Gateway to Sustainability in Japan

SO.WA expands possibilities of wellness tourism in Japan

Wellness tourism in Japan has drawn the attention of the world. Many wellness-related experiences are deeply rooted in Japanese culture and provide valuable opportunities for tourists to rejuvenate and replenish themselves.

Trend of wellness tourism in the world and Japan

Interest in wellness tourism worldwide has been expanding drastically, with a market size of USD 923.6 billion in 2023 and a revenue forecast of USD 2.1 trillion by 2030.

Japan has provided both domestic and international tourists with mind-body-spirit tourism, with the total number of visitors in 2022 exceeding 30 million. The offerings are not limited to hot springs and healthy Japanese foods but also include Zen, forest bathing, and Golden Repair, known as Kintsugi.

In the meantime, Japan faces numerous issues that require solutions to meet the demand from global travelers. Many wellness attractions are located away from city centers, making accessibility one of the biggest challenges. The value of wellness trips in Japan is not yet widely recognized by locals because these experiences are integrated into their daily lives. Additionally, wellness tourism in Japan lacks experts in specialized tourism, highlighting the need for training advisors who can meet global standards.

About SO.WA and their services

(Image: PR TIMES)

SO.WA tackles challenges in wellness tourism and is committed to expanding authentic and valuable experiences for international tourists. A broad range of services like these are offered by them.

Planning and proposing ideas for wellness

The expert team can make strategic proposals that maximize the unique features of each facility, leveraging their knowledge and analysis cultivated globally.

Structuring and designing facilities

Their concept is to create spaces that delight and surprise everyone involved while fostering deep connections with nature.

Supporting the management and growing experts

SO.WA offers customized supporting plans with long-term and short-term perspectives for improvements. Additionally, the company helps clients excel in international competitions by training and developing expert advisors for cross-border tourists.

Hotels and leisure spots fostered by SO.WA

SO.WA has been leading successes for many facilities, and here are three success stories among them.

Hotel New Akao [Shizuoka]
Hotel New Akao is located in a holiday home area close to the beach. The summer vacation spot captivates travelers with multiple types of hot springs and meals in a luxurious setting.

SO.WA has been working on many wellness-centric initiatives, from the marketing and analysis of competitions to considering the concept of the hotel in the phase of designing, zoning, estimating the project cost and determining the spa brand.

Kamenoi Hotels [nationwide]
Kamenoi Hotels runs 39 hot spring spots across Japan. All of them are surrounded by the abundance of nature, and each one of them provides their guests with a unique bathing experience.

SO.WA has established various wellness programs, spanning activities, relaxation and food so that the facility can obtain guests from a wide client base.

Solaniwa [Osaka]
The biggest hot spring complex in western Japan, Solaniwa Onsen, is enshrined in Benten-cho, Osaka. There is an extensive array of open-air baths, saunas, hot stoned baths and other amenities to help guests recuperate.

SO.WA has undertaken a renovation plan focused on wellness and beauty. They analyzed the existing facility, researched competitors, and proposed strategies to increase revenue and attract guests by differentiating from others. Visitors can choose from over 30 different services in the area.

Wellness tourism in Japan has begun to thrive and satisfy international travelers through various initiatives like those undertaken by SO.WA. Visit new places to explore Japanese wellness retreats.

[Website] SO.WA (in Japanese)

Written by
Yumi Arao

Yumi is passionate about women’s health and empowerment since she has experienced hormonal and period issues. She truly believes that all women should be given their own sovereignty to brighten their lives, which eventually brings a brighter future for all on earth. She loves to do yoga, biking, and simply be in nature.

View all articles
Written by Yumi Arao