Tsuruoka City,
The Blog
Tsuruoka City,
The Blog
Tsuruoka City,
The Blog
Tsuruoka City,
The Blog
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:
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
Required time:
30 minutes
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
Required time:
30 minutes
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
Required time:
30 minutes
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
Required time:
30 minutes
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
Required time:
1 to 4 hours
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
Required time: