7-Day Training + 4 Month Online
Yakusugi Forest – Japan
- Cohort 187
7 Day In Person
- 642-15 Onoaida Yakushima, 891-4404 Kagoshima Japan
- May 17, 2027
- to
- May 23, 2027
4 Months Online
- June 6, 2027
- to
- September 9, 2027
- Enrollment Open
7-day In-person Training
In this training, you will learn:
- Be guided on Forest Therapy walks by your trainers
- Learn how to guide ANFT’s Standard Sequence – A Powerful approach to nature connection
- Guide your first Forest Therapy walk
- Sequencing forest therapy invitations for maximum impact and benefit
- The heart-centered Way of the Guide approach
- The Language for Relational Forest Therapy to help create powerful connections with self and nature
- Somatic techniques for embodied awareness
- Start developing and deepening your relationship with the land
- Trail awareness and safety -how to choose a forest therapy trail
- Facilitation skills that promote an open environment for group sharing
- Competency standards: what a Forest Therapy Guide should know and be able to do
- Practical exercises and explorations to consolidate your learning
About the Venue
Shikino Yado
Yakushima is a subtropical island, a part of Kagoshima Prefecture in Japan. It is covered by an extensive cedar forest that contains some of Japan’s oldest living trees, famously called Yakusugi, which are more than 1000 years old and some of which may be over 7000 years old. The lives, culture, and traditions of the people of Yakushima have been nurtured through their deep connection with nature.
With over 70 species of endemic plants, other flora and shores teeming with sea life, villagers on Yakushima enjoy a plentiful bounty of seafood and edible plants. But the water cycle also plays another important role in their everyday life. Most of Yakushima’s electricity is hydroelectric, making it an ideal island for eco-friendly stays.
Yakushima’s wet climate gives life to dramatic ravines, flowing rivers, and stunning green coats of moss, simply ideal for a forest therapy program! Also, wild, mysterious, and untouched ancient cedar forests are well protected by both the gods of folklore and a UNESCO World Heritage designation. This woodland kingdom served as the inspiration for the magical backgrounds of Studio Ghibli’s “Princess Mononoke”.
While the otherworldly cedar forests are Yakushima’s famous scene with various well-marked hiking trails, ranging from 1 to 12 hours in durations, the bountiful rainfall creates impressive waterfalls, one of which can be approached by kayak. Furthermore, the island is home to several simple and wild onsen (hot spring spots) such as the sea baths offering natural rock pools right on the edge of the ocean.
Lodging
Prices are in Japanese Yen. The equivalent that is provided in USD is an estimate only and based on current conversion rates at the time of publishing. Visit www.xe.com for the latest conversion rates.
The Accommodation Fee is per person for the entire training. It includes 6 room nights + 6 breakfasts + 6 dinners, and is in addition to the tuition paid to ANFT.
Depending on the room type, the accommodation fees will range from 62,000 Yen – 114,000 Yen ($400 – $720).
Room types include:
- Japanese rooms with tatami
- Western rooms with beds
- Cottage rooms with futons
- Bungalows with futons
Important notes:
1. Most rooms are on a sharing basis.
2. There are very limited single/private rooms.
3. All participants must stay on site.
4. Due to capacity issues, we are not able to accommodate your spouse, partner and family.
Once you register for this training, you will receive more information about the different room types and room booking process.
Accommodation Fee is paid directly to Shikino Yado on the day of your check-in.
Meals
All meals are included in this immersion. We start with dinner on 17 May 2027 and end with breakfast on 23 May 2027.
Breakfasts and dinners are prepared by Shikino Yado.
For lunches, the training team will organise 5 pack lunches for everyone across 18 – 22 May 2027.
Important note:
Unfortunately, we are not able to cater for any special dietary requirements. No vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or other options are available.
The fee for packed lunches is not included in the Accommodation Fee. You will need to pay a separate Miscellaneous Fee (please see below).
Transportation
Getting to Yakushima
- Option 1. Domestic flights from Kagoshima, Fukuoka or Osaka Itami.
- Option 2. High-speed jetfoil boat from Kagoshima Port.
Getting to Shikino Yado
- Shikino Yado is situated at the southern part of Yakushima.
- By car, it is a 30 min drive from the Yakushima airport, 50 min from the Miyanoura port and 20 min from the Anbo port.
- Public buses run at low frequency from the airport and ports. From the Nakano bus stop, it is a 5 minute walk to Shikino Yado.
- The training team will share detailed information with trainees who have officially enrolled.
Getting around during the training
We will be heading out to a different venues on certain days of the training. To/fro transportation will be arranged for the group. This is not included in the Accommodation Fee. You will need to pay a separate Miscellaneous Fee (please see below).
Schedule Details for the 7 Day in Person Training
Arrival
Registration & Check-in: Monday, 17 May 2027, 1 pm – 4 pm
Welcome Circle: Monday, 17 May 2027, 4 pm onwards
Departure
Close & Check-out: Sunday, 23 May 2027, by 12:30 pm
General Notes
MISCEALLANEOUS FEES
The Miscellaneous Fee covers 5 packed lunches, to/fro transportation to venue(s) during our 7-day immersion programme, cultural exchanges and professional talks etc.
The Miscellaneous Fee is expected to cost between 36,000 Yen – 60,000 Yen per person, depending on the final enrolment number. Nearer to the immersion, the Training Team will update everyone on the final amount for the Miscellaneous Fee. The Miscellaneous Fee will be collected in cash only (in Yen) by the training team on the day of check-in.
Connectivity
Wifi is available at the resort.
VENUE Cancellation Policy
- 8 – 21 days before the immersion, 30% of the accommodation fee will be charged.
- 2 – 7 days before the immersion, 50% of the accommodation fee will be charged.
- Cancellations made 1 day before or on the day of the immersion will have the accommodation fee charged in full.
- Exception: No cancellation fee will be charged if you are unable to travel to Yakushima due to flight or ferry cancellations caused by weather or other transportation disruptions.
Venue Policies
No smoking.
No pets allowed.
No fire allowed.
4 Month Online
In this second part of the training, 4 months online you will:
- Consolidate the learning from the 7 day in person training
- Guide your practice walks
- Debrief your practice walks with the training team and your cohort colleagues
- Sequencing forest therapy invitations for maximum impact and benefit
- Getting to know your bioregion, its history, watershed, awarenesses and more
- Nature and forest therapy scientific research and knowledge
- Learn how to develop your guiding practice
- Continue to deepen your relationship with the land
- Practical exercises and explorations to deepen your guiding skills
The training is designed in a way that will gently guide you through all the steps and processes to integrate and deepen the learning in your head and in your body. Upon completion of this course you will be able to succesfully guide forest therapy walks within the framework of ANFT’s guide certification training.
Schedule for LIVE Online calls for 4 month training
- Live calls will always be on
- Wednesdays
- at
- 6:00 pm
- Pacific Time for the duration of the training.
For your local time check HERE
- Language:
- English
Tuition
The tuition for the complete program that includes the 7 day in person training and the 4 month online program is $3,600 (USD).
Payment plans are available on registration.
IMPORTANT: This price does not include lodging, meals nor transportation to the 7 day in person training.
Other costs to your training include payment for Wilderness First Aid training, which is required for Certification, and is provided by third parties. Prices range from $100 to $300.
Tuition figures are subject to change.
Training Team
- Makiko Sugishita
- Makiko is a Forest Therapy Guide and Therapist, based in Yakushima/Japan, where the first nature and forest medical research activities were conducted in the world. She is the first Japanese trained guide by ANFT and also certified by Forest Therapy Society in Japan. Since she moved to Yakushima in October 2020, she has been guiding over 500 people in her Kaleidoscope “deep shinrin-yoku” program. Prior to becoming the guide, for 20 years she has been involved in various international projects with JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) and other UN organizations, focusing on improving the health status of the vulnerable people especially in Africa and Southeast Asia regions. In addition to being a guide, she is currently delegated to be ESD (Education for Sustainable Development) global advisor for the School Board in Yakushima, giving lectures for teachers and pupils. She is also the Board member of Yakushima Onoaida clinic run by her husband who is engaged in forest medical research activities. She holds B.A. in international law from Kansai University in Japan, M.A. in Public Health (international health) from Johns Hopkins University, and M.A. in Economic and Social Development from University of Pittsburgh in USA.
- Youmin Yap
- Youmin is one of Southeast Asia's pioneer ANFT certified forest therapy guides. She trained with Cohort 18 in 2017 and has since been offering the practice full-time. Together with her professional and academic backgrounds grounded in science and research, she excels in navigating the worlds of logic and quantification, as well as that of the subtler art of wellbeing. Having guided thousands of participants, Youmin has worked on various projects including designing bespoke journeys for global brands, wellness workshops for hotels and spas and MNCs, support programs for community groups etc. Her work has also been shared at various local and international conferences. Youmin founded Forest with You (formerly known as Xiu Nature Connections), an award-winning wellbeing entity based in Singapore. For the innovative and collaborative ways of bringing forest therapy into the urban landscape, the company was conferred the prestigious Singapore Tourism Board Awards: Outstanding Wellness Experience award for 2023 and 2024. As a trainer, Youmin has trained and mentored 16 cohorts of guides from all around the world. One of her greatest joys is supporting and witnessing each individual’s discovery of their unique stories and offering their gifts to the world as they embark on the journey. She is also a qualified educator, a Certified Shinrin-Yoku International Instructor, and is trained in Yoga Nidra, Yoga (200 YTT), Forest Therapy Trail Consultancy and Mindfulness. She holds a Master’s in Science (Life Sciences) and is fluent in English and Mandarin/Chinese. Youmin currently spends time in Singapore and Thailand.
- Vicky Kyan
- My name is Vicky Kyan (aka Vix) and I grew up on the edge of the Cotswold Hills in the West of England, exploring the valleys, fields, hills and woodlands of this beautiful part of UK as a child. My love affair with Nature started here and exploded in my early adult life when I experienced the excitement and raw power of Mother Nature while travelling through Southern Africa and witnessing close encounters with its magnificent wild life . My passion for the ocean and island life emerged on further travels through SE Asia, Australia and New Zealand in my late 20’s and I was fortunate enough to land on Aotea Great Barrier Island NZ in 1986 – which has become my home for the last 35 years. The richness of this fully off-grid rugged volcanic landscape, with its beautiful native forests and wide open surf beaches on the edge of the Pacific, its strong and creative community, and my full and colourful life journey informs all my work as a Guide, Mentor and Trainer with ANFT. I am a mother of 3 adult children and am proud Grandmother of 3 little boys. I have been a teacher, coach, healer and care-giver in my past life and currently run a small Nature-based Homestay retreat through my business WaiOra Wellbeing for those needing R&R and TLC. I am honoured to walk the Way of the Guide as a trainer and mentor which feels like a completion of sorts as well as an ongoing adventure each day! I trained with Amos Clifford in Cohort 2 at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park CA in May 2015 – and have wandered the Trainers pathway since October 2016. I am passionate about this work and growing a global network of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides around the world, as well as in the Southern hemisphere. Personally I have taken ‘Forest therapy’ out of the trees and onto the beaches, pioneering the guiding of walks on the ocean shoreline and estuaries of my island home. My tentacles are reaching far and wide as I continue to nurture and grow on my own journey while supporting others to do the same all over the world. I am deeply connected and grateful to both my Motherland and my chosen Homeland, and I’m passionate about helping people reconnect with themslelves, each other and the more than Human world through this work. My bliss is in witnessing others stepping into their gifts and shining more fully, and I believe this is the way forward through these challenging times of global transformation on so many levels. I also ackowledge my teachers from the Human and More than Human world and all those whose shoulders I have stood upon and who have opened their hearts and minds with courage and joy.