-Yoku literally means forest bathing, or ‘taking in the forest atmosphere’ for therapeutic results.
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[THEME FOR MAY] JAPAN’S HEALING FORESTS (PART 1)
![[THEME FOR MAY] JAPAN’S HEALING FORESTS (PART 1) Cover](/en/assets/202405_theme.jpg)
