This year more than ever, wellness and travel will be at the forefront of people’s minds but in Setouchi Japan you can combine the two trends.
Bathe in Japan’s oldest hot springs, Ehime
Forest bathing, Hyogo
For more ideas on mindfulness in the land of the rising sun, read Japan travel: Glamping, zip-cords and Samurai.
Enjoy yoga in a temple, Hiroshima
The Shanti Yoga salon offers a wide range of classes, including standard, hot, baby and candle-lit yoga and a vegan café for a healthy post-work out snack. The classes are organised in three different temples around the city hold a weekly yoga class in Peace park on Sunday mornings. Prices from ¥500.
Take time out to reflect at the shrines and gates in Setouchi, Miyajima Island
Perhaps the most iconic shot within the Setouchi region is the floating torii gate of the Itsukushima Shrine (see main photo), casting a beautiful reflection on the water beneath.The name ‘Itsukushima’ literally means ‘island of worship’, and the shrine has long been a place where people have carried out ancient rites, prayers and meditation, with visitors from across Japan travelling to Miyajima Island to worship, meditate and reflect today.
Zen meditation in a Japanese water garden
On the outskirts of Yakage in Okayama Prefecture sits Daitsu-ji Temple. The temple’s crisp white outer walls contain a water garden overflowing with maple trees and a pond containing the vividly colourful koi carp. Here, visitors can experience 40 minutes of zazen, a form of zen meditation, every second Sunday of the month.
For more information about Setouchi, visit: Setouchitrip.com
To read about Setouchi’s festivals, click here.