Forest Therapy: Sharpening Our Five Senses In The Vast Nature

Hinokage, located in northern Miyazaki Prefecture, is a mountain village situated among a lush natural environment, with approximately 92% of the town’s land covered in forests. The deep, overgrown green forests, the Hinokage River with its crystal-clear waters, and the beauty of the Tsunanose River are a sight to behold. I’m told there are many visitors who come here searching for the deep blue and emerald green sparkling waters in summer to play in the river, fish in the mountain streams, and more. Hinokage is also home to the first certified forest therapy base in Japan. 

Akio tells me, “I found this only just recently,” as he shows me a brown broken fragment of something. “In this area, you can find the remains of earthenware from the Jomon Period (1000-300 BC) and relics from the pre-earthenware era. This is probably a piece of pottery from that time, and it’s rare to see one with a pattern on it. The other day I heard that a child who lives in the area also found something.” What an incredible place this is to be able to unearth objects from the distant past.

“Forest therapy is an attempt to apply the healing effects of the forest to one’s health, supported by scientific evidence. At the same time, this is also done with a desire to inform people about the declining forestry industry in Japan.”

But why do we feel refreshed and relaxed just by staying in a forest? “It is said that we feel relaxed and refreshed in the forest due to ‘phytoncide’ emitted from the trees. ‘Phytoncide’ is a substance produced within plants to protect themselves from harmful micro-organisms and insects, and it’s known to have a deodorizing effect. It also has an effect on human beings, such as bringing mental stability, sense of liberation, and relaxation by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system”.

Nowadays we can find green walls and rooftop gardens in the cities more often, but green in the vast nature looks a lot livelier. Fresh air, and the sound of trees swaying and birds singing. The aroma of flowers and plants gently flowing in the air, and the smell of soil. Even walking just a bit, you can feel that all five of your senses are being stimulated. Feeling the liveliness of the forest, we were able to be soothed and relaxed. Along the sides of the walking course, there were various kinds of plants. Mr. Takami, our guide would tell us each time we came across an interesting plant.

 Early spring is when the leaves fall from broadleaved evergreen trees. Each leaf has its own color and shape, none of them being the same.

“I think what’s fascinating is that various creatures - all being different, are living together. Plants grow with respect to one another so as not to disturb each other. Since long ago, all sorts of things were invented from what we learned from nature. Through this forest therapy, I hope more people come to recognize how magnificent the relaxing power of nature can be.” Sharpening our five senses in the forest, is not simply relaxing for us, but is a fantastic experience which brings us various inspirations. Why not consider implementing it in our daily lives?