{"id":5923,"date":"2026-09-10T11:45:25","date_gmt":"2026-09-09T23:45:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/?p=5923"},"modified":"2026-09-10T13:52:09","modified_gmt":"2026-09-10T01:52:09","slug":"the-japanese-art-of-wellbeing-and-how-you-can-do-it-too","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/the-japanese-art-of-wellbeing-and-how-you-can-do-it-too\/","title":{"rendered":"The Japanese Art of Wellbeing (and how you can do it too)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s a lot of ancient wisdom in Japan. It comes from age-old traditions that are still deeply ingrained in society, from a respect for the past and a profound appreciation for nature \u2013 in today\u2019s world where wellbeing is becoming an increasingly important concept, where better to look for insightful wellness methods? Definitely the country that is home to some of the oldest living people in the world!<br><br>From hot springs to forest bathing, green tea to temple stays, going on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/japan\/\">holiday to Japan<\/a>, gives you the opportunity to try out at least some, if not all of these wellness concepts for yourself. <br><br>We all know that a good holiday is a great way to reset the mind, but with these practices, you can really push things up (or should we say, calm things down?) a notch!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shinrin-yoku<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/shutterstock_244789828.jpg\" alt><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" alt data-src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/shutterstock_244789828.jpg\" class=\" lazyload\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Born from a great appreciation and respect for the natural world shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, is a Japanese practice that is gaining popularity throughout the world as a path to better wellbeing. It is mindfulness in nature, making use of natural environments to clear your mind, find peace and boost your mood, concentration levels and overall health. While any time spent out in green spaces is full of benefits, this takes things a step farther \u2013 you need to head out into nature with the sole purpose of being there. In outdoor spaces like Kyoto\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan.travel\/en\/spot\/1141\/\">Arashiyama Bamboo Forest<\/a>, forest bathing is practiced by sitting or standing in one spot, making use of all five senses to notice the sounds, sights and smells of your surroundings and letting them pass, noting the ebb and flow of life and being entirely present. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hanami<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/shutterstock_776445706.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-10790\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" alt class=\"wp-image-10790 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/shutterstock_776445706.jpg\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hand in hand with shinrin-yoki is the practice of hanami which translates as \u2018viewing flowers\u2019, another example of nature appreciation. Inextricably linked with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/japan\/cherry-blossoms\/\">cherry blossom season<\/a>, hanami isn\u2019t just about enjoying time outside, coming together as a community and enjoying the beauty of those gorgeous pink blossom, it actually runs far deeper than that. It is also the welcoming of a new season, spring in this case, and the acceptance of impermanence \u2013 the build-up of excitement as one waits for buds to bloom and the joy of the blossoms before that bittersweet realisation that nothing lasts forever. Visiting Japan during cherry blossom season, roughly late March to early April in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/japan\/tokyo\/\">Tokyo<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/japan\/kyoto\/\">Kyoto<\/a>, is the perfect opportunity to try hanami for yourself and practice the art of acceptance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Onsen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/shutterstock_1241606770-1.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-10791\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" alt class=\"wp-image-10791 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/shutterstock_1241606770-1.jpg\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Perhaps Japan\u2019s best-known wellness practices, locals have been making use of Japan\u2019s plentiful supply of geothermic waters for centuries by bathing in onsens. Located all over the country \u2013 indoors, outdoors and in noted beauty spots \u2013 and lauded for their medicinal benefits, onsen bathing is a huge part of Japanese culture. Used for relaxation, healing and both literal and metaphorical cleansing, they are also seen as a space of contemplation or community, depending on whether you are bathing in a private or a public pool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shukubo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/shutterstock_793549504.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-10785\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" alt class=\"wp-image-10785 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/shutterstock_793549504.jpg\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shukubo, or temple stays, allow you to immerse yourself in the peace and tranquillity of monastic life. The concept began when temples offered a place of rest to pilgrims on long journeys. The modern take allows people to stay for one night, to reap the benefits of being able to quiet the mind, take part in Zen meditation sessions and dine of shojiri ryori, the healthy vegetarian food that is staple in Japan\u2019s Buddhist monasteries. Plenty of monasteries across the country offer this option for locals and tourists alike \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/japan\/osaka\/koya-san\/\">Koyasan<\/a>, one of Japan\u2019s most holy mountains, is a wonderful place to practice shukubo thanks to its beautiful and atmospheric surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Green Tea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/shutterstock_244203049.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-10784\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" alt class=\"wp-image-10784 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/shutterstock_244203049.jpg\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A beverage synonymous with Japan, both green tea and matcha (powdered, shade-grown green tea) is well-known for its many health benefits. A staple of Japanese culture, matcha green tea is used in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/our-guide-to-the-japanese-tea-ceremony\/\">sacred tea ceremonies<\/a> and cuisine, and while green tea is drunk multiply times a day all across the country. Full of antioxidants, it is said that green tea can boost metabolism, focus and brain activity and even help prevent cancer. The fact that Buddhist monks find drinking it conducive to meditation and Samurai warriors had a heaty swig before going into battle for an energy boost are even cooler reasons to have a few cups!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hara Hachi Bu<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/shutterstock_1946867050.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-10783\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" alt class=\"wp-image-10783 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/shutterstock_1946867050.jpg\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Long practiced by the people of Okinawa, a well-known &#8216;Blue Zone&#8217; where an unusually high percentage of people live over the age of 100, hara hachi bu is the practice of eating until you are 80% full. Believed to leave space for more efficient digestion, it is basically the concept of mindful eating \u2013 smaller portions, eating slowly, savouring flavours. We think this has big advantages when travelling in Japan as it not only allows you to enjoy way more delicious dishes but also gets you to really appreciate the versatile tastes, textures, techniques and seasonality for which Japanese food is world renowned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ikigai<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/shutterstock_529559383.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-10782\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" alt class=\"wp-image-10782 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/shutterstock_529559383.jpg\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On a final, more cerebral note, ikigai is a concept that can resonate with anybody. Roughly translating as \u2018the reason you get up in the morning\u2019, this is the practice of finding value in the little things. Be that appreciating cherry blossom blooms, that first sip of green tea, sinking into the hot waters of an onsen, slurping ramen, seeing friends or anything else that brings you joy. It focuses on taking your personal skills, purposes and values and having them at the forefront of your mind as you go about daily life, putting them into action to lead you to a place of happiness and fulfilment. A beautiful and poetic concept, we think you\u2019ll agree!<\/p>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There\u2019s a lot of ancient wisdom in Japan. It comes from age-old traditions that are still deeply ingrained in society, from a respect for the past and a profound appreciation for nature \u2013 in today\u2019s world where wellbeing is becoming an increasingly important concept, where better to look for insightful wellness methods? Definitely the country [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":5944,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"spay_email":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[157],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5923","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-recent"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/shutterstock_244789828.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5923","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5923"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5923\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5945,"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5923\/revisions\/5945"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5944"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5923"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5923"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5923"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}