Beyond neon skylines, Japan’s nature-based rituals cleanse body, mind, spirit
Japan is often portrayed as a kaleidoscope of hyper- modern lights and colors: ember-hued Tokyo Tower, 10-storey animated billboards surrounding Shibuya Scramble, one of the world’s busiest crosswalk intersections, and sleek bullet trains shuttling between high-rise metropolises.
And it is all these things—in part.
But Japan is also a constellation of islands with densely forested interiors and a dizzying collection of varied hot springs: saltwater soaks, milky mineral waters, sulfuric pools, and even black waters swirling with organic matter said to relieve nerve pain. Outside Japan’s fast-paced cities, quiet nature and deep-rooted cleansing rituals beckon the body and brain to relax, opening precious space for healing.
The Japanese Philosophy of Wellness: Clean and Uncluttered
As is the case in many cultures, Japan’s wellness often involves stepping outside. Modern science confirms the health benefits of deep, cleansing breaths in oxygen-rich forests. And wellness resorts around the world have long been built around natural hot springs. But Hiroko Yoda, author of Eight Million Ways to Happiness: Wisdom for Inspiration
and Healing from the Heart of Japan, says that while Japan’s concept of spiritual, mental, and physical wellness involves nature, the most crucial element is cleanliness: a clean body, mind, and spirit.
“Cleaning is such an integral part of Japanese tradition and society, in ways spiritual, such as
how visitors wash their hands before entering a Shinto shrine, and societal, such as how we remove our shoes before entering homes,” Yoda says. “Cleanliness is linked to wellness too, both from a hygienic standpoint but also from a mental one.” She says the Japanese believe negativity we accumulate in our lives, such as stress, frustration, anger, and even fear, can be seen as invisible “impurities” or barriers to a clear mind and spirit. “There are various ways of ‘cleansing’ yourself of them—mainly by doing things that soothe us,” she adds.
Keeping the body and mind clean becomes even more therapeutic when practiced in the gentle quiet and beauty of nature. These three Japanese wellness practices can be experienced all over the country, though certain destinations are more obviously suited to enjoying the healing, cleansing power of nature.
Onsen: Healing, Cleansing Waters
In Japan, an authentic onsen, or hot spring bath, involves soaking in geothermically heated mineral waters. Onsen rules require bathers to thoroughly scrub themselves before entering the bath nude— nothing between you and the silky-smooth healing waters.
“There’s something meditative about carefully washing yourself and immersing yourself in those steaming waters for a good long soak,” Yoda says. And it’s true: The onsen experience is so intensely physical that the mind quickly hushes. After a vigorous washing session, bathers slowly, cautiously lower themselves into a skin-pricklingly hot pool. Mental cobwebs clear as muscle tension releases. Time slows. At open-air onsens, there is often nothing to focus on but the drip-drip of condensation on cold, leaf-spackled stones.
Japan has a plethora of onsen towns. One of the most popular bases is Hakone, a hilly region near Tokyo that’s known for views of Mount Fuji. Nestled next to the serene Sukumogawa River is Hoshino Resorts KAI Hakone, a 34-room modern ryokan (traditional Japanese inn). This boutique property features two stunning onsens overlooking the trees, an outdoor tea house with a cozy red kotatsu (heated table), seasonal fine dining cuisine, and in-room Shiatsu massage services. The property aims to re-create the escapist spa retreats once booked by travelers on the ancient Tokaido Road, which connected Tokyo and Kyoto. After a morning group stretch, enjoy a bountiful breakfast set before heading out for the day’s hike—or simply a long soak in the onsen or sauna.
Other luxe Hakone onsen retreats include Gora Kadan, once a retreat of the Imperial family,
and Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora, a Western-style mountain resort with private onsens in each room.
Shinrin-yoku: Sweep Away Stress with Forest Bathing
“Forests have long been treated as sacred places here,” Yoda says. “This is why Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples are often surrounded by groves of trees.” She adds that recent research has found that forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, offers a measurable emotional boost. Indeed, science also confirms that mindfully immersing yourself in nature can lower blood pressure, reduce cortisol, and even improve oxygen levels in the brain.
Shinrin-yoku is not the same as hiking. Forest bathing requires intentionality, according to Yoda. And while it’s possible to experience forest bathing without a guide, several Japanese resorts offer intimate shinrin-yoku experiences for those interested in maximizing the mental and physical health benefits.
HOSHINOYA Karuizawa’s Forest Wellness program includes forest bathing walks, guided deep breathing, and meals featuring medicinal cuisine from the surrounding forest. Like Hakone, the slopes of Karuizawa boast several natural hot springs.
For an immersive forest getaway in northern Japan, head to Kumano-bettei Nakanoshima, a small island retreat accessible only by boat. Also, in the northernmost island of Hokkaido, there’s Lamp No Yado Moritsubetsu. This charming mountain inn is located near the Sea of Clouds and Nonno-no- mori—a designated Forest Therapy Base near where travelers can distill their own aromatic forest water from foraged leaves and branches.
Zen Meditation: Clear the Mind of Negativity
Zazen, or seated Zen meditation, can seem intimidating for first timers. Fortunately, a handful
of hotels and resorts lean on connections with local Buddhist priests to offer guests intimate guided meditation sessions at historic temples. Meditation sessions may take place overlooking Zen rock gardens, bamboo groves, or simple burbling fountains.
Beniya Mukayu, a member of The Ryokan Collection and Relais & Chateaux, was built on the site of a former Buddhist temple complex. The luxury ryokan offers a variety of Zen-inspired experiences, including contemplative tea ceremony, workshops for making medicinal herbal bundles, and sound bathing.
In Japan’s temple-studded old capital, Six Senses Kyoto invites guests to experience the healing quietude of Zen living. Explore historic Zen gardens with a temple garden custodian, book the half-day Hidden Gem Village Tour to explore a 1,000-year-old temple, or create your own incense pouch to use while continuing a zazen practice
at home. Guests of Aman Kyoto can also book meditation sessions with a local Zen Buddhist monk. (A bonus: The Aman property encompasses more than 30 acres of Japanese maple and cedar landscaping, making it a spectacular site for forest bathing, too.)
Ultimately, tapping into Japanese wellness while visiting the Land of the Rising Sun isn’t complicated. So much power lies in the intentionality of everyday actions, from slipping your shoes off before stepping onto tatami flooring to breathing deeply while noting the dappled sunlight on your face and birdsong in the air as you step into the forest. Next, taking a cue from the Japanese people—to keep your space and your mind free of clutter—allows room for contemplation. In the end, science shows us that these small acts of mindfulness do add up to greater relaxation and improved wellbeing.
