GotoForest! 2024 brings nationwide forest bathing and reflections in Japan

As Japan celebrates Greenery Day on the upcoming May 4, the annual GotoForest! event enters its fourth year, aiming to reconnect people with nature and foster a deeper appreciation for the environment through forest bathing. Launched in 2021 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the initiative has faced and overcome significant challenges due to the virus’s impact on businesses, particularly those reliant on outdoor and tourist activities.

GotoForest! was conceived by forest enthusiasts and facilitated by the Future with Forest Organization. It encourages Japanese citizens to experience and appreciate local forests by participating in organized forest bathing walks and activities that are accessible to everyone, regardless of their previous experience with nature.

The event has grown in popularity, with participation numbers increasing each year. In its inaugural year, 374 individuals across 31 regions took part. By 2022, participation had expanded to 568 individuals. The theme for 2022 was “Clean & Green,” incorporating forest cleanup efforts alongside the walks. In 2023, the event focused on “Connection,” highlighting the importance of community and interaction, with 501 participants across 24 regions.

This year, organizers have introduced a theme of “Reflection,” encouraging participants to contemplate their connections to their ancestors, local communities, and the future environmental legacy for their children. The theme also promotes introspection about one’s wellbeing and that of others within the natural setting of a forest.

The GotoForest! initiative also emphasizes inclusivity and safety, with guidelines ensuring that events are easy to participate in and well-managed. A significant aspect of the program is its commitment to the “pay it forward” philosophy. The organization has decided not to charge a participation fee, relying instead on voluntary contributions to fund the ongoing efforts (transfer details on official webpage). This approach reflects a desire to build a community of forest lovers who support and sustain the event and its goals over the long term.

Details about participating locations for this year’s event are still being finalized, but confirmed areas include Hachioji in Tokyo, Kamakura and Sagamihara in Kanagawa, Umi in Fukuoka, Kyoto, Hamamatsu in Shizuoka, and Tsutsube in Hokkaido. More than 25 regions are slated to hold the forest bathing walks. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit the GotoForest! webpage for updates and more information on how to get involved in this enriching and restorative celebration of Japan’s natural landscapes.