The Wellness Advantages of Shinrin-Yoku: Adopting the Japanese Tradition of Forest Bathing
In the 1980s, Japan encountered a considerable crisis within the workplace. Workers were undergoing unprecedented levels of burnout and tension, but fortunately, recent research indicated a potential—and enduring—remedy. By 1982, the Forest Agency of Japan [implemented the practice](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9665958/) known as shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” asserting that phytoncides, a substance emitted by trees and plants, could enhance the immune response.
Decades later, it is widely recognized that engaging with nature can effectively reduce stress. Even a mere [20 to 30 minutes](https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/a-20-minute-nature-break-relieves-stress) spent in a natural environment can profoundly influence mental health and anxiety, while also [enhancing](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8125471/) blood pressure, sleep quality, and cognitive abilities. Thus, it’s no surprise that shinrin-yoku remains prevalent in Japan, with individuals exploring forests nationwide to absorb a blend of sights, sounds, and fragrances. The aim, [as noted by](https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/wholeness/a64995496/forest-bathing-japan/) Junichi Aida, chief guide at Yakushima Geographic Tour, is to “achieve mental serenity and tranquility through mere presence in nature.”
“By simply allowing the senses to direct the experience, both physical and mental advantages naturally emerge,” Aida adds.
Despite its name suggesting otherwise, forest bathing doesn’t entail disrobing and entering a river. Rather, it inspires us to remain present, enjoying the melodies of birds; the gentle breeze as it whispers through the trees; the crunch of leaves beneath our feet; the sun’s warmth gracing our faces; and the invigorating air. In these instances, we are invited to reflect on nature’s vast magnificence and allure.
“It’s [about] taking things slow,” Mark Ellison, a certified forest therapy guide and trail consultant, [shared with *CNBC*](https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/10/the-japanese-art-of-forest-bathing-can-improve-focus-lower-stress.html) during a recent discussion. “The crucial elements are to discover a spot where you can be uninterrupted, and then observe the surroundings.”
This may prove to be a challenge now more than ever, particularly given how distracting our everyday lives often are. Qing Li, a physician at Nippon Medical School in Tokyo and author of *Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness*, estimates that we spend [93% of our time](https://www.japan.travel/en/guide/forest-bathing/) indoors, and that [80% of Japan’s populace](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/jun/08/forest-bathing-japanese-practice-in-west-wellbeing) resides in urban settings lacking sufficient greenery. Based solely on these statistics, Li posits that, as a culture, we are afflicted by a “nature deficit disorder,” leading to a range of adverse feelings. However, this is where forest bathing provides relief.
“Ensure you have left your phone and camera behind,” he advises in his book. “You will be wandering slowly and aimlessly, allowing your body to take the lead. Pay attention to where it wishes to go. Follow your instincts. And take your time. It does not matter if you do not reach a specific destination. You are not on a journey.”
Gary Evans, of the Forest Bathing Institute in the UK, [reiterates](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/jun/08/forest-bathing-japanese-practice-in-west-wellbeing) this idea: “A more effective way to conceptualize forest bathing is as mindful time spent beneath the tree canopy for health and wellness reasons.”
The next time you immerse yourself in nature, keep in mind that you are not only benefiting yourself, but also actively engaging with the world around you.