Shinrin-yoku (translated as “forest bathing”) began in Japan in the 1980s. Rooted in Shinto and Buddhist traditions of reverence for nature, the practice involves a full sensory immersion in the outdoors. Health studies conducted in Japan, Europe, North America, and elsewhere around the world, document the mental and physical health benefits of quiet time spent in nature, including lowered blood pressure and stress hormone levels, as well as improved mood and cognition. Many recent studies are focused on the health benefits of time spent in natural landscapes within cities.
Experience forest bathing as Melanie Choukas-Bradley, a certified nature and forest-therapy guide and author of several nature books, including Wild Walking—A Guide to Forest Bathing Through the Seasons, leads a 2-hour walk in the Enid A. Haupt Garden at the Smithsonian Castle. Move slowly to soak up the beauty of the Moongate Garden, inspired by the Chinese Temple of Heaven; the Fountain Garden, modeled after the Court of the Lions at the Alhambra; and Victorian Parterre. This unique and restorative celebration of the beauty of autumn in one of the garden gems of the nation’s capital is the perfect way to learn why forest bathing is becoming popular all over the world.
All participants receive a signed copy of Wild Walking—A Guide to Forest Bathing Through the Seasons (Rock Point).
Know Before You Go
- Tour participants meet at the entrance to the S. Dillon Ripley Center (1100 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC).
Additional Date Options for this Tour
General Information
- Registration for this tour will end by 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.
- Smithsonian Associates is a mask-friendly environment. Please feel free to bring and wear a mask at any time during a tour, both for your safety or the safety of others.
- As we aim to move away from single use water bottles, guests are strongly encouraged to get in the habit of bringing their own reusable water bottle on tour.
- For additional tour information:
