{"id":2866,"date":"2026-02-24T12:32:34","date_gmt":"2026-02-24T03:32:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/spot\/wagashi-budouya-_copied\/"},"modified":"2026-04-26T14:23:48","modified_gmt":"2026-04-26T05:23:48","slug":"ukiha-city-forest-therapy","status":"publish","type":"spot","link":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/spot\/ukiha-city-forest-therapy\/","title":{"rendered":"\u00a0Ukiha City Forest Therapy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Located in the southeastern part of Fukuoka Prefecture, Ukiha City is blessed with rich natural surroundings. To the south stretches the Mino Mountain Range, a chain of mountains extending about 30 kilometers, while the mighty Chikugo River flows along the northern side. The plains are covered with rice paddies, fruit orchards spread across the foothills, and terraced rice fields and forests fill the mountain areas. These treasured landscapes\u2014water-source forests, pristine springs, and terraced paddies\u2014have each been selected among Japan\u2019s \u201cTop 100 Water-Source Forests,\u201d \u201cTop 100 Famous Waters,\u201d and \u201cTop 100 Terraced Rice Fields.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Making use of this abundant natural capital, Forest Therapy is an initiative designed to promote physical and mental well-being and reduce stress based on scientific evidence. While the term shinrin-yoku<\/em> (forest bathing) has long been familiar in Japan, recent studies have clarified the physiological benefits of spending time in forest environments, such as relaxation effects and improved immune function. As a result, these practices have evolved into what is now known as forest therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recognized for its effectiveness, Ukiha City became the first municipality in northern Kyushu to be officially certified as a \u201cForest Therapy Base\u201d in 2008. The city\u2019s forests are rich in coniferous trees such as cedar and cypress, allowing visitors to enjoy refreshing natural aromas and phytoncides\u2014fragrant compounds released by plants. In these scientifically proven healing forests, visitors can restore balance to both mind and body. This unique wellness-focused travel experience is what defines Ukiha City Forest Therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n