Zenbird Editorial TeamBeyond its vibrant cities, the archipelago unfolds a collection of wellness sanctuaries that not only rejuvenate the body and soul but also echo a profound commitment to sustainability. We traverse Japan’s 12 extraordinary wellness destinations, where the gentle whispers of nature and the pulse of eco-conscious practices converge to create an enriching symphony of well-being.
Yoga retreats
Heart Islands Yoga retreat [Mt. Fuji]
Embark on a transformative three-day journey where the serene slopes of Mt. Fuji become your sacred path. Engage in contemplative yoga and meditation, immersing yourself in the ethereal beauty of the New Year’s Day sunrise. Unlike traditional climbs, this experience emphasizes mindful movements and conscious breathing rather than reaching the summit. Prioritize the journey itself, savoring each intentional step. For those seeking mental preparation, an online session is available to address fears or anxieties in advance.
Nami’s yoga studio retreat 1 [Amami Island, Tokyo]
An exquisite illustration is the four-day retreat nestled on Amami Island, Tokyo. This immersive program extends beyond daily yoga and meditation classes, introducing rejuvenating elements such as detox and cleansing sessions. Indulge in therapeutic massages and the art of crafting traditional rice drinks, allowing yourself a holistic wellness journey in perfect harmony with nature.
Nami’s yoga studio retreat 2 [Hakuba, Nagano]
Embark on a transformative four-day retreat in Hakuba, Nagano, where participants delve into new meditative practices seamlessly integrated with nature walks and sketching, complementing the traditional sitting practice. Immerse yourself in these enriching, nature-centered retreats brimming with extraordinary content.
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IORI STAY [Takayama, Gifu]
Immerse yourself in the essence of Hida living with three exclusive premium activities offered to guests at IORI STAY, a collection of luxury townhouse hotels spread across the picturesque Hida region in Gifu Prefecture, each hotel invites guests to fully experience the distinctive charm of the Hida area.
Their stay plan encompasses rejuvenating wellness programs, including the Premium Medicinal Herb Sauna Experience, an opportunity to immerse in the local lifestyle with “Experience Living in Hida Through Distillation and Dyeing,” and a refreshing Asagiri Forest Walking Tour.
HOSHINOYA Forest Wellness Stay [Karuizawa, Nagano]
Indulge in an exclusive wellness experience tailored for two participants at a time, blending thermal therapy and forest bathing. This unique program, overseen by a holistic medicine research institute in the region, places a special emphasis on recovering physical resilience lost during the challenges of COVID-19. The “forest walks” component offers personalized guidance on breathing and walking techniques, catering to individual needs.
Participants receive daily massages by certified shiatsu professionals, with consultation, posture evaluation and recovery after hikes. Additionally, a special lecture on deep breathing and stretching is provided in HOSHINOYA’s “medicine bath.”
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Snow Crystal Yoga & Wellness’ Forest Therapy Walking [Iiyama, Nagano]
The wellness program introduces visitors to nourishment and healing for their bodies and minds. In the village, participants can experience seasonal changes with all five senses, discovering something new about themselves. The courses include nature-based yoga and meditation, local cuisine cooking, tea ceremonies, and wearing Yukata or Kimono.
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Zen spiritual experience
Zenbo Seinei [Awaji Island, Hyogo]
Offers a day trip packed with activities like “Zen Wellness” meditation and “Zenbou cuisine” – dishes crafted without sugar, oil, dairy, flour or animal products. Guests can immerse themselves in the tranquil island setting, escaping the daily hustle and practice mindfulness by embracing the present moment. The package features a one-night stay with breakfast at Hotel La Suite Kobe Harborland, allowing guests to relax amidst the sea breeze and scenic views of Kobe Harbor.
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OTERA STAY [Hamamatsu, Shizuoka]
The largest Buddist temple in the Tokai region, Hokoji Temple, provides remarkable spaces enveloped in vast natural surroundings, along with genuine zen meditation guidance from highly trained zen priests. Guests can also immerse themselves in the realm of Buddhism through authentic Shojin Ryori (Buddhist cuisine). The concierge conducts pre-visit interviews to understand guest preferences, considering both the temple’s offerings and the budget, to create a customized stay plan tailored to the guest group.
TEMPLE STAY ZENSŌ [Chiyoda-cho, Gunma]
Horinji Temple provides a contemporary interpretation of a temple stay. With a history spanning 700 years, the temple invites guests to experience life as a temple resident in a renovated annex. This stay offers an opportunity for guests to rejuvenate their minds and bodies in a tranquil setting, just 90 minutes away from the city center.
Hot spring bathing and saunas
Beniya Mukayu [Kaga, Ishikawa]
Nestled on Mt. Yakushizan, this Japanese-style inn with hot springs carries a storied past as a sacred haven for monks seeking not only spiritual study but also rejuvenation through herbal baths. The facility boasts two distinctive herbal baths designed to guide you into a meditative state, offering detoxification benefits that extend beyond physical health. Additionally, the serene ambiance of three libraries invites you to immerse yourself in the joy of reading books.
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Gōon〜G.O.A.T〜 [Tsuru, Yamanashi]
Indulge in a one-of-a-kind wellness retreat at this private villa, uniquely designed in a container-style and available for exclusive rental. From booking to check-in, the experience is entirely contactless. The property is powered by self-generated electricity from solar panels, ensuring a sustainable stay. The sauna, heated by a wood-burning stove, adds an eco-friendly touch. Adjacent to the sauna, a capacious water bath awaits, fed by the pristine natural springs of Mount Fuji, providing a tranquil oasis for two.
Nifu Fermentation Bath [9 locations in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba and Osaka]
Nifu, an exclusive women’s bath facility, embraces a distinctive approach to bathing through the “fermentation bathing” method. Utilizing natural fermentation heat from Hinoki sawdust, sourced from the lush mountains of Yoshino in Nara Prefecture, Nifu offers an electricity and gas-free bathing experience. The fine texture and abundant essential oil content of Hinoki provide a pleasant fragrance, offering potential beauty and health benefits, making it the premier material for Nifu.
As we wrap up our journey through Japan’s diverse wellness destinations in 2023, it’s clear these offerings extend beyond convention. From transformative retreats to rejuvenating hot springs, each destination beckons a unique journey toward holistic well-being. Let Japan’s therapeutic landscapes guide you to a revitalized state of balance.
More articles about sustainable travel in Japan
- 2024-05-06: Electric bike rentals expands to Mie for sustainable travel
- 2024-04-09: Pedaling to a new sustainable adventure: Bicycle travel in Japan
- 2024-04-01: Roadside stations "Michinoeki": must-visit destinations for local charm in Japan
- 2024-03-26: 2 destinations in Japan awarded at Green Destinations Top 100 Story Awards ceremony
- 2024-03-18: The Japan Travel Awards 2024 for destinations promoting DEI, sustainability, and inbound tourism
