De-Stressing with Forest Therapy

Staff Journal

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As cliché as it sounds, the power of nature is truly remarkable.

▲Listening to the sounds of the forest

Takeda-no-Mori

Takeda-no-Mori（External Link） is a public forest park located on the outskirts of Kofu City, registered in 2019 under “Kobushi” as one of Japan’s ten UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. There is plenty to enjoy at the Service Center, including craft workshops and other educational, nature-themed activities. However, the main attraction is their “forest therapy.”

▲Service Center at Takeda-no-Mori

What is Forest Therapy?

Forest therapy is a clinically proven practice to help de-stress by immersing oneself in nature. Without the proper guidance, it can be difficult to reach a relaxed state of mind amidst the overwhelming pace of today’s society. Takeda-no-Mori is home to a certified forest therapy base called, “Kenko-no-Mori,” with beginner-friendly trails and trained therapists who offer professional guidance to ensure a tranquil experience.

▲Mountain coral, therapy bento, and forest treats

Dressed in acorn-themed attire and a bright smile, our forest therapy guide, Miyazawa-san, led us through the 2.3 kilometer trail (total trail length is 22 kilometers). At several pit stops along the way, we had the chance to explore the forest through each of our five senses. Through sight and hearing, I was able to appreciate both the visual and audial beauty emitting from the trees and creatures that call the forest home. We gathered different leaves, and held them to our noses to compare their unique aromas. The citrusy smell of the leaves still lingered on my hands, as I took a bite of one of the forest’s autumn specialties—a crunchy walnut.

▲Nap on the acorn-blanketed forest floor

As we continued on the trail, more and more acorns began to blanket the forest floor. In a spot right where the sun rays peeked in through the trees, we laid down and closed our eyes. The quiet peacefulness of the forest incited this unexplainable sense of freedom, and the climax of our healing journeys began to unfold. With each deep breath of air, it felt as if the flow of time began to slow down.

▲Comparing blood pressure levels (before and after)

Benefits of Forest Therapy

By the end of the forest therapy session, I felt so much more relaxed—both physically and mentally. Luckily, we could see just how effective the session actually was by comparing our post-session blood pressure to the levels we recorded upon arrival. The difference was alarming to say the least, and it really opened my eyes to just how much stress can affect our bodies.

Before heading home, we took one last peaceful walk through the forest to find a spot to enjoy the delicious bento lunches we ordered from our therapy session (vegetarian options available).

▲Rejuvenated by the power of nature and a delicious bento