Forest bathing
A gentle breeze through the trees and the echo of distant temple bells; time slows and your mind drifts… Even dreaming of forest bathing is relaxing. Pilgrims and ascetic monks have long revered Japan’s natural environment as sacred but it wasn’t until the 1980s that the term shinrin-yoku (“taking in the forest atmosphere” or “forest bathing”) was coined. After the Forest Agency of Japan studied the physical benefits of spending time in nature – by measuring blood pressure, pulse rate and stress hormones before and after – the scientific results were clear: immersing yourself in the deep green reduces stress.
From evergreens in the south to stands of spruce and fir in the north, almost 70 per cent of Japan is forested. On weekends, city dwellers escape the urban grind and Mount Takao, less than 50 minutes from central Tokyo by express train (alight at Takaosanguchi Station), is a popular destination for its sweeping views and tranquil hiking trails. It’s more packed than peaceful when the weather is fine so visit mid-week to wander wooded paths past waterfalls and to the Takaosan Yakuoin Temple. Finish with a soak at Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu (takaosan-onsen.jp), right next to the station.
For profound reverie, Kumano Kodo (a train journey from Osaka or Kyoto) is a UNESCO World Heritage Buddhist pilgrimage trail network that traverses the wilderness around Nara and Wakayama. Its paths – carpeted in rich moss and lit by filtered sunlight – wend through ancient cedar trees to the temples of Mount Koya. Tracks are signposted but a guided tour takes the guesswork out of navigating (and finding accommodation) so you can surrender to your surroundings. Kumano Travel (kumano-travel.com) is communitybased, with English-speaking local guides who will take you on a daytrip through the forest. Oku Japan (okujapan.com) offers a more leisurely and luxurious experience. with nine-day treks leaving from Kyoto. You stay at small inns each night, with incidental transportation and luggage forwarding included.