Japanese Wellness

The most recent crop of therapies, treatments and retreats incorporate both the scientific and the spiritual – join us as we sample the latest wellbeing offerings across cutting-edge Japan.

Tsubaki Onsen, Oku-Yugawara Japan

Located in Oku-Yugawara, within Fuji Hakone Izu National Park, here you will find natural beauty and traditional Japanese hospitality in excess. Peaceful, serene, delicate and simple – are all adjectives that come to mind as you enter the gates and come upon the cottages of Tsubaki. Built in the Sukiya-zukuri architectural tradition, expect calm, clean lines and no shortage of windows. A place designed for guests to unwind and reconnect, the most present sound will be that of the rustling trees and the coos of surrounding wildlife. 

Peninsula Spa Tokyo

Urban spas are bliss. Travellers can get the best of both worlds and spend part of their vacation ensconced in the thrum of designer shops, high-speed trains and spectacular sushi restaurants, and then return to the cosseting confines of the hotel’s world-class spa. The Peninsula Spa Tokyo certainly provides every luxury imaginable. Located on the hotel’s spacious sixth floor, the design and ambiance takes its cues from traditional Japanese styles and the menu includes the best ESPA treatments available. Inside there are nine whimsically designed treatment rooms – a highlight of which are the shoji (rice paper) screens – which allow just the right amount of light to peek through. 

Eat Pray Move Retreat Kyoto

Enter the exquisite world of Kyoto, as participants are transported to the city’s historic heart, replete with 1,600 unique temples, hugged by views of the Kamo River to one side and Mount Higashi to the other. The retreat is led by Sarah Scarborough, a registered yoga teacher who has been practicing for over 20 years. Not only will participants practice Sarah’s well-honed vinyasa flow but the week will include visits to temples, cultural activities, tastings, yoga insideof a temple, and a Japanese spa day, all of which are built alongside a programme of additional workshops and meditations. These are designed so that each participant can reconnect with themselves and return home stronger both mentally and physically.