The Views
n the middle of the city of Kagoshima, there is an observatory with a great view of Sakurajima, Kinko Bay, and the city. Shiroyama (Castle Mountain) Observatory is a hill located in the middle of the city of Kagoshima. It rises about 350 feet above sea level. At one time, there was a castle located there, which is where it got it’s name.
The Forest
Surrounding the observatory is a very lush little forest that is home to more than 600 species of plants and is populated by many birds and insects. There is a lovely path that meanders a couple of kilometres up the hill through the forest. You can also park closer to the observatory for a short little hike.
After enjoying the views, I started back to my car and took the wrong path. I ended up a little lost in a forest in the middle of a city. My translation app wouldn’t translate the signs and I may have ended up wandering around for a while if I had not ran into an English speaking woman from Tokyo who directed me to the way back. I always seem to run into the nicest Japanese people on my travels.
If I hadn’t taken the wrong path, I would have missed this amazing 450 year old tree.
Shinrin-yoku
My wrong path also gave me extra time for shinrin-yoku (which literally translates to “forest bath”). Shinrin-yoku is the Japanese practice of “bathing” oneself in nature with the intention of receiving therapeutic benefits. This word was coined in the 1980’s.
I’ve read several articles about the practice of shirin-yoku. Research conducted in forests across Japan outlines the multiple benefits on physiological and psychological well being. Spending time in the forest can reduce cortisol, increase parasympathetic nerve activity, lower sympathetic nerve energy, lower blood pressure, and lower pulse rate. I think common sense probably lets us know being in nature is good for us, but it’s nice to have research explains it’s benefits.
This was a perfect little forest to take in the healing benefits of nature. I couldn’t help but think how lucky the people who live in Kagoshima are to live in a city with a little forest hike so conveniently located that they could probably hike on their lunch break. Plus there is the added benefit of having such a lovely view when you get to the top!