SPRING | 2019
AUTHOR
D AY N A E N G B E R G
PHOTO
A
M O U N T F U J I , L A K E K A W A G U C H I K O , J A PA N
8
From their tranquil temples to serene Zen
gardens and calming outdoor spaces, the
Japanese are masters of finding inner peace
in the outer world. They’ve even named the
practice. Shinrin-yoku—literally “forest
bathing”—is the idea that spending time
outdoors in natural, wooded areas can heal the
mind, body and soul. This isn’t just spiritual
babble either; several studies recorded positive
effects on anxiety and depression, blood
pressure, sleep quality and even immune
response after being in the forest.
Nevertheless, as the home of the most
crowded city in the world, Japan often conjures
images quite contrary to inner peace and
relaxation. But Japan is not all neon-drenched
alleys and swarming city intersections. In
fact, these busy urban areas account for less
than 20% of Japan’s geography; the majority is
verdant rolling countryside and mountainous
forest—the kinds of tranquil landscapes that
birthed Shinrin-yoku to begin with.