Where to practice Shinrin-Yoku around the world
In the last few years, several paths worldwide have been created to fully enjoy the experience of “forest bathing”. Japan is the obvious destination. The Akasawa Natural Recreational Forest, one of the most beautiful forests in Japan offering eight paths that unravel around the conifers north of Nagoya, was appointed a forest-therapy base by the Forest Therapy Study Group of Japan in 2006, and there are countless trails and national parks one can take advantage of around the country.
In the US
The Forest History Society lists 49 national forests to choose from across the country. Some of the most stunning nature reserves are the Olympic National Park in Washington – a green, often wet, landscape in the Olympic peninsula filled with fir trees, lush ferns, and Bigleaf maples -, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park spanning across North Carolina and Tennessee, and Greensboro, in North Carolina. The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides is active all around the country, offering support to those who would rather start their journey in forest bathing with the help of an expert.
In Europe
Forestry England, the government-run organization that protects and manages forests in the United Kingdom, has published a guide on forest bathing in the country. Hundreds of forests are listed on their website, ranging from the Grizedale in the heart of the Lake District, to the Tollymore Forest Park in Northern Ireland. The Black Forest, bordering France in Southern Germany, is another excellent destination for mindful walking in nature, featuring 1.5 acres of pine woodlands dotted by pristine lakes. For those used to colder temperatures, Oulanka National Park in Finland is another sensational destination. If you are lucky, you may even get a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
New Zealand
Known for the Lord of the Rings movies’ incredible landscapes, New Zealand has no shortage of lush forests. New Zealand has a well-maintained network of national parks and long-distance hiking trails perfect for a full immersion in nature. The 9 Great Walks traverse the country’s two main islands, offering the opportunity to experience both the volcanic landscapes of the North and the awe-inspiring fiords of the South. Huts can be rented to spend the night in most national parks, although they can fill up quickly in high-season. Rudyard Kipling has described the UNESCO World Heritage site of Milford Sound as one of the wonders of the world – we couldn’t agree more.
Borneo
Those with a taste for the tropical might head to the island of Borneo, shared by Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. While many of Borneo’s ancient forests have been cut down to make space for palm oil plantations, a dozen protected national parks still offer the opportunity to dive into the millennia-old woodlands populated by orangutans, rare birds, and colorful reptiles. The Lambir Hills National Park in the Sarawak region and the Kinabalu Park in Sabah, which surrounds Malaysias highest-peak are two destinations that will be hard to forget once you get back to civilization.
In the last few years, several paths worldwide have been created to fully enjoy the experience of “forest bathing”. Japan is the obvious destination. The Akasawa Natural Recreational Forest, one of the most beautiful forests in Japan offering eight paths that unravel around the conifers north of Nagoya, was appointed a forest-therapy base by the Forest Therapy Study Group of Japan in 2006, and there are countless trails and national parks one can take advantage of around the country.
In the US
The Forest History Society lists 49 national forests to choose from across the country. Some of the most stunning nature reserves are the Olympic National Park in Washington – a green, often wet, landscape in the Olympic peninsula filled with fir trees, lush ferns, and Bigleaf maples -, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park spanning across North Carolina and Tennessee, and Greensboro, in North Carolina. The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides is active all around the country, offering support to those who would rather start their journey in forest bathing with the help of an expert.
In Europe
Forestry England, the government-run organization that protects and manages forests in the United Kingdom, has published a guide on forest bathing in the country. Hundreds of forests are listed on their website, ranging from the Grizedale in the heart of the Lake District, to the Tollymore Forest Park in Northern Ireland. The Black Forest, bordering France in Southern Germany, is another excellent destination for mindful walking in nature, featuring 1.5 acres of pine woodlands dotted by pristine lakes. For those used to colder temperatures, Oulanka National Park in Finland is another sensational destination. If you are lucky, you may even get a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
New Zealand
Known for the Lord of the Rings movies’ incredible landscapes, New Zealand has no shortage of lush forests. New Zealand has a well-maintained network of national parks and long-distance hiking trails perfect for a full immersion in nature. The 9 Great Walks traverse the country’s two main islands, offering the opportunity to experience both the volcanic landscapes of the North and the awe-inspiring fiords of the South. Huts can be rented to spend the night in most national parks, although they can fill up quickly in high-season. Rudyard Kipling has described the UNESCO World Heritage site of Milford Sound as one of the wonders of the world – we couldn’t agree more.
Borneo
Those with a taste for the tropical might head to the island of Borneo, shared by Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. While many of Borneo’s ancient forests have been cut down to make space for palm oil plantations, a dozen protected national parks still offer the opportunity to dive into the millennia-old woodlands populated by orangutans, rare birds, and colorful reptiles. The Lambir Hills National Park in the Sarawak region and the Kinabalu Park in Sabah, which surrounds Malaysias highest-peak are two destinations that will be hard to forget once you get back to civilization.