8 naturally Japan experiences, perfect for Reset Jetters

Elevating your health this year is as simple as visiting one of Japan’s key destinations for mindfulness.

‘Reset jetters’ is a growing trend group of travellers for good reason. More and more, travellers are focusing on restorative, wellness-oriented trips to rejuvenate, both physically and mentally. In Japan, mindfulness and restorative practices aren’t trends, but traditional ways of life dating back centuries. Practices like forest bathing – the practice of mindfully immersing into a forest environment – and the ritual of visiting an onsen.

Pair practices like these with a diverse landscape, ranging from volcanic mountains to tranquil forests, and you’ve got pockets in every corner of the country seemingly designed to help you slow down, relax and reboot.

You can find a new you anywhere in Japan, but we recommend getting started with one of the following eight wellness highlights:

1. Yakushima

Mononoke Forest Yakushima Island — Head into the moss-covered world of Yakushima. (Image: Marek Piwnicki)

Picture a mystical, moss-covered world filled with ancient cedars and dramatic canopies of entwined evergreen branches and take off your shoes: Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located off the southern coast of Kagoshima Prefecture, welcomes you to engage in what could be the world’s most picturesque session of forest bathing.

Also known as shinrin-yoku, forest bathing – the act of consciously connecting with a natural environment – has long been known to boost immunity, lower blood pressure, reduce fatigue, and lessen anxiety and depression. Something to think about as you undertake the 20-kilometre Seibu Rindo Forest Path that passes through untouched wilderness teeming with Yakushima monkeys and deer.

2. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Hakone Ropeway, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park — Take the Hakone Ropeway over onsen. (Image: Jenna Neal)

There’s bathing, and then there’s melting – body and soul – into an onsen shaped by thousands of years of volcanic activity, gazing up at Mt Fuji as you unwind. In Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, located just southwest of Tokyo, the question isn’t so much about where, but which one? The park offers an abundance of adventure across four distinct areas stretching from the iconic mountain to a sprinkling of islands in the Pacific Ocean.

Ride the Hakone Ropeway up to Owakudani which, thanks to sulfur vents and a concentration of onsen, is known as the ‘great boiling valley’. Be sure to visit or a stay at one of the many public bathhouses and ryokan located in Yumoto, Hakone’s largest onsen town. Popular options include the outdoor baths of Tenzan, and the stone and wood baths of Hakone Kamon.

3. Shikoku Pilgrimage

offerings at the temple, Shikoku Henro — Temple offerings along the Shikoku Pilgrimage. (Image: Sarah Reid)

Atonement, spiritual reflection, or perhaps just a desire to leave daily distractions behind; no matter the reason, Shikoku (the smallest of Japan’s main four islands) invites positive change in the most picturesque of settings: via its 1200-kilometre Shikoku Pilgrimage.

Believed to have been started over 1200 years ago, the circuit takes in 88 temples, mist-covered mountains and bubbling hot springs as you embrace the centuries-old cultural tradition of osettai (hospitality towards other pilgrims along the route).

While traditionally walked, you now have the option of completing the pilgrimage by car, bus or train. Discover Shikoku can help visitors incorporate the pilgrimage into their travel plans by booking accommodation, as well as providing transport and outfitting.

4. Matsushima

Soak in the striking scenery of Matsushima Bay. (Image: Nakae)

Countless studies over the years have shown that the mere act of looking at beautiful landscapes can not only reduce stress and fatigue, but also elevate feelings of well-being. While scenic spots across Japan are hardly in short supply, it’s hard to argue against a visit to Matsushima Bay, a destination that’s considered one of the country’s three most scenic spots in the country.

Located on the eastern coast of the Tohoku Region, there are plenty of ways to take in both the sight of Matsushima’s 260 pine-clad islets and harness the feel-good energy of those views. You can book a boat tour of the islands, explore Oshima Island or Fukuura Island on foot, or just enjoy incredible views from Mt Otakamori or Mt Tomiyama.

5. Tottori

Tottori Sand Dunes, Japan — Paraglide over the Tottori Sand Dunes.

At Tottori Sand Dunes, the expansive desert-like landscape along the Sea of Japan, it’s a big yes to all of the above, plus so much more as you explore the dunes with childlike wonder.

Blanketed in snow in winter and vibrant with purple scallion blossoms come late October/early November, Tottori Sand Dunes – part of the Sanin Kaigan National Park – spans 16 kilometres and offers a wealth of mesmerising activity options. Sandboarding or paragliding sessions complete? You can retreat to the observation deck of the Tottori Sand Dunes Center, where you can watch the movement of the tides and the coastal winds shape-shift an ever-changing landscape.

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6. Kamikochi

Solo female on a hike in the Chubu-Sangaku National Park, Japan — Kamikochi is suitable for all hiking abilities. (Image: Getty Images/visualspace)

Take a pristine Alpine valley teeming with lush forests, crystal waters and dramatic peaks, and you’ve got the ultimate hiking destination – the perfect place to improve your cardiovascular health and build stronger muscles and bones.

Kamikochi, a largely undeveloped resort in the Northern Japan Alps, has long been popular with hikers (and wildlife such as Japanese serow, deer, foxes and the occasional shy bear) in the know, but that sweeping mountain scenery can be enjoyed by walkers of all abilities. Take a day to tackle the relatively flat trails along Azusa River from Taisho Pond to Myojin Bridge. Or if you’re feeling adventurous (and have plenty of hiking experience), say yes to climbing those surrounding peaks.

7. Daisetsuzan National Park

person walking through wildflowers in Daisetsuzan National Park hokkaido summer guide japan — Time your walk through Daisetsuzan National Park with the wildflowers. (Image: Getty/ Perry Svensson)

Embracing the power of colour therapy is as simple as taking a hike in Daisetsuzan National Park, an unspoiled mountain wilderness located in Hokkaido that’s celebrated for its volcanic landscape and hiking trails.

The first place in Japan to see the vibrant pops of foliage in autumn – not to mention the region’s famous crystalline snowscapes – the best way to harness the energy of colour is by taking a hike through this rugged expanse. Short hikes, such as the Sugatami Pond Walking Path (taking in Mt Asahidake’s fumaroles), punch well above their weight. But it’s hard to beat the Nakadake Onsen hike, which guides you up towards natural hot springs and back again.

8. Koyosan

Okunoin Cemetery in Koyasan — See the temples of Koyosan. (Image: Getty/ ncousla)

On paper, it’s a remote cedar woodland area to the south of Osaka, but Koyosan is at its heart home to one of the major sects of Shingon Buddhism. Introduced some 1200 years ago by one of Japan’s most significant religious figures, Kukai (also known as Kobo Daishi).

Here, in a world either ablaze with spring cherry blossoms, covered with a rich tapestry of autumn leaves or blanketed in glistening snow, you are presented with the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of pilgrims. Not only as you traverse atmospheric forest paths to holy Buddhist sites, but as you bed down in one of 52 traditional shukubo temple stays and see and learn the inner workings of monastic Shingon life.

For further information on wellness and mindfulness in Japan, please visit japan.travel.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.