Japan
Japan’s Great Getaways
Almost 70 percent of Japan is forested and home to popular “Power Spots”, where health and well-being enthusiasts immerse themselves in the phytoncide emissions of the woods for rejuvenation. Interestingly, there is a quantifiable physiological effect from doing this.
Escaping the bustle of Tokyo, Okutama lies two hours west by train. It’s an easy jaunt to inspirational scenery and serenity. “Okutama” means “beyond the spirit of the waters”, and here you’ll find lush mountains gushing with waterfalls and rivers that rush past trails, paths and caves.
On the Japan Sea Side, Sado Island, Niigata is renowned as the home of Kodo Taiko drumming, where you can beat massive drums in guided classes. It’s also a bastion of coveted high-end sake breweries, including Hokusetsu, a favourite of Robert De Niro and his Michelin-starred restaurant, Nobu. Unique to water transportation, the Tarai-Bune (Tub Boats) seem like DIY boats made from wooden hot tubs in which women in traditional folk attire steer you around the bay. The lush greenery and purity of the waters make this area of Niigata prized for its high-quality rice and seafood.
Shimane is renowned for authentic tea houses and immaculate gardens, like the award-winning Adachi Museum of Art. This is a bucket list destination for green tea enthusiasts and horticulturalists. Meander around the Matsue Castle area and take a relaxing gondola ride under low-hanging trees, passing the turtles, ducks, river fish and exotic birds of the Horikawa River along the way. The bridges are so low that, while singing Japanese folk songs, the boat captain casually pushes a button to close the boat’s awning within an inch of your head. Admire one of Japan’s few remaining original castles along with the architecture of this samurai-era town.
Along the rocky coast, the recreation of choice is geo-kayaking in crystal clear waters through sea caves along the Oki Islands, while the interior is home to Omori town’s ancient temples and shops, and the storied forest-walk to the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine.
The Imperial Family frequents the resort town of Karuizawa, where Hoshinoya Karuizawa Resort is the height of luxury. Sip green tea on the porch of your own private villa and watch the floating lanterns reflecting the starry night in the water below. The focus here is on embracing simplicity and relaxing the body and mind through nature walks that trace the migration of birds, frogs and bears. In the evening, before shuffling off to sleep, enter a Meditation Bath. Wade into the hot spring and glide through a dark corridor, into a pitch-black room with zero visibility. Free of any distractions, the body unwinds into complete calmness.
