Abstract
The purpose of this research is to elucidate the relationship between changes in salivary cortisol and the subjective impression of Shinrin-yoku (taking in the atmosphere of the forest, or forest bathing). An experiment was conducted in which 13 subjects walked around Togakushi Kagami Pond, Nagano Prefecture, for 60min in the afternoon, to examine the physiological and subjective effects of Shinrin-yoku in humans. For comparison, a control experiment was performed around the center of Nagano City. At both sites, salivary cortisol was measured and a questionnaire survey was conducted. No significant differences were found in cortisol concentration between the subjects who walked in the forest and the control. However, according to the questionnaire, a significant decrease in cortisol concentration was found in the forest walking subjects who were "relaxed," as compared with those who were "excited." In conclusion, when compared with the control, the cortisol concentration did not change in subjects who walked in the forest; however, a significant decrease was found in "relaxed" subjects compared with "excited" subjects.
