#Japanuary: Wellness hacks from Japan to Start the year on the right note

Starting 2021 with a fresh mind, it’s time to take a look inside our ‘tabigokoro’ or our ‘travel hearts’ and see what’s been hiding. According to a recent survey, in 2021 we will be more likely to go to places which have been on the top of our bucket lists for years, and for many people that is nowhere else than Japan! However, once we’re there we shouldn’t feel rushed and pressured to visit as many places as possible.

Japan is all about celebrating those small experiences and little joys. The 100 soundscapes of Japan, understanding your ‘ikigai’ reason for living, ‘kuidaore’ self-indulgence, observing the passing of the 72 micro-seasons – these are the small appreciations that turn your whole trip into lasting memories shared with your loved ones. They are also one of the reasons behind Japan housing many record-breaking centenarians like Kane Tanaka – the oldest person alive!

This year we’re joining Japanuary, an initiative to celebrate these different aspects of Japan. As the movement grows, the people at Theobald Fox have created a series of events around weekly themes: cycling, adventure, wellbeing, the weird/wonderful world of Japanese sports, whilst Cakes with Faces has made a daily calendar with various fun Japan-related categories!  Discover ways to celebrate yourself and get a fresh perspective on things and take a look at our list of Japanese customs and experiences that will top up your serotonin and let you hit that ‘refresh’ button!

Finding your own kind of Zen

Zen meditation has been a key element of Japanese life for centuries as a result of its close ties to Buddhism, Japan’s dominant religion. It’s not an experience only limited to a few chosen people, anyone can try it to relax and find inner peace. That’s why we can wholeheartedly recommend Hakujukan next door to Eiheiji Temple in Fukui, a mere three hour trip from Tokyo. Hakujukan is not just a ryokan hotel but a reserve for your mind where you can join the local monks during their morning prayers and other activities that will help you tap into long-lasting peace of mind. Get a taste of fine dining with a Buddhist twist: Buddhist vegetarian cuisine which has sustained monks since the beginning of time nourishes your body and soul. Hakujukan is also equipped with “Zen Concierges” who will be your spiritual guides through the experience and assist you with achieving your goals and getting the most out of your experience.

Try some ‘zazen’ seated meditation techniques with this DIY at-home video from Kyoto’s Taizo-in, and, if you’re a real pro, enrol yourself on a fully-fledged no holes barred intensive zen programme within Eiheiji Temple itself.

Source – Japan.travel

#Japan #Tourism #JNTO #Wellness #Spa #Zen #Monk #Kyoto #Ikigai #Japanuary #Kuidaore

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