Shinrin Yoku Guide Training in Japan

15 weeks online + 5 days in Japan

Blended Shinrin Yoku Guide
Training in Japan

Learn the art and the science behind forest bathing and get certified as a Shinrin Yoku Guide in Japan, where Shinrin Yoku (森林浴) or Forest Bathing was originated.

Blended Forest Bathing Guide Training
(15-weeks Online + 5-day immersion in Japan)

As a The Mindful Tourist ‘s Shinrin Yoku Guide, you’ll be helping others connect with nature in a deep and meaningful way, facilitating experiences that promote physical, mental, and emotional wellness. You’ll learn how to guide people through tapping into your authentic self, our compassionate approach, and the healing power of the natural world.

But it’s not just the content of the training that makes it so special – it’s the location itself. Nara is home to some of Japan’s most beautiful forests, and you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in their tranquility and majesty as you learn. You’ll also be surrounded by a supportive community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for nature and holistic wellness.

Becoming a Shinrin Yoku Guide is not only a rewarding career path, but a powerful way to make a positive impact on the world. By helping others connect with nature and deepen their relationship with the environment, you’ll be contributing to a more sustainable and harmonious future for all. So if you’re ready to embark on a journey of personal growth and transformation while also making a difference in the world, a Shinrin Yoku Guide training in Nara is the perfect place to start.

Read about our compassionate approach HERE.

Enrol on our 15-week online training

Complete our 15-week online Shinrin Yoku Guide training before or after the 5-day immersion in Japan.

Get ready for Japan

Our assistant will guide you every step through the process before arriving to Japan for the 5-dayt immersive in-nature training

Practice
Get the practice and learn to share your skills with others in our Shinrin Yoku Guide training. Understand what it takes to make unique Shinrin Yoku sessions.

In-nature Training in Japan

24 – 28 April 2023 – Recruitment is now Closed

2 – 6 October 2023 – Recruitment Open
9 – 13 October Recruitment Open 

This is a partial payment for our blended (15-week online + 5-day immersion in Japan). Choose your preferred time and date. Once we received a notification of your payment, you will be contacted within 24h by our assistant.

Once you make a payment of 1300 USD, you will secure your place for 5-day immersion training in April or October (there is limited number of places). The remaining part must be paid by the end of March  or by the end of August 2023.

If you have any questions, please fill out the form. Please also indicate which training batch you wish to participate.

What is included​

TMT Shinrin Yoku Certification Training in Japan

USD 2,599 / person (subject to 10% Japanese consumption tax)
  • 15-week Online (Guide)
  • 4-night Japanese-style accommodation in Nara
  • Forest Bathing & Nature Connectedness Training Materials
  • Foundation to guide a 2-hours Shinrin Yoku session
  • 10 practice sessions (minimum of 4 during a 5-day immersion)
  • Venture-into-the-forest experience
  • TMT t-shirt
  • Self-prepared meals from the organic garden, excluding arrival and departure day
  • Transportation from JR Obitoke Station to the training location
  • Sustainable living and conscious business experience
  • A certification upon successful completion of the program
  • Listing on The Mindful Tourist website showcasing your profile and a link to your business
  • * Pay 50% upon official registration
  • * In case of further tourist ban, there training is going to be rescheduled

Shinrin Yoku Guide Training Online (15 weeks Online)

Weekly Training Outline

The Mindful Forest Bathing

Week 1-5

The Mindful You

Week 6-10

The Mindful Business

Week 11-15

Shinrin Yoku training with The Mindful Tourist
Forest Bathing Training online with students on the screen

Choose your 15-week Online Training

May 2, 8 am (GMT-3) – Tuesday
May 12, 8 pm (GMT-3) – Friday
May 19, 6 pm (GMT-3) – Friday

June 5, 8 am (GMT-3) – Monday

June 29th, 8 am (GMT-3) – Thursday

Register for October Intake

In-nature Training in Japan

24 – 28 April 2023 – Recruitment is now Closed

2 – 6 October 2023 – Recruitment Open
9 – 13 October 2023 Recruitment Open 

You will be able to unsubscribed any time =).

Shinrin Yoku Guide Training In-Nature (Japan)

In-nature Training in Japan

24 – 28 April 2023 – Recruitment is now Closed

2 – 6 October 2023 – Recruitment Open

Yokoso

Day 1

Let's start

Day 2

Dive in

Day 3

Immerse

Day 4

Mata ne

Day 5

"Silence is a profound melody, for those who can hear it above all the noises."
Socrates

Training Location and Accommodation​

Additional Notes​

  • Price does not include airfare or any travel or medical insurance, transportation, meals or drinks outside of what is specified above, alcoholic beverage.

  • The food and drinks offered during the tour are carefully selected by The Mindful Tourist with the help of our local partners. They are whole-foods, plant-based meals.

  • If you wish to have a meat-based diet, you may make the arrangement in advance.
  • The program includes Welcome Dinner on the arrival day and 10 whole-foods plant-based meals, throughout the program.
  • The tour includes walks in the forest and basic-moderate level of fitness is required. Since some activities are outdoor, they are weather permitting and will be changed as required.
  • The groups are small (up to 5 people)l, often an international mix of nature lovers, practitioners, and, at times, writers and bloggers. Photos will be taken during the program and used for our website. By signing up, you give us the permission to use the photos you appear on.

  • Traditional Japanese style accommodation with futons or Japanese mattresses is part of the program to give guests an authentic Japanese experience. The accommodation on our itinerary come with a shared bathroom and a shared bedroom, which is common in Japan.

  • As part of the practice, all meals throughout your stay are self-prepared, but as a community, using Chie’s fresh organic vegetables picked from her farm located on property. You are expected to wash the utensils used after you are done with the meals.

Our trainings have ISO credentials

Our  Shinrin Yoku Guide Trainings (Forest Bathing) received the Quality Management System Certificate acc. ISO 9001:2015 in the field of training services by the European Center for Quality and Promotion.

About Creative Director

Milena The Mindful Tourist Co Founder and Creative Director

CEO & Creative Director of The Mindful Tourist, MChem (UK), PhDEng (Japan), MScPsy (UK)

Milena spent 18 years outside Poland, including 10 years in Japan. She first encountered Japanese culture when she went on a one-year internship in Japan while studying in England. This year changed her life. After graduating with a master’s degree in chemistry, she went to the country of sakura again to study PhD in engineering, applicable physics. During this time, she taught at universities using ‘reflective education’ and ‘student-centered approach’, as well as exploring the forest and cultural corners of Japan. It was in the forest that she found her path. It was there that she found her creative soul and goodness in herself.

Her faith in the goodness of people and connection with nature, her scientific background, knowledge of teaching methods, as well as  Japanese language allowed her to create informative trainings.  Milena completed her master’s degree in psychology in 2022, and her research project addresses the role of nature in regulating emotions. A scientific article from her master’s thesis in English will be available soon. She is now collaborating with Prof. David Sheffield (Nature Connectedness Group of Derby University) on the influence of psychedelics on connecting with nature and Polish State Forests to spread Shinrin Yoku as an mental-health intervention and as response to the climate crisis. 

Milena has trained almost 80 forest bathing guide; she is the author of the guide and instructor courses.

What Students Say​

The Mindful Tourist exceded all of my dreams and expectations. I feel inspired and empowered to guide in nature. I have learned so much about myself and my skills to leap into service in my community.
I am eager to see what comes of this valuable experience. It was a challenge to participate in this program during our coldest winter months in Minnesota, on average around -20 Celcius! It leaves me dreaming of the warmer months ahead, as well as a commitment to build a community sauna & warming house for our woodland property! Expanding on wellness, community, mind-body connection and the splendor of staying in nature all day!
I am in awe of Milena and her gifts as a guide and coach. Thank you Milena! I look forward to in-person forest bathing in Japan with you- one day!
maid the program so much more.
Thank you very much

Julia

What a beautiful, insightful , inspiring 15 weeks this has been. When i first started this course, i thought i was going to learn some new insights and skills. Boy was i wrong. What i learned during this program was so much more.

The course and Milena in specific opent up a potential in me what was hidden for a long time. Before this training i was all ready working with people in nature. But this training provided me with the missing dots and links. Milena inspired me to follow my heart and go full for nature coaching and shinrin yoku. 

The program and the assignments helped me to discover the full potential of shinrin yoku and nature connectivety . But that said what i really gone a miss are the weekly conversations whit Milena. She maid the program so much more.
Thank you very much

Michael

It’s soo amazing to see how an online program can encourage you to take new steps in your life and urge you to change your way, 

Shinrin Yoku was such a rich and inspiring program, I have learnt a lot not only from the program itself but also from the team and of course Milena, 

I discovered many things about me, I remembered actually what I like and what I dislike, 

This program made me creative and inspired, I loved this experience and it’s really sad that we are coming to the end…

An end that will open new doors, new bright doors, 

Thank you everyone, it was lovely, inspiring, creative amazing, full of feelings and wonderful program 

I am sad that today is the last day, but happy and proud of myself that I did it! 

Now I have a certificate and new real friends! Much Love!  

A woman on grass

Dhouha

I can’t remember ever taking a class where the harmony and energy was so right off the bat. After the first meeting I felt I had arrived in a way I hadn’t in a long time. It is not only the topic that unites us but also something deeper, an inner basic attitude towards life and nature. This bond has made me look forward to seeing each other’s faces on my laptop all the more each week.

Since childhood, I was passionate about nature. As a resilience therapist, the forest, with its health-promoting properties, has taken on an even more important place for me. The Mindful Tourist has taught me a lot and brought closer my desire to combine resilience therapy with Shinrin Yoku. I have not only learned theoretical knowledge but also more about myself and the unconscious connection and background of my love for nature. I have rediscovered myself a little bit through some tasks.

At the beginning of the course I didn’t know what exactly to expect and was open to everything. Still, I didn’t think that after an online course I would walk out with so much knowledge that I can put into practice. Milena with her style and approach, have also been incredibly beneficial in making the weeks so educational and enjoyable. As well as my wonderful course mates who, through conversation and their thoughts, gave me an hour that I looked forward to all week 🙂

I have been looking forward to doing Level 2 training and practicing Shinrin Yoku in the Japanese woods since the beginning.

Thank you Milena, Pin, Stephanie and Dhouha for such a wonderful time. I can’t wait to see you all and laugh together with you in person!

Agata TMT Shinrin Yoku student

Agata

What a beautiful, insightful, health affirming 15 weeks this has been. It has not only opened up my world to the healing capacity of Shinrin-yoku but also offered space for connection, reflection, professional development + my own self care.


As a Naturopath, I am passionate about nature as our wisest teacher and most abundant healer. This course reflected that the laws of nature really are the fundamental truth: as we were guided towards self-enquiry, perspective and our ‘Ikigai’ (reason for being), which I cannot wait to share, to optimise health outcomes in my patients and to those new to nature-based therapy.


The course was taught professionally, with so many informative and evidenced based resources. It was lovely to meet every week, uplifted by like-minded but diverse reflections from classmates based around the world, as we learnt together.
I am very much looking forward to completing the Level 2 training in Japan and know The Mindful Tourist will be with me every step of the way, as I continue to learn by embracing these ideals as part of me.
Thank you Milena & Pin, its been wonderful to watch this all unfold. Well wishes & gratitude, Emily Sarkies (Naturopath, WOW Hub) @emilysarkies_naturopath / @wowhub_

Emily

15 weeks already.
WOOW 😀 This really went fast.

I am very glad I went on this journey to discover more about Shinrin Yoku and it has been a fantastic inspiring and greatly
and educational journey. I was quite unaware of what I was going for when I started, and I have been very pleasantly surprised on the way. This has really enriched my life in many ways. 🙂

In particular, I would like to highlight the wonderful people I have met and with whom I have shared these 15 weeks.
I feel like I’ve made some new good friends for life. <3

The weeks have been characterized by very educational and great weekly assignments that have given me a greater insight and better understanding of Shinrin Yoku, why it is so important in the time we live in and how to create a business based on what we have learned together. It is greatly appreciated and is very useful for us as we move our business to the next level.

I am also very grateful to Milena and Pin who have made this possible for us. I cant imagine someone better for the task. I could really feel that you guys care and are there for us. You really have the ability to create good flow in the group and have focused on very exciting topics in a fun and interactive way with my favorite on Passion and Ikigai. This has been fun for me to participate in.

Thank you so much. <3

Training Caledar

Victor

It is not often, through the course of my life, that I get to be part of a circle where members are from greatly diverse backgrounds both culturally as well as professionally. Yet, it is also not often, in the course of my life, where I find myself in a circle where people are so like-minded, in their connection to nature, motivation to head in a particular direction of their lives and level of empathy and kindness.

For that alone — in finding this community and in building these friendships and comradeships which I hope will last a lot longer than the 15 weeks we have spent together — I am grateful.

I joined the course as an uncertain, cynical, doubtful lost soul, and am now going to leave as a more positive, determined open-minded version of myself. Rewind back to 4 months ago, I would never have believed I would make a video of myself (which subsequently gets uploaded onto YouTube) and would go on to guide more than 15 hours of forest bathing sessions with client (albeit friends). The knowledge I have gained along the way, whether its through the course readings, recommended books, inspirational videos or sharing sesions, has been immense and broad. I also feel immensely proud and supported, that I now have two kind, generous and creative ladies I can reach out to as my mentors, in forest bathing, in business, in the quest for ikigai, and in life.

I truly hope I will not disappoint, and will go on to kickstart and build @The_Backyard_Bathers, my forest bathing practice with an arty, crafty twist — with the aspiration of enhancing holistic wellness and spreading joy through connecting with nature, client by client. I also cannot wait till the day I can undertake TMT Level 2 to strengthen the foundation and extend the path, and meet some of you in person.

Till then, may we all go out there and pursue our ikigai! Wishing everyone great success in the paths which you choose, and keep in touch!

Kate Forest Bathing Singapore

Jieying

For some years now, I had been very curious to understand and study more about Shinrin Yoku.
This pandemic brought pain, but it also brought opportunities of light, for me, this certification has been that light. I will always be grateful for that!
As a dancer I have felt that I do not always fit well into the mold of the image of the dancer that one is supposed to be, I have learned over time that each living being is its own way and I discovered that nature is part of that destiny for me, The TMT certification is my new HOW in life.
Every Tuesday morning as soon as I turned on the computer and saw all the faces of my classmates and teachers, those were all enjoyable moments, what I loved with all my heart was that we all embraced and respected each other’s individual processes, even the curriculum is designed for that, no one got lost along the way.
My most endearing achievements were being able to make friends around the world and understand that this technique is as personal as the individual who performs it, this left me an open field for imagination.
I will celebrate these achievements by following my life path, saying yes to life.
Thank you Milena for accompanying us in the most kind and sensitive way that a human being can accompany, thank you Pin for your support and for your follow-up with such passion and commitment, you two have inspired me to undertake by daring to share who I am with the world, I will always be grateful to them and they will always have a home in Mexico.
I CANT WAIT TO MEET YOU ALL GUYS IN PERSON AND GIVE US A HUGE HUG!!!!

Lucia Pineda Profile - Lucía Pineda

Lucía

I am very thankful for having joined this Shinrin-yoku training. I could learn a lot about myself, about my relationship with Victor, and about my dream business. I think one of the most important aspects of the training was this great group of diverse and amazing people, each one bringing a different perspective of Shinrin-yoku. Also, I really appreciate the knowledge, friendship and openess of Milena and Pin, that created this space that allowed us to develop and to be more prepared for the world out there. There were so many perspectives of Shinrin-yoku that I didn’t know about, such as the existing researches on the topic and how to get prepared for all scenarios possible when guiding our clients.

I want to use this certificate to boost my business and guide many people in this path to (re)discover the connection with nature. I see myself giving value to people, supporting them in their self-development process and to go for their dreams fearlessly.

I am shocked that 15 weeks have passed, it was such a pleasant time, even if we needed to wake up 5am for the classes :D. Everything was worth it! And I know I still have so much to learn, and I will continue my studies and practices.

Thank you so much trainers and colleagues for this amazing time together!!! You can count on me for life! Hopefully, see you all on level 2 training. You are all welcome to Sweden and Norway to visit, to do your internship (just throwing out a suggestion :P) to do business… I know we have a long and brilliant way ahead!

Priscilla

My Shinrin Yoku trail has been a path of self discovery. And it still is.
I’m traveling through life and on my backpack a new patch of a Japanese Hinoki tree is sewed.
It’s my certification. My souvenir that invites me to discover new destinations. Still unknown, but inviting.

My Shinrin Yoku patch helps me to see and choose more paths then before. More directions, more chances, more knowledge and more inspiration. My map and my world became bigger. My monkey mind got calmer and my inner bear got louder.

I’ve learned that being connected to nature is being connected to yourself. We are nature. We come from nature and that’s why we all return to nature. That’s why we find health and happiness in nature.

I mostly enjoyed the gifts that come to you when you open up your senses. When you listen to the invitations of nature. When you look with different eyes or feel with different fingers. Finding awesomeness in ultimate awareness. Like witnessing the dance of light and shadow through the leaves of a tree. I’ve learned to take myself into the present moment.
The only place where life truly exists. Nature showed me the way.

I gained a greater awareness of different perspectives. Reconnecting with nature rewires the brain. Just like being thankful. So I’ll celebrate this certification by having and sending thankful thoughts every coming day for 21 days.

Thank you Milena and Pin for making this all possible. And thank you, all new friends. Thank you for your wonderful support and stories. Thank you for your part in my journey.

A man sitting on a giant rock forest bathing under a tree in Ansterdam

Ramon

I was trying for a long time to find the right words that express how special & meaningful these 15 weeks of online program have been.

As the owner of a boutique tour operator for wellbeing retreats & mindful journeys to Asia and personally being deeply in love with Japan, I’ve always been interested in diving deeper into the topic of Shinrin Yoku.

During the pandemic seeing everyone near and far lose their ground, I felt becoming a Shinrin Yoku guide myself would be a useful additional qualification in my professional life but above all I felt I could help others to reconnect and to heal with the power of nature.

Helping people regaining their energy and bringing back the glow in their eyes generally is the greatest joy for me. But during the course I realised it has become a deep journey to myself. I had the honor to meet the most wonderful ladies every week online and I think it was quite magical how connected we felt right from the start. We were so open, honest and emotional with each other that it was a million times more than an advanced online training. I believe all of us learned a bit more about our own purpose through the reflection and support of the others.

Thank you to Milena, our guide through these weeks, a wonderful, highly professional and very sensitive human being. And thank you to my “school buddies” Agata and Dhouha. Already miss you all dearly and can`t wait to see you in person soon.

Stephanie Syiemlieh

Stephanie

I thought this certification was for me only, but as the practice becomes a recurrent in my calendar, I see that not only my life but the one of those around me is also positively affected.

Being more in nature has given me the chance to see myself as an adult interacting with it. New feelings, ideas and memories are being created.


Just discovering the lovely world I have around me has been a true gift. Appreciating and respecting nature while inspiring others to go out there and try it, it has been a great lesson.


Soon I will be sharing the project I created while doing this certification. I feel very passionate about it and I know its the start of something great.


To TMT team and the great women in my group: I couldn’t be more grateful to have met you. I felt so close to you and I loved learning about your stories, your places and motivations. I see a group of creative and talented women wanting to make a difference in the world and that is very inspiring.

A woman with a dog enjoying nature

Alejandra

This course had been my first “back to school” in 5 years. With my busy schedule, I was wondering if I would be able to complete all sessions. However, it turns out to become one of my “most enjoyable days” of the week. I looks at nature with different perspectives and see an opportunity I can’t see before. I learn so much and be inspired by countless of conversation I have with a group of my classmate from around the world.

After taking a class, I learn how forest can heal us in so many ways. I practice forest bathing and invite people I know to join me. It is a way to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. And I think it is a magnificent way for getting people to love and protect forest and nature.

Thank you everyone, every session was amazingly inspiring and gave opportunity for me to explore and learn from the inside out.

piyarat The Mindful Tourist Shinrin Yoku training

Piyarat

A walk in the forest will never be the same again! Everything changed for me after starting the Shinrin Yoku training course with the Mindful Tourist. My first forest walk (in Castlefreke) was mind changing. It wasn’t a mindless walk in the forest, thinking my own thoughts. It was being there, “Aware” and “Noticing” Nature through my senses. It was tapping into the senses -opening them up -letting Nature in. This opened up a whole new experience for me. It felt different; I was taking it all in, experiencing it and appreciating it.

Part of that process for me is photography, wanting to capture Nature in all its wondrous beauty. The wild, rugged, rural setting where I live combined with the changing seasons offer an ever-changing playground for me in which to explore and experiment.

We are so lucky to have such beautiful Nature around us and lucky to have Milena and Pin to support us and point us in the right direction!

How amazing it was to be able to join up each week with a group of like-minded people via the internet and to learn from each other. Even though we are like scattered leaves across the globe, we all have a lot in common; love of Nature, protection of the environment and use of Nature for well-being.

What I learned from the course was to be open-minded, reflective and to see things from a different perspective. So I’ll raise a glass of champagne to that!

Shinrin Yoku lady in Cork Country, Ireland

Emir

Our Values

Forest Bathing Certification Training Program

At The Mindful Tourist (TMT), we strive to create a supportive and transformative environment for you to immerse yourself in the world of forests. Our Shinrin Yoku Certification Training is rooted in the latest scientific research on Japanese forest bathing, mindfulness, and nature connection practices. Our training offers a diverse range of experiences and activities to help you delve deeply into what nature means to you, building on your previous knowledge and experiences.

Our Shinrin Yoku training is particularly beneficial for health, fitness, holistic wellness, and medical professionals looking to enhance the effectiveness of other wellness modalities they practice, such as yoga, mindfulness, naturopathy, psychotherapy, massage therapy, meditation, energy healing, somatic movement, and medicine.

Forest bathing, or Shinrin Yoku, is an integral part of preventative healthcare in Japan, with numerous studies showing it improves sleep quality, mood, focus, immune function, and reduces stress levels. TMT was founded in Kyoto, Japan, and our instructors are now based all over the world, offering both online and immersion training programs year-round.

Join us to discover the transformative power of Forest Therapy, deepen your understanding of the healing capabilities of nature, and experience profound personal growth and development. As a certified nature-based well-being practitioner, you can help transform the lives of others by sharing your knowledge and expertise.

Awake

Awaken all your senses through Shinrin Yoku (森林浴) or Forest Bathing. Experience the healing powers of Mother Nature.

Restore

Experience a profound restorative effect by aligning to the rhythms of nature. Learn to create an environment your immunity can thrive.

Be Well

Find balance, joy and serenity within yourself. Learn ways to incorporate nature and mindfulness practices into your daily life.

Reconnect

Learn to slow down and pace yourself to the rhythm of nature. Expand and deepen your knowledge on the healing powers of nature. Focus on what matters to your well-being and be inspired to serve others doing what you love.

Grow & Transform

Experience profound personal growth and development, and help transform lives as a certified forest guide or nature-based wellness practitioner.

Create Value

Find your "Ikigai" or "The reason for being," and live a life of meaning and purpose. Use your passion to inspire the service of others and, in that service, create the opportunity for business/life project.

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