4 “Forest Bathing Tours” to enjoy nature in Tokyo

This is the season when the fresh greenery shines brightly with the soft spring sunlight. Just taking a deep breath in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, can be a strangely calming experience. It is precisely because it is spring that I would like to recommend “forest bathing.

The rustling of trees, the chirping of birds, the sound of leaves rustling in the breeze... a space where you can be healed through all five senses will create a special time that is different from your usual date. By relaxing yourself in nature, you can enjoy a relaxed conversation with your partner and catch a glimpse of a side of him or her that you would not normally see.

In this issue, we will introduce four carefully selected spots for a “forest bathing date” where you can spend a relaxing time and forget that you are in Tokyo, while enjoying the fresh greenery of spring with all your body. On your next vacation, why don't you spend a pleasant moment in nature while taking a deep breath?

1.A trip to the clear waters and unexplored regions

The “Clear Streams and Unexplored Areas of Tokyo” guided tour in the Akiruno City and Musashi-Itsukaichi area of Tokyo is a popular one-day experience plan that combines an electrically assisted bicycle and river trekking to fully enjoy the nature of the Akigawa Valley.

Guided by a local guide, visitors can easily navigate uphill slopes on an electrically power assisted bicycle while touring around giant trees, clear streams, and scenic spots in the valley.

Lunch will include a “canyon chairing” experience, where you can enjoy a special Cuban sandwich by a clear stream. In the afternoon, participants will wear waterproof clothing and special shoes for a river trek to a “secret waterfall” that can only be reached by walking through the river.

​After the tour, participants are free to do whatever they wish, and can also rent bicycles to visit the footbaths in the hot springs. All necessary equipment can be rented, so you can participate in the tour with nothing; the tour will meet and disperse at “Tokyo Urayama Base” in front of JR Musashi Itsukaichi Station, and will take about 5 to 6 hours. This activity is recommended for those who want to experience something out of the ordinary in the suburbs of a city.

Tokyo Urayama Base

住所	219-7 Tateya, Akiruno City, Tokyo
電話番号	050-1417-6751
営業時間	9:30-17:00
公式サイト	https://ura-yama.com/english/

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2.Get in touch with nature in an environment surrounded by ferns.

The “Hego Forest Guided Walk A: Hego Valley Course,” organized by the Hachijojima Tourism and Recreation Research Association, is a nature experience plan recommended for beginners and seniors. This course takes visitors on a 1.5 to 2-hour walk along a 1-km promenade, observing a cluster of hego trees and diverse ferns reminiscent of the dinosaur era. Flowers and other features that are not easily seen in Tokyo make this a unique and fascinating experience.

The elevation difference is only about 28 m, and visitors can enjoy plants such as sudajii, monstera, and ryubintai with explanations from a guide. The tour is held twice a day, at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The fee is 4,500 yen (including insurance and tax) for junior high school students and older.

Advance reservations are required for participation, so be sure to make a reservation! This tour is ideal for those who want to refresh themselves away from the hustle and bustle of the city while enjoying a relaxing time with nature's attractions.

Hachijojima Tourism and Recreation Research Association

住所	Nakanosato, Hachijo-machi, Hachijojima, Tokyo 2749
電話番号	04996-7-7027
営業時間	9:00-17:00
公式サイト	https://hachijo.org/

3.Only adults can understand the attraction! Moss Appreciation Party

The “Moss Observation for Adults” organized by “Kokea coquea” in Yozawa, Akiruno City, Tokyo, is a hands-on program guided by moss expert Ken Ueno to enjoy the rich nature of Yozawa and the world of moss with all five senses. In the morning, participants will walk along the promenade along the Yosawa River and observe about 20 species of mosses, including Zeni Moss and Cedar Moss. Using a loupe, participants will observe the delicate structure of mosses and learn about their ecology and characteristics.

After the observation, enjoy a special lunch “Shokuyotei Plate” made with local ingredients at Kokean coquea.

In the afternoon, after deepening their knowledge in a classroom lecture on moss, participants will try their hand at making a “mossarium,” a miniature moss terrarium.

This experience is designed for visitors to enjoy contact with nature while learning about the fascinating properties of moss. The tour takes about 5.5 hours and costs 5,500 yen (tax included), which includes lunch and materials for making terrariums. This plan is recommended for those interested in moss and terrariums and those who want to enjoy nature to the fullest.

coquea

住所	1134-i, Yozawa, Akiruno City, Tokyo
電話番号	070-4131-1076
公式サイト	https://www.instagram.com/coqueayozawa/

4.Lake SUP surrounded by greenery

​Lake Shiromaru, located in Okutama-cho, Tokyo, is a man-made lake formed by the Shiromaru Dam, and its emerald green surface and natural beauty that changes from season to season is an attraction. On SUP tours organized by Tama River Rafting Winds, you can take a leisurely stroll on this beautiful lake while being surrounded by nature.

Equipment such as life jackets and wetsuits are included in the price, so even beginners can participate without worry. The tour runs from March to November and takes about 3 hours. Participants bring their swimsuits, water shoes, bath towels, etc. After registering at the Okutama base, where the tour meets, they will receive basic SUP operation and safety instructions before setting out on the lake.

​On the lake, you can experience the fun of SUP while relaxing in nature. After the tour, photos taken during the experience can be downloaded from the online album, allowing you to keep your memories in shape.

Tama River Rafting winds

住所	2-411-1 Yuzuki-cho, Ome-shi, Tokyo
電話番号	0428-85-9210
公式サイト	https://winds-rafting.jp/en/

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Summary

How was it? Enjoying “forest bathing” surrounded by fresh spring greenery is a gentle time for both the body and mind, filled with healing and discovery. The appeal of this tour is that you can concentrate more on your partner's facial expressions and conversations by taking a short distance from your cell phone and facing nature.

Especially in April and May, when the fresh greenery is at its peak, the sunlight filtering through the trees and the scent of the breeze are extremely pleasant, making this an unforgettable day out. Whether you are feeling a little tired from your busy life or looking to deepen your relationship with your significant other, try taking a “forest bath” to be healed by nature on your next date. Let's spend some luxurious time together in a different kind of quietness and warmth.