Urban living sometimes feels like running on a treadmill – a repetitive cycle of things to do, deadlines, transportation, eating and sleeping. Get too much of the urban lifestyle and you’ll start to crave for something far removed from your daily urban routines.
Where to go and experience Shinrin-Yoku?
Let’s face it. We need to disconnect from the city, breathe nature’s fresh air and unwind from time to time. We needed to ground ourselves to keep from being overwhelmed from our busy daily schedules which is why I’ve put together my top 4 places to experience shinrin yoku or also known as “Forest Bathing”.
1. Hinohara Tokyo Citizens’ Forest
Located at: 7146 Hinohara, Nishitama, Tokyo
Hours travel but it is still part of Tokyo which would mean, if you’re living in Tokyo, then you can experience Forest Bathing by not going way too far. Just seeing the age-old landmarks and beauty of the waterfall will surely take you back centuries ago to everything “natural”.
Things to do, or places to visit nearby:
Kuzuryu Shrine
Hossawa Falls
Hinohara Castle Remains
2. Mount Takao
Located at Hachioji, Tokyo
Not interested in a historical site that is possibly nearby? How about a hiking trail.
Mt. Takao or Takaosan is a network of numbered hiking trails. Most of the folks that visit here take route 1 which will inevitably take to other exciting new places to see before you reach the peak after about 90 minutes – give or take. The hike will make your heart pumping and breathe fresh air. You’ll definitely appreciate the beauty of nature. Plus, you can reward yourself with a trip to an onsen.
Things to do, or places to visit nearby:
An observation deck that gives you a high view of Tokyo
Yakuoin Temple
Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu (hotspring)
Takao 599 Museum
Cherry Blossoms
3. Institute for Nature Study
Located at 5-21-5, Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Just like that mini-forest right at the center of NYC, so is this god-made nature reserve that is preserved for all generations to see and enjoy.
If you wish to flush out all the city noise and experience a little paradise, this is definitely the place to go.
4. Sayama Hills
Located at Tokorozawa, Saitama
11 kilometers wide, 4 kilometers long – this is one heck of place to get lost in. But, if you’re looking to immerse in the beauty of this magnificent, historical place that is adorned with perfect trees, then it’s probably a good idea to get lost here. Plus, the view of spectacular species of birds and animals will surely refresh your mind. Are you a fan of Ghibli’s “My Neighbor Totoro”? Then you’ll see this magical place is actually inspired from that animation. It’ll be like stepping to a different world.
Things to expect:
1000 species of animals
210 species of birds
400 ruins and fields from traditional Japan.
Conclusion
You don’t need to go too far out of the city. Sometimes, all you really need is a change of environment. I’m quite sure there are more areas in Japan that would seem you’re being embraced by either Ninigi or Gaea herself.
Still thinking about it?
Just know that nature isn’t likely to go anywhere ~ but we’ve got limited time to spend while we’re here. It definitely makes sense to take things slow, feel the embrace of nature, relax and unwind, and allow the spirits of nature (or the abundance of oxygen) to refresh your spirit.
References:
https://en.japantravel.com/tokyo/tokyo-s-hinohara-village/60650
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3029.html
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3044.html
https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/attractions/sayama-hills
https://thegate12.com/spot/710