The practice of spending time in a forest or other natural environment in hopes of forging a stronger relationship with nature and one’s immediate surroundings, forest bathing is being hailed as a way for wellness-minded travelers to engage with the great outdoors while improving their mental — and in some cases physical — health in the process. Going a step beyond simply spending time outside, forest bathing encourages participants to utilize all their senses to truly immerse themselves in the natural world, urging them to listen to every sound, feel the ground and the foliage, smell the smells, taste the freshness of the air and see the wonder of it all.
Simply thinking about the idea has a certain relaxing quality to it, and with reported health benefits such as positive effects on the immune system, improved mental health and decreased blood pressure and stress levels, it’s no surprise the centuries-old practice is capturing the attention of woodsy wanderers around the world.
So, whether you or someone you know are looking to reconnect with nature or are wanting to try something new, these are some of the best places on Earth to try out the forest bathing wellness travel trend.
In Japan
Often credited as the founding country of the forest bathing movement, in 1982, Tomohide Akiyama, former director of the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, coined the term “shinrin-yoku” to describe the therapeutic benefits of spending time outdoors to the Japanese public. Today, the idea has caught on, and people flock to Japan, which is largely covered in forest, to immerse themselves in the country’s vast greenery and rugged mountain landscapes. While visitors will find dedicated centers and tours specializing in forest bathing across the country, the Japanese Alps, Kii Peninsula and Yakushima National Park are cited as some of the best places to indulge in the practice in this beloved Asian destination.
In Canada
A dream travel spot for super fans of the History Channel’s hit series “Alone,” British Columbia’s Vancouver Island doubles as an excellent destination for forest bathing thanks to its sprawling vistas, rocky shorelines, inspiring hilltops and all-around secluded nature. In an article outlining Vancouver Island’s top locations to indulge in a little arboreal immersion, Hello BC named Mount Douglas Park with its thick timbers and rolling meadows, Macmillan Provincial Park with its 800-year-old Douglas firs and aromatic cedars and, lastly, Elk Falls Provincial Park with its powerful waterfall and daring suspension bridge as three of its favorites. Also coming in as not-to-be-missed outdoorsy sites, according to the DMO, are Cape Scott Provincial Park, the Wild Pacific Trail and Juan de Fuca Marine Trail.
In Sweden
Referred to as “skogsbad” in Swedish, forest bathing is a beloved pastime among Swedish people, many of whom enjoy sharing the practice with visitors to the bucket list Scandinavian destination. According to Visit Sweden, nearly 70% of the country is covered in forest with spruce, pine, beech, oak and ash trees being the most prevalent. Regarding the best places to embark on a skogsbad adventure of their own, Visit Sweden named Sarek National Park in Swedish Lapland, Skuleskogen National Park in the country’s High Coast region and Tyresta National Park just outside of Stockholm as some of the best spots to enjoy the outdoor activity. In addition to channeling all five senses to fully experience their natural surroundings, Visit Sweden says there are a few things travelers can do to really add a Swedish spin to their forest bathing experience including participating in activities like berry picking, bird watching and wild swimming (just like the locals!).
In Costa Rica
Another destination that’s largely covered in trees — ~50% of the country boasts vibrant green canopies — Costa Rica proves to be an ideal getaway for forest bathing hopefuls with its picture-perfect scenery and impressive biodiversity. And when we say impressive, we mean impressive as Costa Rica touts some of the most diverse wildlife on the entire planet with animals like monkeys, sloths, jaguars, anteaters, macaws, crocodiles, turtles, iguanas, butterflies, frogs and much more calling it home. Beautifully complimenting the otherworldly chorus of Costa Rica’s colorful creatures is its breathtaking beauty, which is sure to have visitors feeling awestruck as they traverse the country’s hanging wooden bridges and intrepid rainforest trails. A few favorite spots for forest bathing in Costa Rica include the cloud forest in Monteverde, Arenal Volcano and the Sarapiqui River.
In the US
Of course, people don’t need to fly across the world to embark in a little nature therapy. Forest bathing can be practiced anywhere — including busy urban areas. All that really matters is taking the time to slow down and tune into one’s surroundings, and there are plenty of beautiful places to do so right here in the U.S. On the west coast, travelers can visit California to participate in the various forest bathing courses and retreats across the state. Alternatively, if they want to take the process into their own hands, they can hit up one of The Golden State’s many beloved parks or natural areas such as Redwoods National Park, Yosemite National Park, Mount Shasta, Calaveras Big Trees State Park and more.
Two additional west coast favorites are Arizona and Hawai’i, both of which are known for their striking natural areas and opportunities for introspection. In Arizona, visitors can head to wellness hub Sedona for no shortage of outdoorsy and spiritual connection. Alternatively, Hawai’i offers wilderness galore in the form of sandy beaches, wet and dry forests and volcanic peaks to explore.
Heading east, Tennessee is also cited as a top spot for forest bathing, and with its pleasant year-round weather and convenient access to a plethora of both national and state parks, it’s easy to see why. Those willing to brave the crowds, may be interested in secluded pathways tucked away inside popular national parks like Great Smoky Mountains and Cumberland Gap. Alternatively, state parks like Fall Creek Falls, Burgess Falls and Rock Island are renowned among locals for their unmatched scenery and relaxing atmospheres.
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