The Secret Islands: Get in touch with Japan’s Okinawa Island’s nature and traditions in its spiritual north
The Ryukyu Islands, Japan’s southernmost tropical archipelago, are home to beaches, forests and a culture cultivated by its Indigenous population. Step into this ancient world in Okinawa Island’s northern reaches and discover a way of life that values connection above all things.
Embark on a spiritual journey
With thousands of years of history, the Ryukyu Islands are home to some of Japan’s oldest spiritual practices. These live on today in the everyday lives of local people. One of the best places to experience this is in Okinawa’s Yambaru (aka Yanbaru) region, where local people continue to uphold the customs of their ancestors, living cheek by jowl with the natural world and the spirits that dwell there. Join Sacred Japan Travel on a spiritual tour, and journey through the region’s unique heritage. You’ll visit local communities to gain insights into their way of life, take in traditional crafts and sacred sites, witness spiritual practices and taste a local cuisine famed for its health benefits. One of the highlights of the tour is a session with a local shaman, who acts as a spiritual leader and bridge between the physical and spirit worlds. They will highlight the region’s unique traditions, providing an intimate experience that may just leave you with a fresh perspective on life.
More Info: sacredjapan-travel.com
Join the Women’s Sense of Wonder Experience
In the Ryukyuan religion, women were considered the spiritual leaders of their communities. The Ryukyuans believed in onarigami, the spiritual superiority of women, who traditionally held important roles in society, such as Yuta (shamans) and Noro (priestesses). To honour that legacy, local travel agency (DMC) Tour Designers has launched the Women’s Sense of Wonder retreat-style tailor-made tour, created by women, for women.
Set in Yambaru, this small group journey with personalised care aims to reconnect female travellers with the natural and spiritual worlds over the course of a few days. This takes the form of a series of immersive activities, ranging from awamori tasting, starbathing and cooking experiences to ancient forest walks and breathing in the fresh sea breeze There is also an opportunity to gain deeper insight into the spiritual life of the region by visiting sacred places and meeting an Okinawan shaman. The result is a unique experience that immerses you in Okinawa’s cultural life by encouraging heartfelt conversations with local women, helping you rediscover your creative spirit and find moments to feel and be renewed.
More Info: tourdesigners.co.jp/en
Explore a blue zone by e-bike
Grab your helmet and join the Yambaru Blue Zone Discovery E-Bike Tour for a 20km eco-ride, guided by local experts, through one of the world’s rare Blue Zones – regions with very high numbers of centenarians living in them. The people of Yambaru live long and healthy lives. This is thought to be partly due to their concept of nuchigusui (medicine of life). This philosophy emphasises nourishing both body and mind through food, nature and social connection, all of which are explored on this journey.
Follow forest paths, visit sacred sites and slow down and absorb the natural beauty of Yambaru. Stop in villages to interact with locals and get a glimpse of everyday life. You’ll then cycle through forests before rising to a 400m elevation to take in the greenery stretching out below. It’s a great way to get a deeper feel for the island before continuing your adventure.
More Info: okinawa-blue-zone.com
Experience Kouri Island
Immersing yourself in nature doesn’t have to mean forgoing luxury – the two can go hand in hand, especially if you’re visiting One Suite The Grand Hotel. Located on Kouri Island, this 22-room resort boasts a scenic setting with an infinity pool gazing out over the pellucid waters of the East China Sea. A trip to Yambaru is centred around connecting to nature, community and the spiritual.
This resort offers a relaxing base from which to do so, with outdoor sunrise yoga classes set against an ocean backdrop, a wellness centre with a packed menu of spa experiences, and a restaurant that dishes up a menu of elegant meals that make the most of local and seasonal flavours from the nearby Nakijin Village – overseen by the people behind Tokyo’s coveted La Bombance restaurant. Guests are well-placed to relax on an island of twinkling waters and sandy beaches, so you’re ready to explore everything Okinawa has to offer.
More Info: onesuite.thegrand.jp
