Maria Katrina Paras

Article (news)

Japanese Nature Therapy

<p>At the core of being human, we’ve always been part of nature—an aspect we often forget as we stay glued to our screens: consuming content, doom-scrolling, and keeping up with a fast-paced online life. We tend to overlook the life outside our gadgets and fall into the trap of social media’s endless void. Only to realize, in the end, that we’re already functioning artificially, neglecting the therapeutic sounds of birds chirping in the trees, leaves gently falling, and our feet wandering away from the digital routine. Time for us to practice: <strong>shinrin-yoku.</strong></p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGnTfojTDT0/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A5390768.6%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1311" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Shinrin-yoku is a Japanese practice of spending time in nature to improve our well-being, immersing ourselves in the forest healing movements to regain our physical and mental health. </p><p>According to <strong>Yoshifumi Miyazaki</strong>, a retired university professor in Japan specializing in Environment, Health, and Field Sciences, and author of Walking in the Woods: Go Back to Nature with the Japanese Way of Shinrin-Yoku, forest bathing or nature therapy helps elevate our body’s condition. He explains that we are constantly overstimulated and stressed by today’s man-made world, making our temples more susceptible to disease. </p><p>While innovation may not directly harm us and often offers convenience on the surface, overexposure to flimsy algorithms could weaken our immune system and disrupt our attention span, hindering our brain’s ability to think creatively. The government-owned corporation, John Hay Management Corporation, noted that there are studies showing shinrin-yoku’s benefits, including reduced blood pressure, improved mood, reduced stress, increased ability to focus, improved sleep, and accelerated recovery from surgery or illness. This reiterated the power nature therapy possesses when harnessed adequately by our bodies, becoming the non-invasive treatment that affects the quality of our mind and translates this tranquility into a way to ease certain diseases.  </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Is the Philippines convenient for Nature Therapy? </strong></div><p>We always validate the need to engage in certain physical therapies and attend various nature healing sessions, as these help us get back on track. But realistically speaking, are the highly urbanized districts of Luzon truly capable of giving us the relaxation we need? Is there even enough greenery to begin with?</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-2" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/Czm40PcvARJ/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A5472273.9%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="746" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-2" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>To answer these questions, we did a quick run-through of places within Luzon where you can easily practice shinrin-yoku. Developing cities may flaunt their high-tech and towering buildings, but there are still hidden treasures in secluded areas, and we’re not gatekeeping them from you! These are spots that maintain healthy trees, are less populated, and are away from pollution.</p><div> </div><div><strong>Camp John Hay, Baguio</strong></div><p>Rich in culture and history, Camp John Hay in Baguio City serves as an ideal spot for nature therapy in Luzon. The area also offers plenty of activities to keep us off our phones and instead enjoy these empowering experiences.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1763352088695Camp John Hay.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Camp John Hay | @campjohnhayph</span></span></span></div><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong>La Mesa Eco Park, Quezon City</strong></div><p>Just an hour away from Manila, La Mesa Eco Park is the perfect nature retreat for those who don’t want to go on a long ride but still crave a touch of nature. You can either enjoy a simple forest picnic with your family or temporarily feel the trees embracing you with calm and comfort.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1763352258197La Mesa Ecopark.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">La Mesa Ecopark | quezoncity.gov.ph</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Masungi Georeserve, Rizal</strong></div><p>If you want a more adventurous nature trip, Masungi Georeserve is always a great choice. Having received multiple awards, Masungi not only serves as a place for nature healing but also as a space for self-discovery and recovery.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1763352475960SnapInsta.to_568524720_1236156318557522_1441452612167863427_n.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Masungi Georeserve | @masungigeoreserve</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Arroceros Park, Manila</strong></div><p>Arroceros Park is the nearest forest park you can visit within Manila. The plants are well-maintained, and the pathways are neatly paved, convenient for visitors who seek a refreshing breath of fresh air.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17633525614211719540715_urban-forest-manilajpg.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Arroceros Forest Park | climate.gov.ph</span></span></span></div><p>Our country is rich in natural resources and spaces where we can bask in the beautiful ambience of the forest. This holiday season, don&#x27;t forget to spend much-needed time with Mother Nature and take some time out from the hustle and bustle of the dizzying city.</p>

<p>Don't end the year burnt out—here's a quick guide on how to get away and enjoy Mother Nature!</p>

Don't end the year burnt out—here's a quick guide on how to get away and enjoy Mother Nature!

How to Use Japanese Nature Therapy for a Relaxed Year-End

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How to Use Japanese Nature Therapy for a Relaxed Year-End

Arci Claveria

Published Nov 17, 2025 12:00 PM PHT

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Updated Nov 18, 2025 01:02 PM PHT

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