Among buildings and asphalt, the honks of horns and the rhythmic beeping of crossing signals, there’s little nature to be seen. Trees are young and those that grow wild are cut back to nearly unrecognizable states. I love my life in the city, easily visiting cafes and walking to nearby shops, trying new foods at restaurants I’ve never been to before.
But I still long for the time in my life when I lived in the countryside. I could step out the door and see absolutely nothing but trees and blue skies. My home was often visited by forest creatures though the guests rarely stayed. Mother deer would linger in the yard with their young fawns, grazing peacefully without a hint of fear.
There was no need to rush. There was nowhere to go. These were quiet moments, and I often found myself reflecting, learning from nature, feeling all my worries and tension leave me. In Japan there was a public health initiative that pushed people to return to nature. The phrase shinrin-yoku (森林浴) can be translated as ‘forest bathing’ as in bathing in the atmosphere of the forest.
It was first introduced in 1982, a newer word and concept, meant to encourage citizens to take breaks from urban life and go hiking.
The Origins of Japan’s Quiet Wellness Movement
Hiking and mountain climbing aren’t new concepts. Humans have been doing it for hundreds of years, thousands really. But the idea that nature has an effect over our mental health is a newer concept. Rapid urbanization and industrialization can add an insane amount of pressure on our nervous system.
The constant noise, the never-ending notifications, the tasks that pile up at work… They’re far more stressed than any human brain was ever meant to handle. If you’re a fan of JRR Tolkein then you likely know he had similar thoughts. Nature, in and of itself, is healing. It’s sacred.
Unlike hiking and other outdoor sports, shinrin-yoku is meant to be done mindfully, gently. Listening to the wind rustle leaves and breathing fresh air can be a form of meditation that relieves stress. In fact, Japan supports the idea so much that it set up designated areas to allow people to enjoy forest therapy.
Cultural Roots and Scientific Backing
Japan’s ties to nature originally came from the shinto religion. In shinto, natural landscapes such as mountains and trees are often viewed as sacred. Old trees can be seen with thick rope tied around their trunks, signaling to others that it’s a sacred tree not to be cut down. Mountains such a Mt. Fuji are considered sacred, some considered ‘power spots’. Together with Buddhist practices of mindfulness and compassion, it’s no surprise that shinrin-yoku came about.
It isn’t just a theory. In the 1990s and 2000s, Japanese researchers began formally studying its physiological effects. One of the most prominent researchers, Yoshifumi Miyazaki, conducted studies measuring cortisol levels, blood pressure, and heart rate variability before and after time spent in forest environments. Findings suggested measurable reductions in stress hormones and improvements in parasympathetic nervous system activity.
Should you find yourself in Japan and need to take a break from all the rushing, there are plenty of beautiful places to visit for shinrin-yoku.
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