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SHINRIN'YOKU: 
"FOREST BATHS"

"Forest baths"

Shinrin'yoku 森林浴, the Japanese art of "healing" one's soul in the forests

"Forest baths", known as shinrin'yoku, is a fabulous way to experience the deep connection that binds Japanese people and Nature for millennia. 
Japanese people have been worshipping mountains and forests for as long as Japanese civilization has existed. Wherever there is a mountain, there is a kami (Shinto deity).
Come pay a visit to Tsuruoka's kami by venturing inside the forests and absorb all the good energy that emanates from the trees.

Our recommendations for forest bathing: 

Genso no Mori, the "Forest of Illusions" (Tozawa Village)

Genso no Mori, the "Forest of Illusions" (Tozawa Village)

Title:

Yamagata Prefecture Natural Public Park

An ancient cedar tree forest in Tozawa-mura village (near Mogami river), where one can experience shinrin'yoku yoga.

Area

Mogami, Haguro

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Required time:

1 hour

Mt. Kinbo

Mt. Kinbo

Title:

Tangible Cultural Property, Scenic Place of Beauty

The shrine got registered in the list of National Important Cultural Properties in 2001 for its importance in the history of the Shugendo religion.

Area

Yutagawa, Central Tsuruoka

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Required time:

1 to 4 hours

Minami Dani

Minami Dani

Title:

Matsuo Basho's Oku no Hoso Michi

Once a temple, now a ruin, this is a beautiful alternative hike on Mt. Haguro.

Area

Haguro

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Required time:

90 minutes

Kihi Shrine

Kihi Shrine

Title:

Natural Monument

The shrine worships Ukemochi no Kami (goddess of cereals and food), the Empress Jingu, and the legendary Yamato Takeru.

Area

Yura, Central Tsuruoka

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Required time:

30 minutes

Minakami Hachiman Shrine

Minakami Hachiman Shrine

Title:

Tangible Cultural Property

Its moss-covered stone path and its thatch-roofed shrine (National Important Cultural Property) give this place a timeless atmosphere.

Area

Yutagawa, Central Tsuruoka

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Required time:

30 minutes

Yuzusame Shrine

Yuzusame Shrine

Title:

Natural Monument

Though it was first built in 650, the current building is a reconstruction from the late 18th century.

Area

Yutagawa, Central Tsuruoka

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Required time:

30 minutes

Mizusawa's Kumano shrine

Mizusawa's Kumano shrine

Title:

Natural Monument

The shrine was first built during the 10th century. Behind the shrine, the giant cedar tree, which age has been estimated over 1000 years old, has been registered in the National Natural Monuments lists in 1927.

Area

Yutagawa, Central Tsuruoka

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Required time:

30 minutes

GO FURTHER:

The Rokujurigoe-kaido Path, a 44km long pilgrimage trail, used by Mt. Yudono's pilgrims for more than 1200 years.
Go see the sokushinbutsu mummies, the dragon god tree, and Mt. Yudono on foot.

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