b'Japan: Onsen in soul-stirring journeysA SPIRITUAL JOURNEYPore over some of these sublime traditions to findinner peace and tranquillityHakoneTraditional ArashiyamaSeiganto ji temple,Japanese meal Bamboo Grove Kii Mountains at a ryokanOkunoin Cemetery, Mount KoyasanZen garden, KyotoRyoanji Temple, KyotoThough it is known for advanceddesigned to elevate mental processesexperience in stillness and mindfulnesspublic onsens, or in your own private,shukubo or Buddhist temple lodge.religions, as well as little moss- technological prowess and to a higher plane of awareness.is known to have a therapeutic effectsteaming outdoor tub. Guests sleep on modest tatami matscovered Oji shrines along the pilgrim modernity, Japan is also a country The simplicity and purity of the dryon physical and mental wellbeing.For another mystical adventureand dine on temple cuisine or shojin- trails. Travellers stay at simple ryokans of spiritual traditions. Travel to Japan rocky landscape of these gardensForest bathing is possible all overconnected to the natural world, travelryorisimple, traditional vegetarianwith onsens, where the highlight is to engage with this heritage, frominduces a state of contemplation andJapan, from the ancient cedar forests ofto the UNESCO World Heritage site ofBuddhist fare. traditional Japanese food made from sacred Shinto shrines to Buddhist calm. Kyotos Tenryuji and RyoanjiYakushima National Park to soaringMount Koyasan, birthplace of ShingonFor a more intense and fresh, local seasonal produce.Zen gardens, pilgrim trails to hottemples, among countless othersbamboo groves of Sagano BambooBuddhism. Here visitors walk mountainimmersive spiritual journey, exploreWhatever spiritual path youspring retreats. around the country, have Zen gardensForest in Arashiyama. paths with breathtaking views, explorethe numerous short and long trails choose during your Japan sojourn,Cleansing the soul and findingthat offer travellers the opportunity forA more literal concept of bathinghistorical sites like the Okunoinof the Kumano-koda pilgrimage inan energetic forest hike or quiet equilibrium is at the core of zazendeep reflection. is available at Japans mineral-rich hotcemetery, or witness a Shojingu ritualthe Kii Mountains. The sacred areatemple meditation, it will be time well meditation courses offered at manyForest bathing or shinrin-yoku issprings or onsens. Unlike western- ceremony. Part of the holistic spiritualhas both grand shrines that combinespent in reflection and pursuit of a Zen temples in Japan. At Tokyosthe Japanese concept of mingling withstyle spas, however, Japanese onsenexperience involves staying at aelements from Buddhist and Shintohigher place. Kuonji temple, a two-hour guidedand soaking in the atmosphere of apractice is rooted in spirituality and meditation session is a good way toforest, using all five senses. Guides takethe purification of body and soul.TALK TO OUR EXPERTAncient Zen Legends of Japan kick off a spiritual journey of healingvisitors for a session, which helps themAt traditional inns or ryokans, forChris Cook 12 Nights from 3,399 per personand calm. focus on nature and absorb its calminginstance in Hakone and Yudanakachris.cook@hayesandjarvis.co.ukTokyo (4), Hakone (2), Kyoto (3), Koyasan (1), Osaka (2)Japans Zen gardens, calledaspects, leading to a physical slowingOnsen near Nagano, you can imbibe0208 106 2383 Heritage Landscapes Relaxationkaresansui, are serene physical spacesdown of breathing and heart rate. Thisthe healing properties of water in 16\x1a HAYES JARVIS TRUE VOYAGES\x1a 17'