From Japan to the World: “Goto Forest!” Grows into a Global Movement for Nature and Well-Being

Rooted in Japan’s Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) culture, “Goto Forest!” brought together 1,143 participants across 45 locations in 13 countries.

14 May 2026
Future with Forest Association

Future with Forest Association (Founder & President: Nagisa Ono) organized “GotoForest! 2026,” a global initiative for nature and wellbeing held across 45 locations in 13 countries around May 4, Japan’s Greenery Day.“GotoForest!” began in Japan as a simple idea: people walking in forests in their own regions on the same day.

In 2026, the initiative expanded internationally for the first time, bringing together 1,143 participants across the world. Through time spent in their local forests, participants reflected on their relationship with nature while sharing the collective experience that transcends the border. 

■From a Japanese Initiative to a Global Movement

GotoForest! began in 2017 as a small forest bathing event held in Tokyo, Japan.
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, when travel and social gatherings were heavily restricted, the initiative evolved into a nationwide movement built around a simple idea: even without traveling far, people could still spend meaningful time with nature in the forests close to home.

In recent years, Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), a practice originating in Japan, has attracted growing international attention as people seek ways to restore mental and physical well-being amid rapid social change and increasing digitalization. Alongside mindfulness and Zen, it has become recognized globally as a Japanese approach to cultivating presence and inner calm through nature.

Against this backdrop, Nagisa Ono, Founder & President of Future with Forest, introduced GotoForest! internationally as a Japanese-born initiative. The concept resonated strongly with forest therapy practitioners, guides, and organizations around the world, leading to requests from many regions to host their own local events.

As a result, 2026 marked the first international edition of GotoForest!, with simultaneous programs taking place across 45 locations in 13 countries.

■A Day of Encountering Forests Across 13 Countries and 45 Locations

In 2026, GotoForest! took place across 45 locations in 13 countries, including Japan, offering a diverse range of forest-based experiences around the world. A total of 1,143 participants joined the initiative, spending time in local forests, engaging with nature, and sharing meaningful moments within their communities. 

This year’s theme was “Dialogue.” Beyond spoken language, participants were encouraged to listen closely to the sounds of the forest, the movement of the wind, and the presence of the trees. Through these experiences, many found quiet opportunities to reflect on their relationship with nature, themselves, and the people around them. Each location developed programs rooted in its own culture, landscape, and local relationship with the forest. 

Reports and photos from each location will be published on the official GotoForest! website in the coming weeks.

< GotoForest! 2026 Overview>

Date: May 4, 2026 (Greenery Day in Japan)
Event dates varied slightly depending on the country and region.

Locations: 45 locations across 13 countries

Programs: Forest bathing, nature experiences, guided walks, and other activities connecting people with forests
Some programs were held indoors due to rain. 

Organizer: GotoForest! Organizing Team
Supervised by: Future with Forest Association

Official Website: https://shinrin-yoku.jp/gotoforest/

Japan Locations (27)

Comments from Japan Locations

• “While feeling connected to others heading into forests across Japan and around the world on the same day, we were able to share the beauty and spirit of Hikosan’s nature with participants. Through GotoForest!, we feel deeply encouraged by the growing connections between forests and people across different regions.”
  — Soeda, Fukuoka 
• “It was truly exciting to see GotoForest! expand into a simultaneous global event this year. Learning about the unique activities taking place in different regions filled us with inspiration, and it was wonderful to realize how many companions we have around the world. We are sincerely grateful to the organizing team for their dedication in creating these connections.”
  — Sagamihara, Kanagawa
• “When we told participants that people across Japan were practicing forest bathing at the very same time, many were deeply moved. Thank you for creating this sense of connection.”
  — Nishinoomote, Kagoshima

International Locations (18)

Europe Leipzig, Germany Hamburg, Germany Maarn, Netherlands Tartu County, Estonia Kabaty Forest, Warsaw, Poland North America Puebla, Mexico Ohio, United States Venice, California, United States New Mexico, United States Woodside, California (Huddart Park), United States Calgary, Canada South America Cundinamarca Department, Colombia Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile Concepción (Campus Naturaleza UdeC), Chile Asia Singapore Bangkok, Thailand Africa Royal Woodland Park, Nigeria Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa

Comments from International Locations

• “Thank you for your vision, your warmth, and for opening up this beautiful movement to the world. It has been an honour to join you in celebrating the forest — not as a separate event, but as a shared moment of connection across borders.”
  — Singapore
• “What a beautiful global gathering of hearts in nature! Thank you to all the hosts who created space for people to slow down, reconnect, and experience the healing presence of the forest.”
  — Ohio, United States
• “This was a wonderful experience, and I truly appreciate the idea behind GotoForest! Giving people around the world the opportunity to step away from their busy daily lives and reconnect with nature together is something very special. ”
  — Kabaty Forest, Warsaw, Poland

Vision for GotoForest! — Expanding Around the World

In today’s fast-paced and highly digital society, many people are becoming increasingly disconnected from nature.
At the same time, there is a growing desire around the world to reconnect with the natural world.

GotoForest! is a simple action that gives shape to that feeling.
Each person takes a small step toward the forest.
As those steps overlap across different parts of the world, new connections are created — through forests, between people, communities, and cultures. 

GotoForest! is not an event bound to one specific format.
We value the freedom for each region, culture, and forest to create its own unique way of engaging with nature.

We envision a future where love for nature spreads beyond borders, connecting people gently and organically, much like a forest ecosystem itself. 

Moving forward, we hope to expand this initiative together with even more countries and regions around the world.

Information regarding GotoForest! 2027 will be announced through the official website and social media channels.

If you are interested in joining or hosting GotoForest! next year, please use the form available at the link below.

■Message from Nagisa Ono

【Contact information for media inquiries】

Future with Forest Association
Contact Form：https://fwithf.org/form/