With its unique combination of Japanese culture, subtropical temperatures and stunning natural scenery, and as a designated ‘blue zone’ for life expectancy, Okinawa promises travellers a unique wellness retreat in 2022. From sunrise beach yoga and waterfall meditation to luxurious retreats and learning the secrets of longevity, there’s plenty to experience across the prefecture’s 160 islands to indulge the body and soul – and all just three hours south of Tokyo.
Here Visit Okinawa rounds up some of its favourite wellness activities to make a truly unforgettable revitalising break in Japan’s most southern prefecture:
Learn the local secrets of the ‘blue zone’
Located in the north of Okinawa’s main island, visitors will find the rural village of Ogimi. Known locally as the ‘village of longevity’ and proclaimed the ‘longest-living village in Japan’, the community offers homestay experiences welcoming travellers into their homes. During the stay, the friendly locals share their wisdom on the different factors believed to contribute to their longevity, including eating habits and how to manage an active yet less stressful lifestyle. The programme includes farming experiences and cooking classes, as well as home-cooked meals and in-depth advice from the wise villagers. Further details available here: ogimi-tourism.com
Breathe in and breathe out
Some things are worth waking up early for and a morning walking meditation and beach yoga class, set to the backdrop of Okinawa’s beautiful natural scenery, is certainly one of them. Located on the hill of Onna Village, which is known for its stunning shoreline scenery and idyllic white-sand beaches, travellers will find the spiritual health dojo Wayn-Zen. Their ´Walking Meditation and Beach Yoga´ programme is a relaxing and restorative experience including an early morning slow walking meditation to the beach followed by yoga.
Dip into the deep ocean… on land!
For those looking for a unique spa experience, the Ryukyu Onsen Senagajima Hotel is a 15- minute drive from Naha Airport and boasts the Ryujin-no-yu (public hot spring), perfect to start or finish (or both) a wellness-focused trip. The natural hot spring boasts mineral-rich deep ocean water collected from 1,000m underground of Senaga Island that helps promote blood circulation and soothes the muscles – plus it is also believed to have moisturising benefits. The facility has different types of hot spring tubs and saunas for visitors to choose from – a popular option is Tachiyu hot spring tub, with a depth of 1.2m and views of Kerama Island and the ocean. Additionally, there is also a range of therapeutic treatments and massages for visitors to enjoy.
A luxurious wellness retreat
‘Halekulani Okinawa Escapes’ programme by Halekulani Okinawa is perfect for those looking for a luxurious wellness retreat. Exclusive to guests at the hotel, the programme is run under the supervision of the acclaimed professor Arakawa, who specialises in studying how Okinawa’s distinctive lifestyle enhances wellness and longevity. The programme includes three experiences: ‘Discover the Island’s Mabui (soul)’, focusing on Goju-ryu, a traditional Okinawan style of karate; ‘Discover the Island’s Umui (spirit)’, which explores areas and sites of spiritual significance and Okinawa’s wellness philosophies; and ‘Discover the Island’s Glow’, designed to discover the area’s stunning natural beauty.
Feel the magic of waterfall meditation
For a mindful and restorative end to a wellness break in the prefecture, visitors can take part in Nachura’s ‘forest programme’. Here visitors embark on a forest walk to a waterfall to practice both Takigyo (traditional waterfall meditation) and Vipassana meditation (one of the most ancient techniques of meditation)… all while being serenaded by the relaxing sounds of nature.
For more information, please visit https://visitokinawajapan.com/
