Wanting to embark on a wellness journey can sometimes be unfulfilling with the typical options and solutions of spas and meditation. You may then find what you’ve been looking for in Japan, with some unusual wellness activities. Some of these practices have ancient roots, while others are modern and innovative. Read on to find your next escape from reality.
Sand Bathing in Ibusuki, Kagoshima
For many people, the idea of sand sticking to their bodies sounds like a nightmare. However, these sand baths might change your mind. Note that if you feel claustrophobic quickly, this might not be for you. Ibusuki is the only place in Japan that offers this treatment. There are numerous health benefits thanks to the mineral-rich sand, which increases blood flow, therefore improving circulation. It is said to be helpful with conditions such as rheumatism, asthma, and neuralgia.
Simply lay back on a bed of sand while staff members shovel sand over your body, leaving your head exposed of course. This will feel like a warm, weighted blanket because the hot spring water steam heats the sand from underneath. Naturally, your body will start to heat up and sweat. Having your head exposed helps with some of that discomfort. Due to the weight of the sand, you’ll find you need to be more intentional about your breathing—a perfect opportunity for meditation. Afterwards, you can take a shower and soak in the hot spring pools. After this treatment, we’re sure you will feel light as air and sleep like a baby.
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Forest Therapy in Okutama-Machi, Tokyo
Forest Therapy, or Forest Bathing, is a research-based healing practice. Psychological and physiological tests are conducted in natural forests and urban environments. Close attention is paid to one’s blood pressure and heart rate to confirm the efficacy of the forest’s calming abilities. These forests also need to meet other criteria, including sustainability practices, use of local features, supporting residents and local stores, and more. Only particular forests in Japan are certified and authorised to provide Forest Therapy. There are several health benefits, including suppressing sympathetic nerve activity, boosting the immune system due to an increase in the body’s natural killer cells, reducing some symptoms of physical pain, and, of course, improving one’s mood.
You will be guided by trained Forest Therapy Guides or Forest Therapists who can provide advice on mental and physical health. The former aims to enhance your forest bathing experience through knowledge sharing on environmental sciences and activities of walking and other recreational activities you can do in the forest. The latter has specialised knowledge of health and psychology. The Forest Base in Okutama-Machi is the only forest that offers guides in English, while there are numerous other forests that offer this service only in Japanese.
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Temple Stay in Koyasan, Wakayama
Koyasan was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004. It is still an active monastery founded 12 centuries ago and offers activities such as meditation, hand-copying of sutras, and observing a Buddhist ceremony as an overnight guest. There are also numerous sightseeing spots in the surrounding area, including museums and monuments. Tours are offered ranging from 3 hours to 7 hours. Additionally, you can hire an electric bicycle and purchase a ticket for a once-off price to enter any six of the temples nearby. Throughout the year, various annual events take place, including a candle festival and a Classic Car Show. See here for more information. With several temples to choose from, we’re sure you will find one that suits you where you can experience a bit of traditional Japanese living.
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Watsu Therapy in Okinawa
Watsu is an abbreviation of “Water Shiatsu”. This relatively new practice was created by Harold Dull, who came to Japan in 1980 to study Zen Shiatsu and applied those principles in the water. Since then, the practice has been internationally registered and practised in over 40 countries worldwide. The Okinawa Watsu Centre has been the only training institute in Japan since 2009, so you can be sure you’re getting good quality treatment.
We all know how powerful water and its therapeutic benefits can be. Watsu uses these benefits to your advantage through the free-flowing movement of your body and spine, increasing circulation along with hydrodynamic pressure. Medical professionals use Watsu to rehabilitate patients for relief from chronic pain, cognitive integration training, trauma care, and more. The effects include the adjusting of the skeleton and alignment of posture, loosening muscular tension, and improving breathing and sleeping patterns. This form of therapy is recommended for anyone with or without health concerns; it’s that relaxing. You can book a 40, 60, or 80 minute session here.
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Dark Sky Stargazing in Nagano
Ever wished upon a star? This may be your chance. Achi-mura in Nagano is a popular but quiet mountain town with roughly 6 500 inhabitants. Due to its remoteness, the air quality is relatively clean compared to that of its urban neighbours. Visitors can camp and hike or take a ropeway to the peaks. Additionally, Japanese azaleas and peach blossoms show off their beauty in the spring-fall season, with a Peach Blossom Festival held from the end of April to early May. In the fall, see the forest turn shades of red, yellow, and orange; nature’s very own piece of art just for you.
At night, go to Star Village and see the sky, which was declared the best for stargazing by the Ministry of Environment in 2006. Watch the stars as you ride in a gondola to the peak, where you can find a café and telescopes. Be sure to bring a flashlight and blanket and dress warmly, as it can be quite chilly at that altitude. Also, book tickets well in advance as many tourists would like their chance to wish upon a star throughout the year too.
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Unwind the Japanese Way
Japan has a deep-rooted respect for harmony and balance so what better place to seek wellness than here? These unusual wellness activities in Japan can help you tap into that serenity and inner peace, whether it be through the warm hug of the sand bath, fresh air in the Forest Bath, free flow in Watsu, or the amazement of a star-speckled sky. With or without health concerns, these activities are sure to leave you feeling light, clear-headed, and at peace.
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