A Day of Forest Bathing with a Yoga Instructor: An Enchanting One Day Trip
A Day of Forest Bathing with a Yoga Instructor
In August 2022, Tomoko Kasmata, a yoga instructor from Singapore, visited "The Land of Moon Legends, Mochizuki in Saku City." Here, we introduce the rich and serene forest time of Tomoko Kasmara, who incorporated yoga into her experience.
Land Where the Moon Gods Dwell
Before entering the forest, we stopped at "Mochizuki-juku" on the Nakasendo(old road) to connect with the moon. In Japan, it is believed that gods reside in mountains, rivers, and lands. We prayed and connected with the gods at these sacred places.
Mochizukisan Jokoin Temple
Our first destination was Mochizukisan JoKoin Temple. Within its serene grounds, there is a "Tsukinowa Stone" (moon ring stone), which features a circular moon pattern. Kasmara connected with the moon through her yoga pose, aptly named "The Moon Pose."
Otomo Shrine
Next, we moved to Otomo Shrine, a sacred place mentioned in ancient texts like the Nihon Shoki and Kojiki(ancient history books). This shrine is dedicated to Tsukuyomi no Mikoto, the moon god who governs the world with Amaterasu Omikami(the sun god) and Susanoo no Mikoto(the underground god). The shrine, believed to have been established during the Kofun period(250 AD – 538 AD). Passing through the torii gate felt like stepping into another world, and climbing the stone steps led us to the main hall filled with a special aura. The hall features a painting of a warrior riding a dragon horse, symbolizing Tsukuyomi no Mikoto. After purifying ourselves and praying for safety, we headed to "Kasuga no Mori," a forest deeply connected with Tsukuyomi no Mikoto.
Kasuga Forest Therapy Road
The forest in Kasuga, where Tsukuyomi no Mikoto is said to have descended, is recognized as a "Forest Therapy Road" with proven health benefits. The entrance has signboards with information about the trails and vegetation.
Reawakening the Senses and Restoring Natural Energy
Forest therapy aims to open up the five senses (sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste) and restore natural human senses. We minimized the guiding from the forest therapist, allowing Kasmara to fully immerse herself in the forest with her own sensitivity.
Kasmara noticed her "visual dominance" and increased activities with her eyes closed, practicing "grounding" by stepping barefoot on the earth and connecting with it, integrating her usual yoga practices while walking leisurely through the forest.
Walking barefoot on the leaf-covered path, Kasmara remarked on the immense number of life forms within it, showcasing her excellent sensitivity. Such a thorough forest walk, part of forest therapy's essential programs, enhances health benefits like regulating the autonomic nervous system and boosting immunity. It has been found that the health benefits from two hours of forest therapy can last for about a month.
Enjoying the Forest Aromas
The aromatic components released by trees, known as phytoncides, positively affect the autonomic nervous system and immunity. Many may have experienced relaxation from the scent of a hinoki bath, for example. Kasuga Forest has many larch trees and a variety of shrubs and wildflowers with pleasant aromas. Kasmara enjoyed the scents of plants like:
Lindera obtusiloba Blume
Dog pepper
Lindera praecox
She particularly liked the scent of Lindera obtusiloba Blume. The forest also features unique trees like the Erman's birch, with its wafer-like bark texture, which Kasmara also enjoyed feeling.
Yoga Time in the Forest
After walking slowly through the forest and using all five senses, it is usual to take time for "forest resting," allowing the mind and body to fully relax in the forest. Instead of special guidance, Kasmara spent yoga time naturally guided by the forest. When meditating in the forest, it’s important to have a knowledgeable guide to ensure safety.
Enjoying Local Ingredients from the Saku Region
Tasting is an essential part of opening the senses. We took Kasmara to "Shokuninkan," a soba and creative cuisine restaurant, where she mindfully enjoyed dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
Kasuga Valley and the Sacred "Oshika no Yu" Spring
In the afternoon, when the temperature rose, we visited the Kasuga Valley, rich in negative ions. The Kakuma River, flowing through the Kasuga Valley, was once called "Kakuma River." Tsukuyomi no Mikoto, who descended to this land riding a dragon horse, is said to have thrown a golden arrow, from which a spring flowed, becoming the present-day Kakuma River. Horses, descendants of the dragon horse, were offered to the imperial court for many years, flourishing the land as "Mochizuki Pasture."
Kasmara experienced "cold water foot bathing" in this pure Kakuma River. In Germany, hydrotherapy, part of the renowned Kneipp therapy, is one of the five pillars of natural healing. The chilled feet were warmed by the nearby hot spring "Mika no Yu."
Mika no Yu
"Mika no Yu," known since ancient times for healing illnesses and wounds, was rediscovered after being forgotten through war and time. A pious hunter, guided by a dream, found it where a deer led him, and it became the source of the current Kasuga Hot Spring.
Enjoy Forest Bathing
How did you enjoy Kasmara Tomoko’s way of blending yoga with the forest? With safety-conscious guides familiar with Japanese forests and lands, you can enjoy the perfect forest bathing experience tailored for you. Heal your mind and body while enjoying the Japanese forests.
For those who want to incorporate yoga into their lives like Kasmara, subscribe to her YouTube channel "TomokoSG" and try her videos.
この記事が気に入ったらサポートをしてみませんか？