This is a 4-Day/3-Night Shinrin Yoku Certification Training in Nara, Japan. A maximum of 10 students per course is admitted. You will experience forest bathing, mindfulness practice, attend lectures and workshops, work on assignments and give a presentation to complete the program.
This is also your opportunity to visualize yourself in a retreat space or a training center which is designed to inspire you for your future development. Selected certified guides will have an opportunity to be part of The Mindful Tourist and guide forest bathing groups in their own countries.
Day 1: Welcome to Nara, the ancient capital of Japan
- Arrival and check-in at Toyouke no Mori, Nara
- Meet-and-greet
- Welcome pack giveaway
- Assignment brief
Welcome to Nara Prefecture, the ancient capital of Japan from 710 to 794 famous for its Deer Park. The place we will be staying throughout the program is Chie’s Experiential Farm Stay, Toyouke no Mori, located in a quiet area south of Nara City. Here students will get an opportunity to really enjoy the Japanese countryside and way of living.
On the first day, the program starts with a welcome dinner on your arrival day to give everybody the chance to get to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere, before embarking on the adventure together. All meals throughout your stay are self-prepared, using Chie’s fresh organic vegetables picked from her farm located on property. Students have full access to the kitchen and the dining hall.
The rest of the evening is at leisure and an early night is recommended to have an early start in the morning full of energy.
Day 2: Walk the Forest of Gods, Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest, Nara
- Pass through Nara Deer Park and historical landmarks
- Mindful walk and Forest Bathe at ancient Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest, Nara
- Farm stay, Nara
After cooking and enjoying plant-based breakfast at the guest house, we head to Nara Deer Park, which is en-route to the 11.5km hiking course that runs through Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest takes in ancient cedars, colorful maples and offers vistas out over Nara Park and the city below.
The World Heritage Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest, which is behind Kasugataisha Shrine, has remained virtually untouched since hunting and logging were prohibited in AD 841. The forest was off-limits to the public until after WWII, which has helped preserve its rare flora and fauna.
Students will make notes on and analyze what they see, hear, smell and sense in the forest of Japan. The data will be used to compare to the forest in their countries of residence or the forest they are familiar with.
Day 3: Instructor’s Training and Self-Reflection, a mindful practice
- Morning walk to Shoryakuji Temple
- Lecture and workshop
- Training
Practice Ichigo Ichie (一期一会), being fully in the present, in all we do. Silently walk through a forested area to Shoryakuji Temple and enjoy the morning calmness. Return to the farm house, prepare and enjoy the morning meal, a meditative practice.
Today is a full of training and practice, with small breaks in-between.
The evening will be spent at leisure to reflect on your day or work on assignments. Using of mobile devices is discouraged, so here is your opportunity to do a digital detox, reconnect with yourself and foster human relationship.
Day 4: The Final Day
- The presentation / discussion
- The Mindful Space assignments brief
Get up and go for a morning walk. We will then come back to the farm to have breakfast together.
To conclude the training, participants are required to give a presentation on Forest Bathing ideas in their home country. Instructors will provide an access to The Mindful Space and brief students on assignments to be completed after departure.
– The training ends at 10:00 –