Slow & Minimalism Archives - TRICOLAGE

Asuka: Where Dawn, History, and Women Shape the Soul of Japan

Fumiko Yoshida — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 07:54:24 +0000

History, ritual, and the quiet strength of women in the place where a nation was born.

The Land Where a Nation First Breathed

Long before Kyoto or Nara rose to prominence, Asuka was the first capital of Japan, the place where the nation began to take form.
Some landscapes preserve the past in stone, while others let it breathe in the open air.
Asuka belongs to the latter.
Often described as the cradle of Japanese civilization, once you step into its fields, history becomes tactile. The valley unfolds in shades of gold and green: terraced rice fields lit by the morning sun, rows of autumn persimmons, narrow roads tracing soft curves through hills shaped like the worn pages of an ancient manuscript.
Here, history is not something you visit, it is the ground beneath your feet.
During the Asuka Period (6th–8th century), this quiet landscape hosted the earliest experiments of a nation in formation: diplomacy, Buddhist thought, architecture, legal codes. Yet despite its political weight, Asuka never lost its human scale. Temples, stones, houses, paths, everything remains close to the earth, still interwoven with the rhythms that shaped the beginnings of Japan.

Women at the Origins of Japanese Civilization

In contemporary Japan, the debate on gender equality remains urgent. Despite the recent election of a female prime minister, women’s representation in political and economic life remains limited, and the country ranks 118th in the Global Gender Gap Index.
Yet ancient Japanese history reveals a more nuanced reality, one in which female authority was neither rare nor marginal.
And no place makes this past more visible than Asuka.
Between the 6th and 7th centuries, as the foundations of the Japanese state emerged, several women ascended the throne, guiding decisive moments in the country’s political and spiritual formation. Their leadership did not overturn patriarchal structures, but it defined crucial turning points in national history.

Empress Suiko, the first woman to rule Japan, led profound transformations, including the introduction of Buddhism and new diplomatic relations.
• Empress Saimei, determined and bold, supervised major public works and led military expeditions.
• Empress Jitō, a reformer and strategist, drafted some of the earliest legal codes and founded Japan’s first planned capital, Fujiwara.

Their influence survives as atmosphere: in the authority of priestesses, in the continuity of ritual, in the cultural memory preserved by the women who still guide Asuka’s spiritual life.

The Women Who Today Uphold Asuka’s Spiritual Lineage

In Asuka, empowerment is not a modern movement, but an inheritance carried quietly and steadily for over a millennium.
Today, this legacy lives through two extraordinary figures: Ms. Asuka, the kannushi of Asuka Niimasu Shrine, and Ms. Ogitani, the Buddhist monk responsible for Kawaradera, a temple founded by Emperor Tenji, son of the powerful Empress Saimei.

At the Niimasu Shrine, Ms. Asuka, the first woman in the shrine’s 1,200-year history to step into priesthood, embodies an authority rooted in family lineage, years of training, and the belief that spiritual leadership can evolve without breaking.
Soon to become the 88th Guji (Chief Priest), Ms. Asuka treats Shinto not as a doctrine but a relationship: her prayers and ritual chants carry a rare power, guiding listeners toward a deeper dimension of spirituality, where the divine is perceived not as a concept but as an atmosphere.

At Kawaradera, the Buddhist monk embodies a different force: composed, disciplined, born of daily practice.
Heir to generations of custodians, she preserves Japan’s oldest tradition of sutra copying. She speaks sincerely of the challenges of being a woman leading a temple, yet her authority is unquestionable: firm, compassionate, deeply rooted. Together, these two women form a living bridge between ancient female leadership and the present.

During the visit, she guides guests in rewriting an ancient verse, a meditative gesture that for centuries has served to purify the mind and orient intention.
Once copied, the sutra is consecrated along with a personal wish, a thought entrusted to ink, breath, and ritual, then offered according to tradition so that the prayer may take its course.
The sequence concludes with a silent, essential tea ceremony inviting guests to internalize the meaning of the rite: calm as a form of strength, slowness as a form of presence.

Together, these two women trace a living bridge between ancient leadership and the present.
If the empresses of Asuka defined the political profile of their era, today it is these spiritual guides who safeguard the intimate dimension of power: continuity, dedication, and the courage to evolve without betraying memory.

A Dinner Honoring the Women of Asuka

As the sun sets and the light shifts from gold to indigo, the feminine history of Asuka finds a new language: taste.
At Auberge de Senvie, a quiet refuge overlooking hills and terraced fields, dinner becomes a natural extension of the journey, a way to approach the three empresses who shaped the Asuka era.

The gastronomic journey draws inspiration from the day’s theme “The Three Empresses of Asuka” recreating, in a contemporary way, the flavors once sent from various provinces to the ancient capital of Nara.
In homage to a practice lasting nearly thirteen centuries, when meat consumption was forbidden until the early Meiji era, the menu focuses on local fish, herbs, and vegetables, recovering the culinary sensibility of the period.

Each course evokes a different female figure:
• Empress Saimei is recalled through a dish inspired by rain, a central element in her rituals for the fertility of the land, expressed through parsley oil and rice, symbols of prosperity.
• Empress Jitō is interpreted through ingredients found in her waka, such as turnip, and motifs inspired by Mount Amanokaguyama in the Manyōshū.
• Empress Suiko, promoter of international exchanges and the ritual of kusurigari, is celebrated with a circular creation combining taro introduced from China and kihada bark, a traditional herbal remedy from Nara.

The result is an experience that weaves together historical memory and modern sensibility:
a dinner that does not merely reconstruct the past, but reinterprets it with delicacy, transforming the stories of the sovereigns into flavors, textures, and symbols.
For those visiting Asuka, this experience offers a unique way to approach the vision and legacy of the women who shaped Japan’s birth: not through monuments or texts, but through a sensory journey that restores depth, time, and gratitude.

Wellness at Dawn: Movement, Medicine, and the Legacy of Empress Suiko

Morning in Asuka has an almost ceremonial air. Near the stone chamber of Ishibutai, the day begins with a slow, grounded yoga session, a movement that follows the rhythm of the earth in Asuka Historical Park.
Not a performance, but a return: the body listened to, the mind lightened, all surrounded by a beautiful natural landscape.

From this calm arises the transition to Asuka’s herbal culture, an inheritance that dates back to Empress Suiko, who practiced kusuri-gari, the seasonal gathering of medicinal plants in these very fields.

Participants prepare infusions made from local leaves, roots, and botanicals, choosing ingredients based on need or intuition.
This is followed by a breakfast shaped by the same philosophy: ancient steamed rice scented with herbs, stewed roots, seasonal vegetables, nourishment that seeks not grandeur, but balance and wellbeing.

Wearing History: The Elegance of Court Dress in the Asuka Era

Late morning offers one of the most tactile moments of the experience: wearing exquisite imperial garments inspired by the ancient Asuka court, even older than kimono. All within the serene temple of Tachibana-dera, linked to the lineage of Prince Shōtoku.
Layers of silk, gold-trimmed hems, bright colors, beautiful decorations, and ceremonial sleeves: every element reflects a visual language, a social code, a spiritual aesthetic.
In the soft light filtered through wooden lattices, and along the temple paths, the garments seem to reactivate dormant memories, stitching together a bridge between past and present.

A Regenerative Way of Traveling, Rooted in Women’s Legacy

In Asuka, regeneration is not announced.
It manifests in the slow step, in respect for the landscape, in the work of the women of the shrines, in food shaped by season and memory.

Here, renewal is carried not only by the land, but by the women who have long safeguarded its spirit, a reminder that care, leadership, and continuity often move through feminine hands.

Travel here teaches reciprocity: a place gives back only what is welcomed with sincerity.

At Tricolage, we design journeys that honor this exchange:
experiences that regenerate both the traveler and the place, where culture is not consumed but encountered, and where history guides the present without being reduced by it.
Asuka is the origin of a country.
It is also an invitation to begin again: with attention, humility, and presence.

The post Asuka: Where Dawn, History, and Women Shape the Soul of Japan appeared first on TRICOLAGE.

Discover Tranquility : Rejuvenate Your Body and Mind in Ehime’s Hidden Retreats

Victor — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 02:37:19 +0000

In Japan during the cherry blossom season, the number of foreign tourists has increased compared to before the pandemic. Issues of over tourism have also occurred in major tourist destinations such as Tokyo and Kyoto, which have negative effects on both the local communities and the tourists.

During this peak season, why not experience the spring in Ehime, which is still unknown to many tourists?

In Japan during the cherry blossom season, the number of foreign tourists has increased compared to before the pandemic. Issues of over tourism have also occurred in major tourist destinations such as Tokyo and Kyoto, which have negative effects on both the local communities and the tourists.

During this peak season, why not experience the spring in Ehime, which is still unknown to many tourists?

Ehime Prefecture in Shikoku, a small island in southwest Japan’s main island, is enveloped in a warm atmosphere characterized by the gentle kindness of its people and delicious cuisine such as tai meshi (seabream rice).

Matsuyama Castle, overlooking the city from atop a hill in Matsuyama City, boasts a surviving tenshukaku (castle tower) from the late Edo period. It is said that the castle was never attacked during that time, truly symbolizing the peace of this area.

Dogo Onsen, believed to be the oldest hot spring in Japan, and its main building designated as a National Important Cultural Property. It continues to serve as a place of relaxation for visitors to Matsuyama, while undergoing renovation work. This Onsen is known for its healing effects, as mentioned in the legend of the White Heron. So I have recovered both physically and mentally.

Uchiko town, where traditional industries thrive, traditional culture is passed down and preserved in various forms.

About an hour’s drive from Matsuyama, Uchiko cho is a small town where traditional craft industries have thrived since ancient times. Various people such as local residents from inherited family lineages, immigrants with a deep love for their community, and foreigners impressed by its heritage, all play a role in preserving and spreading this culture.

At Omori Warousoku (Candle Shop), they have been making traditional Japanese candles (warousoku) for six generations since the Edo period. Currently, the 6th generation, Mr. Omori Tarou, and his son craft each candle by hand, using natural materials.

These candles are made using a traditional Japanese technique called “Nama-Kake Seiho,” where melted wood wax is applied by hand onto a wick made of Japanese paper and rush grass and secured with pure cotton. The candles, known for their thick and large flames, are crafted with meticulous care. The technique, passed down through generations in the Omori family, is indeed being faithfully inherited by the current generation.

The culture that was once on the verge of decline has been passed down by the local residents who returned home.

The black charcoal made from oak trees in Uchiko-cho, is known as “kikusumi”, and is from the pattern of chrysanthemum. It is primarily used as charcoal for tea ceremony utensils because it produces minimal smoke when used.

I visited the workshop, Yamada-ya, and had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Yamada.

“Kikusumi” is produced during the dry season from November to March, and it takes about two weeks to complete due to the labor-intensive nature.

Mr. Yamada is from Ehime and had been working in Tokyo before, but he encountered charcoal-making artisans and decided to move there to establish his own workshop. While there was a period when the number of “kikusumi” producers declined, the return of Ehime locals like Mr. Yamada has ensured its continued legacy.

The traditional Japanese paper “Ozu Washi” has been passed down since the Edo period, and is meticulously handcrafted by artisans. There was a period when it faced the threat of decline, but it was preserved by a small number of dedicated artisans.

Tenjin Washi Factory, also called Ikazaki Shachu Inc., collaborated with French artists to develop “Gilding Washi,” applying the traditional French gilding technique to Ozu Washi. This collaboration garnered attention both domestically and internationally, with the resulting traditional craft art pieces being exhibited and sold worldwide.

This collaboration between Japanese and French cultures has created new possibilities for future traditional cultural practices, which are being inherited and continued both at home and abroad.

~~~

As Mr. Yamada expressed his desire to give back to his hometown, and want to share the allure of the beloved “Kikusumi” without letting it fade away.

Not only the culture which is inherited through generations, also passed on by artisans from different backgrounds is admired. All have the same commitment to preserving traditions.

What’s most important is the collective sentiment among all these artisans: the profound belief that this wonderful culture must not be allowed to vanish. They wish for these treasures to be known by many and passed down to future generations.

Through experiencing various forms of inherited traditional culture, I grasped the heartfelt dedication of each artisan. I encourage you to visit workshops yourself and listen to the artisans’ stories. Through cultural experiences, you too can immerse yourself in the world of traditional culture in Uchiko town.

In the serene of Ozu, enjoy a blissful stay at a castle town hotel savoring every moment of tranquility and relaxation.

In Ozu, located just about an hour’s drive from Matsuyama, you can experience a luxurious stay beyond imagination.

You can indulge in a one-of-a-kind experience, such as staying overnight in Ozu Castle and participating in a castle entry ceremony, where you can feel like a castle lord for a day. Additionally, you can enjoy breakfast at Garyu Sanso, a nationally designated important cultural property (exclusive to hotel guests), making your time here truly special. Moreover, in Ozu city, there are 23 hotels renovated from traditional Japanese houses, with cafes and miscellaneous goods shops nearby. You can also enjoy a luxurious stay in this castle town with its nostalgic atmosphere.

Ozu City has been recognized for its efforts in utilizing historical resources such as machiya (townhouses) and old folk houses for tourism development. In 2023, Ozu City received the top award in the “Culture & Tradition” category at the Green Destinations Story Awards. By appropriately preserving and utilizing culturally valuable assets, the region has also stimulated the local economy, and travelers’ stays in Ozu directly contribute to the community’s conservation efforts.

The Shikoku Pilgrimage, Ohenro-san overcomes challenges with a support by the mutual assistance and kindness of the local community along the way.

In Japan, pilgrimage is often associated with the famous Kumano Kodo, a World Heritage Site, but there’s also the Shikoku Pilgrimage. While the Kumano Kodo is a pilgrimage route with a history of about 1000 years leading to the Kumano Sanzan, the Shikoku Pilgrimage follows the 88 temples that the monk Kobo Daishi practiced at around 1200 years ago, covering a distance of approximately 1400km* which is longer than the Kumano Kodo (160km along the Ise route). Visiting all the temples in one go takes about 40 days.

*following a circular route through Tokushima, Kochi, Ehime, and Kagawa prefectures

During this year, leap year, instead of the usual sequential visit starting from number 1, a reverse pilgrimage starting from temple 88 counterclockwise is popular. It’s believed to bring even greater blessings, and you might even encounter Kobo Daishi himself.

In Ehime, there are 26 temples, and this time we experienced temples 44 (Daihoji) and 45 (Iwayaji) with Ohenro-san (pilgrimages)

First, we visited Temple 44, Daihoji, and then walked the steep mountain path to Temple 45, Iwayaji. Along the way, we spotted red pilgrimage markers in the forest to prevent getting lost, and exchanged greetings and encouragement with other pilgrims we encountered. Together, we supported each other on the journey towards the temples.

Our guide taught us how to Omairi (worship) properly, one of its is paying respects by making an offering a votive card and money, bowing, and dedicating sutras at the main hall.

Even with just two temple visits, it felt like a cleansing of the soul. Pilgrims undertake this visitation process at all 88 temples, so the feeling of accomplishment when completing them all must be truly special and unique to pilgrims.

Ohenro-san overcomes its rigorous training with their own strength as well as the support of the local community. As a manifestation of this support, there’s a culture of hospitality where pilgrims receive “o-settai,” which can include meals, clothing, or even rides to accommodations. During our journey. We received sweets from our guide, and offered a Portuguese pilgrim a ride to their accommodation, this is really “o-settai” with each other.

The Shikoku Pilgrimage is longer and more challenging than the Kumano Kodo. However, experiencing the culture of o-settai, where people around you offer support, and wholeheartedly visiting each temple imbued with a mystical power, travelers can feel a great sense of accomplishment after the experience.

Through this journey, I’ve discovered the charm of Ehime, including its traditional crafts, historical buildings, and mystical pilgrimages, which are still relatively unknown. I’ve also felt the heartfelt desire of local people to pass on their culture to others. I strongly believe in sharing these experiences with more people. Traveling during the off-peak season allows for a more enjoyable experience without crowds, and travelers can truly immerse themselves in unknown cultures, leading to greater satisfaction.

Tricolage have delivered many such journeys to foreigners who are yet to explore these hidden gems, and our clients who have experienced these trips have highly praised them. Why not embark on a journey with us to explore new experiences?

The post Discover Tranquility : Rejuvenate Your Body and Mind in Ehime’s Hidden Retreats appeared first on TRICOLAGE.

A Luxurious Ride Through the Hidden Depths of Japan

Victor — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 03:52:00 +0000

What better way to discover Japan’s most hidden places than from the panoramic window of an scenic train while tasting regional gourmet products?

A unique experience that will allow you to discover unique and little known places in Japan while savouring seasonal regional specialities prepared by Japan’s best chefs. All of this, with a commitment to sustainable tourism, as travelling by train is one of the greenest transport options.

A captivating train culture

When you visit Japan you quickly realise how important trains are in the country. A vast railway network that combines historic rail lines with ultra-modern, state-of-the-art ones.

The first passenger steam locomotives debuted in Japan during the Meiji Restoration in 1872 and, since then, railroads are the primary mode of passenger transportation in Japan.

An example of this extensive use of the train is that, as the JR pass agency points out, 46 of the top 50 busiest bus stations in the world are located in Japan. Within this vast offer, there are numerous train companies and train types in the country. Today we’ll tell you a little bit more about some of the most unique, quirky, modern and delightful trains in the country.

Lower carbon footprint transport

When it comes to travel, one of the most efficient ways to contribute to sustainability is by using low-carbon methods of transport. While rail is still a long way from carbon neutrality, it is greener than car and air travel. To illustrate this in a more concrete way, here is an example from The Japan Times: a train journey from Tokyo to Osaka emits one twelfth less CO2 than a Tokyo-Osaka flight. Likewise, making the same journey by car (petrol Toyota Camry) on the highway emits about 30 times more CO2 than travelling by Shinkansen.

Gourmet and seasonal experience

Can you imagine that while marvelling at the incredible views that change from the sea to the mountains, you can enjoy a tasting menu or sushi prepared by a craftsman? This is possible when you travel by train in Japan. Train journeys include numerous dishes prepared with local ingredients and regional specialities!

Seasonal food and a 2 Michelin-starred chef:
Yes, we’re talking about the Setsugekka Resort Train! The Setsugekka is a luxurious train that travels the wonderful scenic route along the mountains from Mount Myoko to the coast, and along the blue coast of the Sea of Japan to Itoigawa. The menus change with the seasons, in order to use the best possible ingredients for each season. It offers French and Japanese menus specially prepared by local chefs. For example, the recipes for the French-influenced menu (March to November) were created by Ryuta Iizuka, a two-Michelin-starred chef from nearby Tokamachi. The full Japanese evening menu was created by Tsurugiya, an Itoigawa restaurant that has been open for almost 200 years.

Sushi made by a craftsman:
This train that not only offers a unique culinary experience, but does so on a journey with a difference of 4,000 metres in altitude! That is why it is called “The Story of 13000 Feet” (13,000 feet is approximately 4,000 meters). The tour goes from the heights of Tateyama Mountain to the shore level of Toyama Bay, which joined the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club supported by UNESCO in October 2014. During this uniquely designed tour, you will enjoy a dining experience to savor Toyama’s four seasons and elevation difference.

It includes fresh fish from Toyama Bay, as well as farmland delicacies produced from mineral-rich snow melt-water of Tateyama. The meals are provided by the Toyama Sushi Quotient Life Hygiene Trade Association (a union members who own sushi restaurants in Toyama Prefecture) and Gomankoku Co.,Ltd. (chef Tsuneo Yasui).

For sweet lovers:
Are you more sweet than savoury? Then the “Sweet train” is made for you. The Aru Resha, also known as “a certain train” and as “JR Kyushu Sweet train” offers top-class service inside a gorgeous interior made from mostly locally sourced natural materials. During your journey, you will be able to taste culinary delights made from carefully selected seasonal ingredients from Kyushu and produced by the world-renown Chef Yoshihiro Narisawa, including sweets, and mini-sweets.

Chef Narisawa is committed to sustainability, which is why he cooks attractive dishes designed around the natural environment, such as “Sustainable and Beneficial Gastronomy” (gourmet food that is sustainable and is beneficial for both the soul and the body), and “Evolve with the Forest” (living with the forest).

Amazing sightseeing on total comfort

One of the great wonders of train travel is the breathtaking, constantly changing views. While you’re resting and relaxing with a glass of wine, you can be dazzled by the foliage of a forest and a little later by the deep blue sea.

The Seven Stars Kyushu:
This ultra-luxury train was launched in October 2013 as Japan’s first luxury sleeper train. The company says that “Kyushu’s enduring traditional craftsmanship and the artisans’ dedication are embodied in this one-of-a-kind train”, and so it is supported by local artisans such as Kinoshita Mokugei, Kakiemon Kiln, Seiroku Kiln.

The train itself is a work of art, and its Gallery Shop offers travellers local products, including traditional crafts of Kyushu, works of modern artisans, and specialties of Kyushu’s unique cuisine. For the Seven Stars it is also important to connect with the local people and to integrate into the daily life of the residents. For this, they “ask cooperation from residents along our route to welcome our guests by waving flags at the train or planting flowers along the tracks”.

Train Suite Shiki-Shima:
This other ultra-luxury train has countless factors that will make your journey unforgettable, but one of them is undoubtedly its unique view terrace. These observation cars are the perfect place to experience the luxury of quiet contemplation of the scenery. It is also worth noting that all the carpets on this terrace are handwoven in Yamagata Prefecture. Japan “is a land alive with the culture, wisdom, and expressions of the people that inhabit its each and every region”, says the East Japan Railway Company, and that is what they want you to discover.

Unique décor and services

Apart from the views and the gourmet experience, the trains offer a unique experience because of their own idiosyncrasies, they are unique pieces of design with their own personality.

An example of this is The Royal Express. “The Royal Express expresses local identity in refined form at the same time to pursue beautility with universality. To that end, we act in enhancement of universal design so that contemporary can manage in combination the skill of traditional material and craftsman in material and construction method to come out of advanced technology”.

Luxury meets tradition

Trains in Japan have a long history and tradition, and are themselves an important part of Japanese culture. Keeping them alive is part of the preservation of their culture, and travelling on them is a way of getting to know a little bit more about life in this country.

Many of the high-end trains that offer a unique experience travelling on them not only promote the socio-economic wellbeing of the place (through a gastronomy based on local products and that preserves the culinary traditions of Japan, or by selling souvenirs made by local artisans from the localities along the route), but also the direct interaction with the local people, as we have seen.

Come and discover this extraordinary trains where luxury meets tradition!

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The Luxury of a Self-care Vacation

Victor — Mon, 22 May 2023 05:17:56 +0000

Let’s prioritise our wellbeing while travelling. In your daily life, do you often feel that you don’t have enough time to devote to your loved ones and hobbies? That you are too busy and lack the time to fully connect with your environment? And then, when you go on a trip, do you feel that you come back more tired than you left and still thinking about your usual concerns?

Don’t worry, it’s very common. And more important: it can be solved!

Nowadays, we can easily be exposed to time-consuming work and it is very usual that we spend a lot of time in front of a computer screen or with our mobile phone. This leads to significant fatigue and stress, that entails symptoms of discomfort in our daily lives, such as migraines caused by screen time, also in adolescents and young adults. We don’t have time to devote to the self-care that we need so much: physically, mentally and emotionally. So let’s embrace the luxury of self-care during our vacations.

What is self-care?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), self-care is “the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a health worker”.

Following this definition, we see that we can empower ourselves as individuals or families to practise self-care and look after ourselves. To do this, we need to make healthy choices that can impact on a more sustainable way of life. A good way to start practising this, away from the chores of everyday life, is during our holidays.

Travelling, beyond having a good time, is the ideal occasion to invest in our wellbeing, taking time for oneself and (re)connecting with our loved ones and nature.

It is also a great moment to spend time doing what you love. If you are interested in art, it is the perfect occasion for an artistic immersion, not only in galleries and museums with interesting exhibitions, but also strolling around, with the architectural heritage and living culture of the place. In this sense, Japan has a long list of festivals throughout the year, which are the perfect place to connect with the local culture and escape from your usual worries.

Thus, self-care is a luxury that we should all indulge in during our holidays.

How to practise self-care while travelling?

Now the question is how to do so during our vacation. Self-care is not the same for everyone. Perhaps you are one of those who need to pay special attention to accumulated physical ailments, or rather one of those who need to reduce mental activity and soothe the mind. Perhaps you may need a focus on relaxation and meditation, or rather on physical activity and training.

So, let’s take a look at some ideas for self-care while travelling, and choose the ones that best suit your needs:

1. Slow travel

Avoid visiting as many sites as possible with countless scheduled visits in your agenda and embrace travelling at your own pace. This will lead to more quality time in one place, building deep connections. That also means being able to do things more responsibly, rather than rushing from one place to another without being aware of what we are experiencing. Make sure you take the time to do nothing too; that’s also what holidays are for. In modern times of fast-paced stimuli, it is a luxury to slow down and take time to explore and taste local culture, don’t you think? If you want to learn more about this new Luxury, check this other article we’ve made for you.

2. Disconnect from work

As we saw at the beginning of this article, screen time is one of the biggest sources of contemporary stress. Try to truly disconnect from work by switching off your phone and leaving your computer at home. Reduce the amount of time you use digital devices to take a break from your digital presence and to connect with the here and now. A way back to the roots to embrace self-reflection and new discoveries.

3. Benefit from nature

When it comes to self-care, we don’t have to go far, we can already find everything we need in nature. From the fresh air of mountains to the fresh water of lakes and the ocean, we can look to nature to revitalise us. In Japan you will find it very easy, as you can benefit from the properties of the hot springs in many onsen around the country. Nature offers us the ideal setting to relax and connect with ourselves (what about a reflective walk in the middle of a bamboo forest?), but it also offers us nourishment to revitalise our bodies. Taste fresh local fruits and smoothies, take advantage of the benefits of local gastronomy with local products and traditional recipes, and drink a lot of water; a perfect natural detox.

4. Peace of mind and relaxation

If what you need is to disconnect mentally and rest physically, take advantage of your holidays to do those activities that you don’t manage to include in your day to day life. Yoga by the beach in a Japanese island or a private hot spring bath are perfect options to keep the stress away. Treat yourself to a spa day with a beauty treatment or try mindfulness for the first time. Start your day with a meditation session, accompany it with a local experience such as an exclusive tea session, and then spend time reading by the beautiful views from your room. If you suffer from physical pain, it is a good opportunity to have a massage or a physiotherapy session and then relax in a bubble bath.

5. Exercise to stay healthy

If what you miss most is physical activity, either because you have sedentary work habits or lack of time, make up for lost time on holiday. Stay active making the most of your accommodation’s sports facilities or by hiking and cycling. Walking and cycling routes are not only healthy, but also an immersive and active way of discovering the environment. If you have not yet acquired physical exercise habits, you can introduce them now: start with a 10′ daily routine in the morning and make a difference when you get back home.

6. Sleep enough

Whether you’ve had an active day or a more self-reflective one, good rest is essential for self-care. Since you have no rush, no urgencies, no important meetings to attend to; add some extra time off and prioritise a good night’s sleep. Health agencies insist on the need for quality sleep to maintain a healthy body and mind. An essential self-care is to maintain balanced sleep parameters. Some of the benefits derived from this practice include thinking more clearly at work, getting sick less often and maintaining a healthy weight. What are you waiting for to prioritise a good rest during your holidays?

Self-care: contributing to sustainability while taking care of yourself.

Travelling by taking the time to listen to oneself is a luxury way of travel. Connecting with nature and local communities, practising slow travel and doing things consciously and responsibly is also travelling sustainably.

By travelling slower and doing activities like hiking or cycling, you are also contributing to reducing your carbon footprint on earth. By eating local and fresh food, you are helping to the economic and environmental sustainability of local communities. Your self-care has an impact on both your health and the health of the planet. Let’s face it, sometimes it is not easy to devote the necessary time to oneself and to those around us. But with these ideas, we can contribute to the wellbeing of our family and the places we visit while travelling.

We hope we have helped you to prioritise your wellbeing, at home and on the road.

Now is your turn, let us know how you practise self-care during your vacation on the comments!

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The New Luxury: Sustainable, Conscious, And Good For Business

Victor — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 02:31:43 +0000

Search for “Luxury Travel Trends” on Google, and virtually every article will mention the words ‘conscious’, ‘sustainable’ or ‘responsible’ somewhere in there.

Be it surveys or predictions, it is undeniable that there’s a growing demand from luxury travelers for things more than just the typical definition of luxury (expensive, exclusive, indulgent).

According to a survey by Virtuoso:

nearly 70 percent of respondents feel that traveling sustainably enhances their travel experience
82 percent said that the pandemic has spurred them toward more responsible travel
And three-quarters cited the importance of choosing a supplier with a strong sustainability policy.

How is being conscious and sustainable a better form of luxury?

Initially, it might seem like an oxymoron to put ‘sustainable’ or ‘conscious’ alongside luxury. After all, luxury comes with connotations of excess, wastefulness and individualism, while sustainability could give an impression of prudence, anti-consumerism and environmental activism.

Yet sustainability – which essentially is about “meeting the needs of the current generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs” – can go hand in hand with luxury. In the realm of travel, modern luxury is virtually synonymous with travelers’ well-being and having priceless experiences.

Conscious Luxury Minimizes Impacts On The Environment While Maximizing Benefits For Local Communities

Luxury is tasting the difference of ultra-fresh, heirloom, seasonal produce grown nearby in the most natural conditions. It’s not just the best preventative medicine for any discerning diner, it is also least harmful to the environment as opposed to using ingredients that have been flown in by air, wrapped in plastic and sitting in refrigerators for hours or even days.

Luxury is being offered products and amenities that are free from chemicals that harm both the users and the environment, and staying in hotels or resorts that are innovatively designed and built with the utmost care to be integrated into the natural environment, minimizing harm to its surroundings while elevating the guest experience.

Luxury is showcasing to guests the best that nature has to offer in a sustainable way, allowing them to engage with the natural environment and help protect it. Countless scientific research shows that exposure to nature has undeniable benefits to both physical and psychological human well-being.

Still not convinced?

‘Doing tourism sustainably’ often means applying a higher level of innovation and creativity. Take the machiyado concept in Japan, similar to the dispersed hotel notion that every travel site was talking about just before Covid. Machiyado regards the whole neighborhood or town as an integral extension of lodgings, connecting locals’ daily lives with accommodation services. This type of community-based tourism offers a one-of-a-kind experience for guests while bringing new opportunities for local residents and businesses. When tourism is managed in collaboration with the local community, economic benefits brought by visitors seeking a deeper experience are much more likely to remain, while providing resources to vital efforts for preserving natural habitats as well as local traditions and customs.

Seclusion and privacy are hot in the luxury traveler’s wishlist. This could be done sustainably when travelers venture to less-visited places, helping to ease congestion and pollution in crowded destinations while distributing economic benefits to those communities that don’t normally get visitors. In fact, an overwhelming majority of Virtuoso’s survey respondents said they would visit a popular destination during its offseason to curb over-tourism, or opt for alternative, less-visited destinations.

Many are also embracing “slow travel” – settling in at a destination of choice in order to really appreciate the place. Obviously, less moving around means less GHG emissions (less emissions from transportation, from hotel changeovers), but also less stress for travelers.

Imagine getting a taste of rural life in your very own century-old farmhouse, with sturdy pillars and beams that retains the beauty of traditional architecture yet luxuriously renovated to include all the modern comforts and energy-efficient insulation, tucked away in a mountainous hamlet with a private yet panoramic view of a magnificent mountain range.

All These Make Business Sense

We’ve already seen that there’s no doubt that this is what a growing number of customers are demanding. Another survey by ILTM showed that two-thirds of their respondents now expect to see information on sustainability when agents create itineraries.

We’ll dive into why you’ll find plenty of sustainable yet luxurious places in Japan in the next post.

We believe that travel agents and consultants are well-positioned to also be agents of change for a better future for all through travel: by seeking truly sustainable travel solutions, offering them to customers, and communicating effectively why these options are better for them as well as for the greater good.

Tricolage specializes in crafting journeys with conscious luxury in mind to give guests exquisite, unforgettable experiences in Japan that are good for their own wellbeing as well as for the planet. Safety, hygiene and privacy are also our top priorities, while never compromising on transparency and flexibility.

Get in touch to see amazing Japan through a unique, highly personalized, immersive experience.

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