Forest bathing on the Nakasendo trail - Blue Wings

This article, published in Blue Wings, the inflight magazine of Finnair, focuses on the benefits of forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, in Japan and on the Nakasendo trail. "The Nakasendo Trail is the perfect option for indulging in some multi-day shinrin-yoku. Meaning “path through the mountains,” this 534-kilometre former trade route between the Japanese capital and the city of Kyoto was established during the Tokugawa Shogunate (1600-1868). Today it offers hikers tree-lined paths, forest waterfalls, and a conveniently-spaced selection of post towns, each filled with picturesque wooden architecture and welcoming ryokan (traditional Japanese inns). “People come here to see cities,” says Baba Yoshihiko. “But they forget this country is 70 per cent forest. Shinrin-yoku is the perfect way to experience green Japan."