In the mountains of Kitago, Nichinan, there is a hidden ravine that has the ability to relieve its visitors of their ailments. Spending time here has been scientifically proven to heal the body and mind. The Inhoae Valley is one of three spots in Miyazaki prefecture has have been certified as “forest therapy bases” by the Japanese Society of Forest Medicine.
Forest therapy bases are parts of a forest where various psychological and physiological experiments have been conducted that show the healing and preventative medical benefits of the area. These range from boosting immunity and lowering blood pressure, to decreasing heart rates and relieving stress, anxiety and depression.
The concept of shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing” as a health-enhancing practice is well established in Japan. It’s backed by an every-growing body of research that suggests a walk in the woods is one of the best things you can do for your health.
In the Inohae Valley, visitors can relax and recuperate on a 3 km (1.8 mi) trail that meanders along a river and up through rows of chinquapin and evergreen oaks, some reaching 40 m (131 ft) in height.
The broad-leaf and coniferous trees in the Valley contain a large amount of phytoncide, the bactericidal substance that plants release to protect themselves from microorganisms. Breathing this in is believed to have a relaxing effect on the body. The base is also supposed to relieve psychological tension and anxiety, increase energy and provide and overall calming effect.
The trail crosses seven bridges and passes more than 20 waterfalls before reaching a five-fold cascade at its end. The Inohae Falls were designated a Municipal Place of Scenic Beauty in 2016. After the rainy season in June, they are an especially breathtaking sight.
The Valley is also regarded as a treasure trove of mosses, which thrive in the forest’s stable wet and humid conditions; 300 of the 1.800 species that grow in Japan can be found here. As such, the area is protected as a Specific Plant Community by the country’s Environmental Agency.
The course is easy and gentle and takes less than two hours to walk from the beginning to the end and back. Afterward, visitors can soak their feet in a free foot bath located just 1 km (0.6 mi) from the parking lot at the start of the trail.
Hours
- 24-hours
Price
- Free
Hi, I'm Simone! I was born in New York, raised in Johannesburg, South Africa and spent 4 years living in Miyazaki. As a writer and photographer, I enjoyed travelling all over Japan's sunniest prefecture, but my favourite places would have to be Nichinan, the entire Koyu-gun area, and Nishimera. Canoeing down the sacred Takachiho Gorge, walking with wild horses in Cape Toi and setting lanterns alight on the steps of Takanabe's old castle are some of my most memorable experiences. The beauty of Miyazaki, and the warmth and kindness of its people, will always have a special place in my heart.
