Amidst Japan’s bustling metropolises, where neon lights flicker and the pace of life never seems to relent, the longing for serenity has emerged. Japan has witnessed a growing trend in the pursuit of inner peace and holistic wellbeing. As the demands of modern life continue to increase, many people are seeking refuge in wellness retreats where they can reconnect with themselves, find solace in meditation, and restore their energy.
Located in the heart of Japan lies Awaji Island, a tucked away paradise that quietly sits right outside Osaka and Kobe. According to the Kojiki, Awaji Island is legendary for being the birthplace of Japan as the first island created by the Kami Izanagi and Izanami according to Japanese mythology.
Known for its spiritual qualities, Awaji Island is home to some of the best spots in Japan if you’re looking to do a wellness retreat – and in this article, we’ll take you on a deep dive on the best spots Awaji Island has to offer for the perfect Japanese wellness retreat across some of the best wellness resorts Japan has to offer.
Table of Contents
- An Awaji Island Wellness Spa With a 360 View of Japanese Nature, Perfect for a Yoga Retreat
- Stay Overnight and Stargaze for a Luxury Wellness Retreat on Awaji Island
- Seasonal, Local Awaji Island Cuisine to Boost Health and Wellness
- Exploring the Diversity of Wellness Retreats on Awaji Island and Beyond
- Recommended Wellness Retreats in Japan Outside of Awaji Island
An Awaji Island Wellness Spa With a 360 View of Japanese Nature, Perfect for a Yoga Retreat
Zenbo Seinei
Designed by renowned Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, Zenbo Seinei is a wellness retreat center where you can partake in yoga, meditation, calligraphy, and more. The structure embodies an environmentally sustainable approach, built with giant beams of Japanese Cedarwood. Featuring an extraordinary 100-meter-long terrace for you to relax on, Zenbo Seinei offers an awe-inspiring panoramic view of Awaji Island’s natural surroundings.
Not sure what level of Zen meditation you’re looking for? Zenbo Seinei offers both day-trip sessions and overnight stays, where you can experience a Zen tea ceremony, Zen calligraphy, and vegetarian Zenbo Cuisine made from native Awaji Island ingredients, nurturing both health and wellness. Whatever your desire, you’ll be leaving feeling refreshed in mind and body at this Japanese wellness resort.
Yoga Meditation
Breathe in, breathe out – Meditation sessions facilitate the practice of mindfulness and the exploration of inner tranquility. At Zenbo Seinei, experience Zen meditation on a 100-meter-long platform surrounded by the nature of Awaji Island. Sit down on expertly crafted chairs designed for maximum comfort and listen to the sound of leaves rustling and birds chirping as you relax and unwind by the Japanese wilderness. This experience is perfect for those looking for a Yoga retreat.
Zen tea ceremony
The Zen tea ceremony presents a contemplative opportunity, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the elegance and aesthetics of this traditional Japanese ritual.
Participants are given their own matcha-making kit and are encouraged to find a serene spot of their choosing within the Zen facility to partake in the tea ceremony. Alongside a set of instructions, the tea ceremony is all about carefully performing each step meticulously and with deep contemplation. Remember, it’s just you, and your own matcha green tea – use this time to reflect and heal from within.
Afterward, participants gather and enjoy traditional Japanese wagashi in this communal experience. Made with seasonal Awaji Island ingredients, these traditional Japanese snacks are sure to delight.
Zen calligraphy
Zen calligraphy serves as a medium for self-expression and introspection through the medium of brush and ink, encouraging the journey of self-discovery.
At Zenbo Seinei, participants are invited to partake in Zen calligraphy workshops. To master Zen calligraphy, the goal isn’t to practice day-in-day-out to perfect each stroke. Rather, the philosophy behind Zen calligraphy is to clear your mind and become one with the meaning of each character you write.
Shinrin-yoku/Zenbo Cuisine
Additionally, Zenbo Cuisine (vegetarian cuisine) treats the senses to the rich flavors of Awaji Island’s native ingredients, nurturing both the body and soul.
Participants can enjoy vegetarian Zen cuisine packed with probiotics and free of oil, dairy, and flour to promote healthy eating and wellness. Made with local, seasonal Awaji Island ingredients, as well as exquisite seasonings such as a mirin aged for three years straight from the brewery, this is a health food experience like no other.
Recently, the desire to unwind and detach from the fast pace of daily life has experienced notable growth. For those looking for a wellness resort in Japan, Zenbo Seinei emerges as an ideal destination. Through pursuits like meditation, the Zen tea ceremony, and Zen calligraphy, guided by experts in wellness coaching, this wellness retreat nurtures the mental and physical wellbeing of individuals.
| Name | Zenbo Seinei |
|---|---|
| Address | 2594-5 Aza-Banaka, Kusumoto, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-2301 |
| Tel | 0799-70-9087 |
| Website | https://www.zenbo-seinei.com/en/ |
| Program Reservations | https://zenbo-seinei.urkt.in/direct/offices/587/courses |
| Hotel Reservation | https://rsv.temanasi.jp/29/room/search |
| Operation Hours | Mon: 9:00 am～5:00 pm / Tues～Sun: 11:00 am～6:30 pm Closed: Varies depending on a month. Please inquire. |
Click here for details of ZEN Wellness SEINEI
Stay Overnight and Stargaze for a Luxury Wellness Retreat on Awaji Island
GRAND CHARIOT Hokutoshichisei 135°
Nestled in a hilltop forest, stay overnight on Awaji Island in peaceful solitude at GRAND CHARIOT Hokutoshichisei 135° where every room is meticulously crafted with the healing power of nature in mind. With a cozy wooden interior, views of the night sky, and an enzyme bath to rejuvenate your body, this is the perfect place to treat yourself to a mental health retreat on Awaji Island.
Skylights for stargazing and natural lighting
In each room – called ‘Cocoons’ for their shape – is a skylight, turning the room into a natural planetarium. And in the morning, the inclusion of skylights in the ceiling allows the gentle rays of the morning sun to gently awaken guests, creating a sense of harmony with nature.
Cozy wooden interior to soothe the soul
The interiors radiate a cozy and inviting ambiance, adorned with captivating wooden accents that infuse the space with warmth and elegance. Each room is equipped with cypress baths, providing a delightful fusion of comfort and the therapeutic aroma of cypress wood. Watch as the sun rises and illuminates the interior of the cocoon in beautiful shades of orange.
Enzyme bath
Just a short walk away from the room is an enzyme bath experience. Made from a mixture of fermented rice bran and cypress sawdust, this bath will help increase blood circulation, promote sweating, and detox the body. Use this time to take in the enzyme bath aroma and reflect on your Awaji Island wellness retreat.
This luxury wellness retreat is meticulously designed to create an environment conducive to health and wellness, allowing guests to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
| Name | GRAND CHARIOT |
|---|---|
| Adress | 2425-2 Kusumoto, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-2301 Located at Nijigen no Mori in Hyogo Prefecture Awajishima Park |
| Tel | 0799-64-7090 |
| Website | https://awaji-grandchariot.com/ |
| Reservations | https://go-grandchariot.reservation.jp/en |
Seasonal, Local Awaji Island Cuisine to Boost Health and Wellness
Haru-San San
Surrounded by local Awaji farmland and local produce, this restaurant takes a holistic wellness approach with its menu by serving meals using freshly picked ingredients from its premises. Like Zenbo Seinei, the restaurant’s architecture was also designed by Shigeru Ban with nature and harmony in mind.
| Name | Farmer’s Restaurant – Haru San San |
|---|---|
| Address | 1510-4 Nojima-tokiwa Aza Genpachi, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1726 |
| Tel | 0799-70-9082 |
| Operation Hours | 11:00-18:00（L.O.17:00） |
| Closed | Wednesdays |
| Website | https://www.awaji-nlr.com/harusansan |
| Reservations | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/noukarestaurant-haru-sansan/reserve |
Click here for details of Haru San San
Summary
Tucked away in the Seto Inland Sea, Awaji Island’s remote location – in conjunction with its strong spiritual connections in Japanese mythology – make it an ideal place to visit for those looking get away from the bustle of life on a wellness retreat. Whether its Zen workshops at Zenbo Seinei, enzyme baths and stargazing at GRAND CHARIOT Hokutoshichisei 135°, or enjoying expertly crafted Awaji cuisine with freshly picked ingredients – Awaji Island is the wellness resort you’re looking for.
Exploring the Diversity of Wellness Retreats on Awaji Island and Beyond
Yoga Meditation Retreats
Combining the ancient practice of yoga with meditation, these retreats guide participants through physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation techniques. Amidst serene surroundings, visitors can achieve mental clarity and physical rejuvenation.
Shojin Ryori
Shojin ryori is the art of Zen Buddhist vegan cuisine. Wellness seekers can participate in retreats that teach the preparation of these simple, nutritious, and spiritually nourishing meals, fostering a connection between food and inner harmony. The act of preparing Shojin Ryori is akin to a meditative ritual, with the meals themselves served in a serene environment.
Onsen Retreats
Onsen, traditional Japanese hot springs, are not only therapeutic but also deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. Onsen are frequently found in ryokan (Japanese Inns), where they offer exclusive hot spring experiences for visitors. These springs are known for their mineral-infused waters, believed to possess remedial effects on the skin, muscles, and joints. This draws numerous tourists to onsen resorts with the intention of reducing stress and enhancing their general health.
Shinrin-yoku Retreats
Translated as “forest bathing”, shinrin-yoku is a therapeutic technique centered on spending time amidst nature to enhance one’s holistic health. With Japan boasting numerous exquisite forests, a variety of wellness retreats present opportunities for forest bathing encounters. This practice entails leisurely strolls through wooded areas, inhaling the pure air, and fully engaging with the environment. Scientific research has illuminated the stress-reducing, mood-enhancing, and immune system-boosting effects of forest bathing.
Recommended Wellness Retreats in Japan Outside of Awaji Island
1. Forest Therapy Shinanomachi (Nagano)
The Shinanomachi Community in Shinano offers healing therapies rooted in the forest environment near Nagano, adapting the wellness retreat principle of shinrin-yoku. The Healing Center provides activities like forest bathing, aromatherapy, yoga, mountain climbing, and art therapy for calmness and healing, making it one of the hidden gems for wellness retreats in Japan.
Engage your senses with the fragrance of branches and berries, immerse your legs in the chilly stream, and sample local medicinal plants. Activating your five senses has been shown to lower stress, induce relaxation, and even enhance immune cell activity in your bloodstream. Unlike typical tourism, the focus here is on deeper physical and spiritual well-being. This approach connects urban people with nature and offers a transformative experience, promoting relaxation and personal growth.
2. Buddhist Temple Retreat Koyasan (Wakayama)
With a history spanning over 1,200 years, Mount Koya in Wakayama exudes a profound spiritual atmosphere fostered by its numerous ancient temples scattered across the mountain. In contemporary times, people from diverse backgrounds journey to Mount Koya to embrace the simple yet enriching lifestyle of Buddhist monks. At the present moment, it is a popular wellness retreat in Japan where visitors have the opportunity to partake in a temple stay experience on Wakayama’s Mount Koya, where they can engage in meditation and immerse themselves in the daily routines of the temples. The stays also include meals, featuring the renowned vegetarian delicacies of the region. Many seek to savor vegetarian Buddhist cuisine, lodge overnight within the temple premises, and engage in the poignant morning prayer rituals conducted by the monks.
3. Onsen Wellness Retreat (Beppu)
Beppu is a city located on the southern island of Kyushu in Japan, renowned for its unique geographical features and natural hot springs. It has gained a reputation as a perfect destination for wellness retreats due to its abundant hot springs, diverse therapeutic baths, and serene surroundings.
Beppu boasts a variety of baths with different mineral compositions, each believed to offer specific health benefits. Visitors can experience everything from traditional communal baths to private ones, sand baths, and even themed hot spring experiences. Mud baths, where visitors can immerse themselves in warm, mineral-rich mud are also famous, believed to have skin-rejuvenating properties. The combination of natural hot springs, mud baths, and therapeutic baths offers a range of wellness benefits. These include relaxation, stress reduction, improved blood circulation, muscle and joint pain relief, and potential skin improvements.
Closing
In today’s fast-paced world, the need for spaces that enable individuals to relax, meditate, and find inner peace has become increasingly vital. Wellness retreats in Japan offer a chance to temporarily step away from the fast pace of life and embark on a journey of self-care, introspection, and renewal. These wellness retreats in Japan serve as reminders that amidst the business of life, finding inner peace is not only a luxury but a necessity for a balanced and fulfilling existence.
