Vending machines around every corner, extremely fast trains, heated toilet seats – in Japan, progress is king and a God fit to worship.
And yet, sitting side-by-side with this fascination with technology and modern convenience is an appreciation, in fact, a devotion, to nourishing the soul.
From relaxing onsens to forest bathing in nature, the Japanese schedule time in their busy lives to care for themselves. And as a visitor to Japan, you’re more than welcome to join in the wellness.
Here are four traditional wellness experiences waiting for you in Japan.
1. Soak in a traditional onsen (hot spring)
Soak in thermally-heated, mineral-rich water and immerse yourself in this ancient Japanese tradition.
Onsen (natural hot springs) are literally found all over Japan – a product of the country’s volcanic foundations – and come in all shapes, sizes and settings: from overlooking majestic mountains and placid lakes to cosy indoor complexes.
Most onsen are segregated by gender, and you’ll need to be naked the entire time. But the soothing effect the experience will have on your body and mind is totally worth it.
If you can, stay at a traditional Japanese inn, known as a ryokan, and soak in the hotel’s accompanying onsen for an evening you’ll never, ever forget.
2. Participate in a tea ceremony
It’s not just about drinking tea – it’s an art form in its own right. Ceremonial rather than procedural, the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, also called the Way of Tea, is steeped in rich history and owes much of its current form to Zen-inspired teachings: a focus on being in the present moment and of ritual simplicity is key.
During a tea ceremony in Japan, you’ll sit on tatami mats in a traditional tea room whilst your host artfully prepares the powdered green tea and creates an atmosphere that couldn’t be more different to the pace of modern Japanese life outside those sliding doors. Savour every last sip!
3. Go forest bathing in nature
The sound of the wind rustling the leaves, the fragrant scent of the trees, the fresh, clean air – forest bathing in Japan is the ultimate nature therapy and guaranteed to refresh your body, mind and spirit.
This practice, known as shinrin-yoku, was developed as a mode of therapy in the 1980s in Japan. Ever since, a whole range of health benefits has been attributed to the practice, such as a reduction in depression, anxiety, fatigue and blood pressure.
To properly forest bathe, you must use all your five sense to connect with nature: sight, sound, smell, touch and taste (the air or the water flowing down a cold, clean mountain stream).
With literally hundreds of pristine forests around Japan, you won’t have to look far – or book an appointment – to connect with nature and up your wellness.
4. Flower watch with the locals in spring
Each spring, when cherry blossom (sakura) trees burst into varying hues of pink and white, Japanese come together with friends, co-workers and family to engage in flower watching.
Known as hanami in Japan, this tradition of appreciating the colours of blooming trees dates back to the 8th century and has been a non-negotiable seasonal fascination in Japanese culture ever since.
The best way to experience hanami yourself is to join the throngs of Japanese who picnic under these trees in parks and green spaces throughout the country.
Here, you’ll be able to appreciate the transient nature of not just these flowers, but life in general, and perhaps foster a great appreciation for what you have in your life right now.
To discover more wellness experiences in Japan, visit the website here.
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