October 6, 2025
Nature’s Prescription: Forest Bathing
What Forest Bathing Reveals About the Future of Global Tourism
Forest bathing is emerging as more than just a wellness trend—it’s an indicator of tourism’s shift from passive consumption to deeper connection with the natural world
Rooted in the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, forest bathing invites us to intentionally immerse ourselves in the forest atmosphere, activating all five senses while slowing down and mindfully engaging with nature.
Recent years have seen global participation surge, with bookings for regenerative, nature-based travel experiences—especially forest bathing—up 75% in Europe according to 2025 statistics.
Forest bathing isn’t just about individual wellbeing—it’s becoming integral to national strategies for public health and sustainable tourism. Regions in the UK, Germany and Scandinavia are developing certified forest bathing programs integrated with conservation eduation. In October, Sweden officially launched ‘The Swedish Prescription’, a pioneering program allowing doctors to ‘prescribe travel and cultural experiences including forest walks, sauna, and time in nature – all backed by science showing the benefits for mental and physical health.
Forest bathing honours the profound renewal of nature’s presence. Being immersed in nature is not merely a luxury—it is a vital investment in both personal vitality and environmental harmony.
The health benefits of forest bathing are supported by an expanding body of research.
*A recent article published in Forbes highlighted the Japanese tradition of Shinrin-Yoku, or “forest bathing,” or “immersing in the forest atmosphere,” beautifully captures the restorative power of simply being among trees. The benefits of forest bathing can extend to cities too: green spaces like parks are thought to reduce risks of depression, heart disease, and obesity, while also cooling neighborhoods, filtering pollution, and storing carbon.
*Studies reveal that forest bathing lowers cortisol, blood pressure, and heart rate while boosting immunity and mood.
*Forest bathing is effective for reducing sympathetic nerve activity, as well as improving negative mood, which could serve as a non-pharmacological treatment for mental health in the general population.
*Other studies have concluded that Forest bathing can significantly improve our physical and psychological health as well as enhances our ability to live an authentic life – being true to oneself, cultivating self-awareness and aligning one’s actions with inner values and beliefs rather than external expectations.
Over the years, I’ve experienced forest bathing in many countries including Australia, Japan, US, New Zealand – and Costa Rica! What stood out most in Japan, New Zealand, and Costa Rica was the rhythm of moving between hot springs, mountain hikes, and deep rainforest immersion.
If you are seeking an authentic forest bathing journey in Japan, discover more here. https://www.japan.travel/en/guide/forest-bathing/
Sources:
https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fpspi0000432
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9665958/
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1454992/full
https://environhealthprevmed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12199-019-0822-8