Page 61 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Japan
P. 61
Test the Waters
Soak away any aches and
pains at one of Japan’s many
onsen – devotees claim that
these hot spings have a
number of health giving
properties, including the
alle viation of neuralgia. For
those of a metaphysical
mindset, Shinrinyoku, or
“forest bathing”, might be just
the ticket. This new
age practice is said to
reduce blood pressure and
increase “energy flow”.
People relaxing
in an outdoor
onsen at dusk
Find Your Ikigai
There’s much to be said for the Japanese concept
of ikigai, or reason for being, for aiding mindful
ness. Infuse each day with meaning by trying
an activity such as zen gardening at the Kyoto
University of Art and Design (www.jghh.jp/
center) or learning the art of
washoku (Japanese cuisine) at
A man carefully the Tsukiji Cooking School in
tending his garden Tokyo (tsukiji-cooking.com).
Eat Yourself Well
The traditional Japanese
diet of fish and fermented
foods has been linked to
the country’s longevity,
giving you an excellent
excuse to devour more of
Japan’s delicious fare. Take
a cookery class at Mayuko’s
Little Kitchen (www.
mayukos littlekitchen.com)
to learn how to make this
mouthwatering cuisine
yourself, or find out how
fermentation can improve
your health with a visit to
the tradi tional miso factory
at the Kyushu Yufuin Folk
Art Village in Yukuin (p270).
Monks outside A delicious bowl of
Kongobuji Temple mouthwatering
on Mount Koya homemade ramen
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