What is Shinrin Yoku?
森林浴 · Forest Bathing
The medicine of simply being in the forest
Shinrin Yoku — literally "forest bath" — is a practice developed in Japan in the 1980s as a form of nature therapy. It is not a hike, not exercise, and not botanical study. It is the practice of immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the forest, using all of your senses.
Decades of scientific research, particularly from Japan and South Korea, have demonstrated that spending time among trees can lower cortisol levels, reduce blood pressure, boost immune function, and promote a deep sense of calm and wellbeing.
What happens on a walk
- —We gather and settle with a simple opening, grounding ourselves in the present moment.
- —We walk slowly — very slowly — through the forest, guided by a series of gentle invitations to engage the senses.
- —There is time for stillness, for sitting, for silence. No rush.
The walks are typically 2–3 hours in duration, covering a very short distance. They are suitable for all fitness levels and require no special equipment — just clothing appropriate for the weather and an openness to slowing down.
"In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks."
— John Muir
Shinrin Yoku is now practised worldwide and is increasingly recognised by healthcare professionals as a valuable complement to conventional treatment, particularly for stress, anxiety, and recovery from illness.