Frequent forest walking is associated with higher daily happiness, ikigai, and enjoyment of daily life in a Japanese general population
In a cross-sectional study of 3472 Japanese adults, those who went forest walking at least once per month had significantly higher odds of frequent happiness (aOR=1.72), higher degree of happiness (aOR=1.54), having ikigai (aOR=1.65), and enjoying daily life (aOR=2.38) compared to those who rarely forest walked. The findings suggest that occasional forest bathing may be linked to improved well-being and quality of life.
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Frequent forest walking is associated with higher daily happiness, ikigai, and enjoyment of daily life in a Japanese general population The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 34/100 (low).
The Claim
Frequent forest walking is associated with higher daily happiness, ikigai, and enjoyment of daily life in a Japanese general population
This conclusion is most relevant to: Japanese general population (2518 women, 954 men) from the J-MICC Daiko study.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Associations of Happiness, Ikigai, and Enjoyment of Daily Life with Frequency of Forest Walking in a Japanese General Population: The Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort Daiko Study. (International journal of environmental research and public health, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Forest walking provides exposure to nature and phytoncides
- ▸Nature exposure reduces stress and improves mood
- ▸Regular physical activity enhances psychological well-being
- ▸Improved mood and purpose in life (ikigai) result
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Japanese general population (2518 women, 954 men) from the J-MICC Daiko study
Recommended Dose
At least once per month forest walking
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Cross-sectional design prevents causal inference
- ▸Self-reported measures of forest walking and well-being may introduce bias
- ▸Potential residual confounding from socioeconomic or lifestyle factors
- ▸Sample predominantly female, limiting generalizability
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main finding of this study?▼
The study found that people who go forest walking at least once a month have higher odds of feeling happy, having ikigai, and enjoying daily life compared to those who rarely do so.
How many participants were included?▼
The study included 3472 participants (2518 women) from the Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort Daiko study.
Is this study showing that forest walking causes happiness?▼
No, this is a cross-sectional study, so it only shows an association, not causation. It is possible that happier people are more likely to walk in forests, or other factors could explain the link.
What is ikigai?▼
Ikigai is a Japanese concept meaning 'a reason for being' or 'purpose in life'. It is associated with well-being and longevity.
References
- 1.Morita E, Kawai S, Sasakabe T, Okada R, Kubo Y, Mitsuda Y, Kato Y, Matsunaga T, Nagayoshi M, Tamura T, Wakai K. “Associations of Happiness, Ikigai, and Enjoyment of Daily Life with Frequency of Forest Walking in a Japanese General Population: The Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort Daiko Study..” International journal of environmental research and public health, 2026. PMID: 42652335 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph23081020