Shinrin-Yoku: The Japanese Art Of Forest Bathing

Did you know that spending time in forests can have an immensely positive effect on both your psychological and physical health?

Shinrin-yoku (森林浴)—which literally translates to “forest bath”—is the Japanese practice of “bathing” oneself in nature with the intention of receiving therapeutic benefits. Beginning in Japan in the 1980s (the word itself was coined by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in 1982), the practice of shinrin-yoku has since spread widely across the planet. There is now a wide range of guided tours operating within Japan and all over the world that teach the benefits of forest therapy.

How To Forest Bathe

The actual practice of shinrin-yoku is very simple. Take a few hours out of your busy life, head to a densely forested area and let the trees do the rest.

Take a walk. Perhaps sit for a little while next to an idyllic, babbling stream. Turn your phone off for a few minutes and sit mindfully in a place undisturbed by tooting horns or busy crowds.

Research conducted across 24 different forests in Japan shows that spending time in forest environments can:

• Reduce cortisol concentrations
• Lower pulse rate
• Lower blood pressure
• Increase parasympathetic nerve activity
• Lower sympathetic nerve energy

Simply put, spending time in nature benefits your physiological and psychological well-being more than time spent in the city. Shinrin-yoku studies have shown inconsistent outcomes. However, there’s nothing wrong with taking a few hours to reconnect with nature.

5 Places To Try Shinrin-Yoku Near Tokyo

Tokyo, the world’s most populous metropolitan area, is not necessarily known for its abundance of pristine, untouched forestry. While you won’t find a Ghibli–style natural wonderland nestled discretely between Shinjuku and Shibuya, there are at least a few places in and around the city that can help you get back to nature. Here are a few of the smaller havens within the city limits, plus a few more further out. Escape the hustle and bustle and find a moment of peace to practice shinrin-yoku at these locations:

1. Sayama Hills (Totoro Forest)

© Photo by Pixta: creampasta

Affectionately called the “Totoro Forest,” Sayama Hills is about a 50-minute train ride from Ikebukuro. The closest station is a small trek from the trees that are said to have inspired Hayao Miyazaki himself. After all, this forest is the setting for My Neighbor Totoro.

Next to the forest is the artificial but beautiful Sayama Lake. On a clear day, Mt. Fuji can be seen from the banks. Ghibli fans, be sure to check this one out!

• Where: Tokorozawa, Saitama
• Closest Station: Seibu-Kyujo-mae Station

2. Hinohara Tokyo Citizens’ Forest

One hour and 45 minutes west by car from central Tokyo (much, much longer by train) is Hinohara Tokyo Citizens’ Forest—Hinohara Tomin no Mori. While Nishitama is a bit out of the way, it’s technically still located in Tokyo. It’s well worth the trip if you’re able to go!

Located on the side of Mt. Mito, the forest is known for its lush greenery, stunning beauty and pristine waterfalls. There’s a route up the mountain known as “Therapy Road” (also labeled the “Waterfall Route Course”). The Forest Therapy Society has approved this route as one of the ideal locations to reduce stress and lower blood pressure.

• Where: 7146 Hinohara, Nishitama, Tokyo
• Access Station: Musashi-Itsukaichi Station (An express bus is available from here to the forest)

3. Mount Takao

© Photo by iStock: Satoshi-K

A popular hiking spot for tourists, Mount Takao is only an hour out of central Tokyo. Though rather busy on weekends, the mountain is covered in dense forestry and makes for a wonderful place to get back to nature.

Trails #1 and #4 are the most popular choices, with comfortable, paved walking tracks. However, we recommend taking Trail #6 for its winding, less-beaten path that will take you right past the lovely Biwa Falls. Mount Takao is especially popular—and beautiful—during the autumn and cherry blossom seasons. To get a bit of peace and quiet, try climbing the mountain early or on weekdays!

• Where: Hachioji, Tokyo
• Closest station: Takaosanguchi Station

4. Institute for Nature Study

© Photo by iStock: relax

Operated by the National Museum of Nature and Science, the Institute for Nature Study is located in the middle of the busy city, just a five-minute walk from Meguro Station. The reserve has been an Imperial estate since 1917 and is dedicated to preserving Tokyo’s natural flora.

For only ¥320, visitors can wander this lush sanctuary and truly lose themselves in the otherworldly preservation of this space which, by design, aims to bring people in touch with nature. This a fantastic place to take some time out and practice shinrin-yoku without leaving the city.

• Where: 5-21-5, Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• Closest Stations: Shirokanedai, Meguro Stations
• Entry cost: General: ¥320; High school students and younger: Free!

5. Arisugawa-no-miya Memorial Park

© Photo by iStock: Taiki Kawasaki

Though Tokyo contains many botanical gardens, few are as perfect for shinrin-yoku as Arisugawa-no-miya Memorial Park. Home to both densely forested sections and two waterfalls that babble idyllically to any brook outside the city limits, this park is fantastic for those looking for an opportunity to immerse themselves in nature without having to stray too far from home. Conveniently, the park is just a five-minute walk from Hiroo Station.

Arisugawa-no-miya Memorial Park is a wonderful place to get back to nature, take some time to yourself and enjoy a moment of tranquility in the heart of the busy city.

• Where: 5-7-29 Minamiazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• Closest station: Hiroo Station

Have you ever tried shinrin-yoku? Where are your favorite forest bathing spots near Tokyo?

This article was originally published in 2018 and updated in 2025, with the latest information.