Three Paths to Serenity: Zen & Wellness Travel in Awaji and Yamaguchi City
- Details
- Category: Asia A&E, Lifestyle, Culture
- Published on Saturday, 15 February 2025 11:33
- Written by Asia Contributing Editor
Global travel has seen a surge in wellness tourism, yet Japan's Setouchi region has been a sanctuary of relaxation, serenity, and reflection for over a thousand years, thanks to its rich history and well-preserved cultural heritage.
Key destinations in Setouchi include the spiritual Buddhist landmark Rurikoji Temple in Yamaguchi City and Prefecture, Japan's oldest shrine, Izanagi Jingu located in Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture, and a contemporary Japanese zen retreat, Zenbo Seinei in the city of Awashi in Hyogo Prefecture. These Setouchi sites provide an enlightening and peaceful experience that nurtures a traveler's mind, body, and soul.
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Yamaguchi City - Western Japan's Yamaguchi prefecture features miles of coastline, countless mountain tops, and endless serene rivers. Its idyllic climate makes travel comfortable throughout most of the year. The natural scenery, including some 1,500 kilometers of coastline, is also a cut above.
Selected as one of The New York Times "52 Places to Go In 2024", Yamaguchi City, the prefecture's capital, is located in the westernmost prefectural capital of Honshu, Japan's main island, and is often referred to as the "Kyoto of the West" due to its long cultural history, blossoming gardens, and divinely inspired architecture.
These impressive elements and growth were a result of the Ouchi clan, which modeled the city after the success of Kyoto. Kozan Park, which can be explored in about an hour and a half, is known as a famous spot for cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, and autumn leaves, and various historical sites, including the five-story pagoda Rurikoji Temple, are dotted within the park. It is a park where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll while feeling the flow of history.
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Rurikoji Temple, located in Kozan Park, is a five-storied national treasure built during the Muromachi period (1336-1573) when the powerful Ouchi clan was at its peak. Considered one of Japan's three most famous pagodas, it is regarded as an Ouchi masterpiece, incorporating influences from Kyoto.
This Buddhist temple is both a historical symbol and an example of architectural heritage. The pagoda stands at 31.2 meters tall and features a roof thatched with cypress bark and deep eaves. As the tower rises, its body narrows dramatically, giving it a slimmer and more streamlined appearance. In contrast, the first story is tall with thick pillars, while the second story includes a balustrade, providing a strong sense of stability. Belonging to the Sōtō school of Japanese Zen, Rurikoji Temple enshrines a Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha) statue, attracting visitors who pray for their health.
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As of 2025, the pagoda's roof is undergoing a full-depth renovation, scheduled to be completed by March 2026. Currently, it is covered with scaffolding and adorned with a design sheet that serves as a projection mapping screen, conceived by world-renowned performing arts director Mori Koichiro. The stunning seasonal-themed visuals and music create an immersive experience of Ouchi culture. Additionally, there is a corridor where the projection mapping screen changes as visitors walk through, demonstrating that visiting during renovations can still be rewarding and perhaps even more enticing.
Awaji City is located on Awaji Island in Hyōgo Prefecture, in western Japan. Awaji Island, located in the eastern part of the Seto Inland Sea in Japan, is a captivating destination renowned for its natural beauty and cultural significance. Situated between the main island of Honshu and Shikoku, Awaji Island boasts a rich history and is also known as the birthplace of Japan According to the Kojiki Records, Japan's oldest history. It is the largest island in the Seto Inland Sea and spans approximately 592 square kilometers.
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Izanagi Jingu Shrineis one of the most significant sites for understanding the birth history of Japan. The establishment of Izanagi Shrine, also called Izanagi-jingu Shrine is recorded in the oldest Japanese texts, Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. It is said that Japanese mythology created the land of Japan and the gods. The shrine is said to be the remains of the residence of the god Izanagi, who built it to spend the rest of his days after entrusting his powers to his daughter, Amaterasu Ōmikami. Facing his eventual demise, Izanagi constructed a tomb at his Taga residence on Awaji Island. Izanagi Shrine was built around this tomb's relics and is the oldest shrine in Japan. The shrine is widely known as a powerful spot for warding off eyes and bringing good fortune, and the sacred grounds give visitors a sense of peace. Surrounded by nature this place offers a special experience to worshippers.
Zenbo Seinei: Located amidst the pristine nature of Awaji Island, Zenbo Seinei is a wellness facility to rejuvenate the body and mind by adopting the philosophy of Zen. Under the guidance of Chef Nobuaki Fushiki, a fermentation and brewing chef, visitors can experience Japanese fermentation culture through his vegan menu. Chef Nobuaki prepares dishes sourced from local and seasonal ingredients that heals the mind and body.The facility offers various specialized wellness packages and guests can choose overnight stays or day and evening plans. The pristine nature of Awaji island's pristine nature plays a significant role in the retreat's activities like zen meditation, mindful walks, and yoga enriching the soul. Zenbo Seinei is by reservation only and is available only to customers who have booked a day trip, overnight stay or private use. Reservations can be made here.
For visitors seeking a deeper understanding of Setouchi's unique offerings, the Setouchi Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) provides tailored travel itineraries and insider tips. From culinary tours to historical explorations, Setouchi DMO helps travelers plan memorable experiences that go beyond conventional destinations. For inspiration on travel itineraries throughout the Setouchi region, visit Setouchi Travel.
