Our Managing Director, Simon, embarked on a journey of discovery in Tohoku, Japan. From the ancient rituals of the Yamabushi (priest monks) to the inspiring stories of fishing communities and oyster farmers in Moune Bay.

Taking a break from the daily pressures of work and home life is harder than it might seem, yet more and more of us (and the organisations we work for) are recognising the importance of investing time in our personal wellbeing, building resilience both physical and mental. More people are considering how we can become better leaders, better employees, better partners, reduce burn-out and refocus ourselves so we can more effectively achieve our goals. Perhaps equally important, they are considering how we can set an example for our children and take time to help them cut through the noise and refocus on the important things in life.

We’ve been interested in the topic for a while as we’re always researching travel solutions for clients based on insights into their evolving needs. We’re always learning and developing new ideas, which is why, when offered the chance to get off the beaten track to a lesser known region of Japan, I was intrigued to see if it held any answers to these burning questions.

Japan, and more specifically the region of Tohoku, was a revelation for me. I can’t wait to go back and explore more and there is so much happening outside of the traditional centres of tourism that gives me huge encouragement. For all the neon-lit, fashion-heavy, craze-driven highlights of modern Japanese city culture, there is a growing focus on authentic, experiential travel which is tapping back into the roots of this fascinating culture.

If a revitalising break is moving up your priority list and you are in search of richer, more meaningful experiences we’re delighted to share some ideas:

A journey of rebirth at Dewa Sanzen

Discover the ancient rituals of the Yamabushi (priest monks) at the oldest site of mountain worship in Japan and follow the ways of Shugendo, a distinctive form of natural worship that involves participating in physical and mental devotions in the natural landscape. Shugendo has drawn pilgrims looking for new beginnings since the 8th century and the paths of the sacred mountains of Dewa in Yamagata prefecture, seem as old as time itself. You can join the Yamabushi for an immersive mountain ‘journey of rebirth’ starting in the towering cedar forest at the foot of Mount Haguro, which represents the present life. Death and the afterlife are represented by the journey to the soaring peaks of Mount Gassan, before coming full circle to rebirth, represented by the journey to the summit of Mount Yudono.

Only recently have international participants been welcomed to take part in the annual Akinomine Peak Ritual, a massive event where over 150 Yamabushi train deep in the forests of Mount Haguro for a week. During this time you are totally isolated without phone or internet access, and take part in a variety of purifying rituals to eventually come out of the mountains ‘reborn’. Shorter term experiences and training programmes have been developed by the monks who are keen to share their experience and teachings and we can coordinate these with a programme of discovery in and around Yamagata at a time that suits you.

An inspiring story of hope

The Pacific coast of Tohoku, in particular Miyagi prefecture, bore the full force of the 2011 tsunami. The story of rebuilding and regeneration is inspiring and the fishing communities and oyster farmers who work along this beautiful coastline have shown unbelievable resilience as they rebuild their lives. In picturesque Moune Bay, close to Kesennuma, a ground-breaking environmental movement that began over 30 years ago has been given new impetus in the aftermath of the tsunami.

The Hatakeyama family are 3rd generation oyster farmers driving a conservation project that celebrates the symbiotic relationship between the mountains, rivers and the sea. Their programme encourages cooperation between the different stakeholders in these areas in order to ensure optimum water quality which supports the production of award winning seafood and oysters. Their oysters and scallops are sourced by some of the world’s leading chefs and their project is recognised by the UN and is making an increasing contribution to progressive environmental policy in Japan. For anyone with a keen interest in conservation, ecology and environmental issues, the chance to discover Moune Bay and meet the family who tell this inspiring story will be very memorable.

Discovery tours of the rich aquaculture, tasting tours with the oyster farmers, visits to the oyster beds in traditional fishing craft can all be arranged in bespoke tours combined with unique hotels and adventures in and around Matsushima Bay and Shiogama, the ‘sushi capital’ of Japan.

A revitalising Onsen discovery - Toji style

Journey around the beautiful region of Tohoku and you are never far away from a traditional onsen town, thanks to the geothermal activity of this volcanic region. Onsen is an important part of Japanese cultural tradition and has to be experienced during any trip to the islands. The nutrient rich waters are famed for their healing and health-promoting qualities and the variety ranges from sulphur rich, to sodium chloride to hydrogen carbonate, each one offers different health benefits.

The rural town of Naruko in Miyagi prefecture is regarded as one of the main capitals of onsen tradition and has been welcoming weary travellers for over 1,200 years. It is easily accessible in just a few hours by shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo but feels like a land that time forgot. It is located in the Kurikoma National Park which is rich with beech forests, lakes and soaring mountainsides offering access to unspoilt nature across all the seasons, allowing you to enjoy a diverse range of onsen in ‘Toji style’.

Toji is the traditional form of Japanese culture that developed out of a deep respect for nature. Toji involves repeatedly bathing over the course of your stay to remove fatigue and restore vitality to mind and body. In historical times farmers and fishermen would retreat to the onsen towns in their off-season to recharge their batteries. This practice has three therapeutic benefits. The first is rest. The second is recuperation and the third is treatment, and it is this Toji spirit that the older generation of Japanese can thank for their health and long life.

Traditional ‘ryokan’ inns, often family run, provide authentic lodgings with access to their own private onsens. To really immerse yourself in the ryokan experience you will be served delicious and healthy meals which are prepared with great pride and served with great ceremony by your hosts. Not to be missed is the opportunity to enjoy an onsen in the open air. Surrounded by pristine forest, as you gently bob about in the privacy of your own natural spa - you’ll feel a million miles away from it all.

Staying at Naruko Onsen in Tohoku can be combined with programmes throughout the year and is a unique destination for anyone looking for an off-grid experience offering all the benefits to your body and mind!

For more information on holidays to Japan, speak to one of our Travel Consultants on 020 8246 5300 or click here.