Forest Bath
Forest Bathing in Hakone: A Peaceful Moment with Dale-chan
「箱根で森林浴：愛犬との穏やかなひととき」
Growing up in landscapes of natural beauty—ranging from snowcapped mountains towering above the treeline to vast desert plains of sand and sagebrush, and canyons carved deep into the Earth’s crust—I took the calm serenity of nature for granted.
As I’ve grown older, however, the need to escape the sprawling concrete maze of Tokyo’s metropolitan area has become an essential prescription for my physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
I recently learned there’s a term for this rejuvenating experience: “Forest Bathing,” or Shinrin-yoku (森林浴) in Japanese. This concept, embraced for decades, encourages immersion in nature to restore balance and harmony. To my surprise, it’s not just a Japanese practice—it’s recognized as a form of therapy and preventative care in countries like the U.S., Finland, South Korea, France, and the U.K.
In this photo, Dale-chan seems to capture the very essence of Forest Bathing. Resting contentedly on a rustic wooden bench along a nature trail near the Pola Museum of Art in Hakone, Japan, she is surrounded by lush greenery and dappled sunlight. Her peaceful expression reflects the serenity and joy that these natural surroundings provide—a reminder of the simple yet profound healing power of nature.
Location: Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 09:34・2024/10/15
Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 160 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/2
Velvia/Vivid film simulation
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