Shinrin-Yoku Workshop

The Japanese Friendship Garden is hosting a Shinrin-Yoku Workshop on Thursday, Nov 5, from 5 PM to 6:30 PM. It's part of a series of Thursday sessions running from November 2026 through May 2027, so if you can't make this one, there are plenty more to choose from over the winter.

Shinrin-yoku (森林浴) is the Japanese practice of forest bathing, which is exactly what it sounds like: immersing yourself in the natural world to boost your overall well-being. This particular session is led by Judy, who guides the group through a nature therapy walk. It starts with a meditative exercise to ground everyone, and from there, the focus is on mindfully engaging all your senses as you move through the garden. The whole thing is pitched at a leisurely pace, so it's suitable for all fitness levels—you won't be hiking or pushing yourself; the point is to slow down and actually notice what's around you.

The practice is linked to a range of physical and mental health benefits, including reduced stress, a boosted immune system, and enhanced creativity. The garden itself brings a bit of Japan to the desert, celebrating the spirit of understanding and promoting educational and cultural awareness between the East and the West. It sits inside Margaret T. Hance Park, right above the I-10 Tunnel, so it's a pocket of quiet tucked away in the middle of the city.

Tickets are $40 plus a $1.40 service fee. The workshop runs from 5 PM to 6:30 PM on Thursday, Nov 5, at the Japanese Friendship Garden, 1125 N 3rd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003.