If you’re looking for mindful wellness experiences, you’ll find some incredible options in Japan, some of which are based on traditions that have been passed down for centuries. From hot spring onsens to tea ceremonies and meditation, you’ll enjoy meaningful experiences while learning about Japanese culture and heritage. While Japan still hasn’t opened quite yet to foreign visitors, now is a great time to plan for a future visit. Check out these amazing Japanese wellness travel ideas.

Gifu and Ishikawa Prefectures

Meditation Experiences at Seringi Temple and Takayama Zenko-ji Temple

Find zen through a traditional practice at Ishikawa’s Zazen Meditation Experience at Serinji Temple and visit Gifu’s Takayama Zenko-ji Temple for a beginner's experience in the four fundamentals of Zen principles: harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility – plus, you’ll have the opportunity to sleep in the Temple itself!

Japanese Tea Ceremony in Gifu and Ishikawa

Become present with a tea ceremony in the oldest tearoom in Ishikawa. The ceremony encourages you to focus your attention to each movement involved.

Learn the etiquette of Japanese tea ceremonies through a traditional style tearoom in Gifu, a deliberate exercise in mindfulness through tea.

Healing Waters at Kaga Onsen Kyo and Gero Hot Springs

Yamanaka Onsen [Image courtesy of Ishikawa Prefecture Tourism]

Rejuvenate mind, body, and soul in Ishikawa’s Kaga Onsen Kyo, comprised of four hot-spring villages and praised as some of the best In Japan, with healing properties that improve digestion, muscle pain, and skin diseases.

Yamashiro Onsen [Image courtesy of Ishikawa Prefecture Tourism]

Gifu’s Gero Hot Springs are also known as one of the three most famous hot springs in all of Japan, specifically for the smooth quality of water, which is reflected on the visitor’s skin.

Shizuoka Prefecture

Hot Spring Baths at Umi-No Hotel Isaba

Umi-No Hotel Isaba is tucked away in a small fishing village in Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, with a beautiful view of Mount Fuji and the bay. Guests enjoy stunning sunset views, delicious fresh seafood, and relaxing accommodations. The destination is also famous for its therapeutic public and private hot spring baths, which not only feature spectacular views, but also provide a perfect way to unwind after a day of local exploration. Read our full profile on the destination here.

Kyoto

Scenic Hikes and Walks: Kyoto Trail Mountain Hike and The Philosopher’s Path

The Kyoto Isshū Trail (Kyoto Trail) is divided into five sections and runs through the three mountain ranges around the perimeter of the Kyoto.

The Philosopher’s path is a scenic path perfect for some meditation. The path begins about 100 meters north of Eikando in northern Higashiyama and finishes at Ginkakuji Temple. Along the way you’ll find temples, shrines, cafes, and if you’re lucky and the season is right, cherry blossoms.

Relaxing Spa Experiences and Beautiful Views at the Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

From the quiet luxury of the Ritz Carlton Kyoto, guests enjoy sweeping views of the mighty Higashiyama mountains. At the spa, a bubbling waterfall complements seven treatment rooms where modern Japanese design evokes a serene atmosphere. Guests can unwind in the sleek relaxation room while sipping matcha green tea. Amenities include a 20-meter swimming pool, a steam room, and a dry sauna. A curated menu of treatments celebrates local traditions and incorporates local ingredients.

The Best Kyoto Spas

Tokyo

Hot Springs at Hoshinoya

Hoshinoya’s varied “Wellness Stay” programs are based on the teachings of Zen, incorporating concepts of Japanese wellness culture, including meals, activities, hot spring bathing, and spa treatments. Guests can experience the local ingredients, nature, and culture.

Spa Experience at Mandarin Oriental Tokyo

Relaxation of the highest order takes centre stage at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Tokyo. The serene spa is located on the 37th floor where guests can enjoy classic views of Tokyo and distant mountains in a luxe and tranquil environment.

For an indulgent experience, try the “Totally Tokyo” which incorporates the Japanese elements of green tea, pine, bamboo, rice bran, and plum to take you on a sensory journey. This cleansing and warming experience includes a head massage, full-body Shiatsu-style massage, and stretching.

Moon Viewing at Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree and Roppongi Hills

Moon over the Yasukuni Shrine near the Kudan-zaka [Image courtesy of Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau]

Famous moon viewing spots in Tokyo include Tokyo Tower, TOKYO SKYTREE, and Roppongi Hills. The view from the Kudan-zaka, a naturally elevated area of Tokyo, is known as a place to watch the moon rise. If you happen to visit in September on the day of the full moon, you can experience the moon viewing celebration with Japanese pampas grass, rice dumplings, and sake.

Kanagawa Prefecture - Hakone

Guest Room Hot Spring at Hoshino Resort KAI Sengokuhara

Guest room hot spring at Hoshino Resorts Hakone

With over 30 resorts across Asia, Hoshino Resorts continues to be a powerhouse hospitality group with an eco-friendly policy, self-sufficient energy usage, and a theme of traditional Japanese-style resort accommodations. KAI is Hoshino’s brand of upscale boutique hot spring ryokans, each offering unique, location-specific experiences. A fundamental part of Japanese culture and history, onsens are said to offer a variety of healing benefits such as easing jet lag, improving blood circulation, and metabolism.  At Hoshino Resort Hakone, guests enjoy relaxing river views and baths fed by a 1,200-year-old hot spring.

Tochigi Prefecture - Nikko

Crafting at The Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nikko

Located along Japan’s Romantic Road, the town of Nikko interweaves colorful natural beauty with sublime cultural heritage. From The Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nikko, explore some of Japan's most renowned historical sites including Japan’s most lavishly decorated shrine, the Futarasan-jinja Shinto Shrine and the Rinno-ji Buddhist Temple. Among the breathtaking mountains, lakes, reservoirs, falls, and wetlands of Nikko National Park, visit Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji, and the great mountain range of Mt. Nantai.

After a full day of adventures, guests can indulge their artistic side with crafting activities such as Nikko-bori woodcarving.

Fukuoka Prefecture - Kyushu

Ibusuki Sand Bath

Ibusuki natural sand bath [Image courtesy of Kyushu Tourism Promotion Organization]

Kagoshima Prefecture’s Ibusuki Sand Bath Onsen is the only natural sand bath in the world. Japanese have traveled for more than 300 years to Ibusuki’s shoreline in search of healing effects. They recommend 10 to 20 minutes beneath the sand – enough time to inhale geothermal steam to get the toxins out of your body.

Yufuin Onsen Hot Springs

The Yufuin Onsen hot springs are located on a flat river basin surrounded by mountains, the area can be misty, particularly on winter mornings. They are the second-highest water flow of all onsen in Japan and are said to have a natural moisturizing effect upon the skin, making them very popular with visitors interested in beauty care.

Hell’s Onsen

Hell’s Onsen Located on Kyushu’s east coast, Oita Prefecture is notably known for its hot spring resorts. As distinguishable from its name, these onsens are amongst the highest in temperatures as they are too high for anyone to ask in safely. There are seven hot springs for viewing rather than bathing. Even more, than a thousand years past, it was a place that people feared to approach and was said to have been an accursed land, which is why it came to be known as a place of “hells”.

Hoshino Resorts KAI Kirishima

KAI Kirishima will be the 17th property for the KAI brand and will be the second property in the Kyushu area, following KAI Aso in Oita Prefecture. The property is located on the hillside of Mount Takachihonomine and is inside the Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park, where the natural environment is preserved. On a sunny day with clear skies, a panoramic view of the Kinko bay in Sakurajima can be seen from the guest rooms. KAI Kirishima will work to protect the natural environment as well as provide a place of accommodation that will make the most of nature.

Hoshino Resort KAI Beppu

Since the opening of the old Beppu port back in the Meiji period, many hot spring lovers from all over Japan were able to visit this historical area. KAI Beppu will be located in a place with a scenic view of the Beppu bay and will be designed by Kengo Kuma, who focused on reenacting the liveliness of a hot spring town whilst keeping a serene atmosphere for a unique experience and relaxation.

Hyogo Prefecture - Kinosaki

Onsen Hopping in Kinosaki

The wellness experience in Kinosaki is focused around the onsen experience with seven public onsen, each one with its own distinct charms and features. Guests who stay in a traditional Japanese inn receive a complimentary pass to all seven, which are located within walking distance of one another. Visitors can enjoy strolling through town, taking pictures alongside the willow lined canal, and basking in the area’s peaceful atmosphere while onsen-hopping.

Because the town is so small and there are so many public onsens throughout, it's very common to see tourists and locals alike strolling the town in their yukata (summer kimonos, kind of like pajamas)! The public onsen are also tattoo-friendly (which is rare for many Japanese onsen towns.)

Ehime Prefecture - Matsuyama

Hidden Foot Baths

A quiet foot bath experience surrounded by a traditional Japanese garden

As far as onsens go, Matsuyama is, of course, best known for Dogo Onsen. One of the oldest bath houses in Japan, it remains a popular destination and popular draw in Ehime. It's beautiful architecture inspired the design of the main building in the animated film Spirited Away.

In addition to the many onsens of Dogo, what may be less known are the handful of Ashiyu, or foot baths, scattered throughout the Dogo area. Some are in very public spaces like the Botchan clock near the Dogo train station, while others are tucked away in seemingly private gardens. They are all free to use and are especially enjoyable on a cool, Winter or Spring day. Yamatoya's Ashiyu (just next to Dogo onsen) has a menu from which you can order ice cream or beer to enjoy while you soak your feet and legs.

Smaller Ashiyu, like that at Funaya, are much smaller and intimate. About eight people can enjoy a quieter experience surrounded by a traditional Japanese garden. Read more about hidden foot baths here.

Looking for top Tokyo spas or Kyoto spas? Check out our Tokyo and Kyoto spa guides!

[Images courtesy of destinations]

Japan Wellness Travel Experiences: Onsens, Tea Ceremonies, and More