AllWays Traveller Features
Wellness retreats in Okinawa
Okinawa is Japan's southernmost prefecture in the East China Sea between Taiwan and Japan's mainland some three hours south of Tokyo.
It enjoys a year-round warm climate comparable to Hawaii, Miami and Cancun.
With more than 160 islands it's known for its tropical climate, broad beaches and coral reefs.
On the largest island (also named Okinawa) is Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum, commemorating a massive 1945 Allied invasion, and Churaumi Aquarium, home to whale sharks and manta rays.
Okinawa offers visitors Japanese culture, subtropical temperatures and natural scenery.
As a designated 'blue zone', regions of the world thought to have a higher than usual number of people who live much longer than average, it is also a major wellness retreat.
Activities include sunrise beach yoga, 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.
Learn the local secrets of the 'blue zone'
Located in the north of Okinawa's main island, the rural village of Ogimi is known locally as the 'village of longevity' and is the 'longest-living village in Japan.
The community here offers homestay experiences welcoming travellers into their homes and 'share their wisdom on the different factors believed to contribute to their longevity'.
This includes eating habits and how to manage an active yet less stressful lifestyle.
Day trips are also available.
Walking meditation and beach yoga
Early morning walking meditation and beach yoga class are available on the hill of Onna Village, known for its shoreline scenery and white-sand beaches.
Ryukyu Onsen Senagajima Hotel
The Ryukyu Onsen Senagajima Hotel has the Ryujin-no-yu (public hot spring) with mineral-rich deep ocean water collected from 1,000m underground of Senaga Island.This helps with blood circulation and soothes the muscles.
www.resorts.co.jp/senaga/en/ryujinhotspring
Halekulani Okinawa
The Halekulani Okinawa Escapes programme by Halekulani Okinawa is an option 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.
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