A Forest Retreat at HOSHINOYA Fuji

This spring, walk across lava caves with the “Jukai Forest Retreat” at HOSHINOYA Fuji
Bookable from April 1st – September 30th, 2023

A wellness program by HOSHINOYA Fuji to soothe the mind and body through shinrinyoku, forest bathing, at the Aokigahara forest. Walk firmly on the volcanic plateau whilst taking in the scent of the forest, the soft sunlight, and the chirping of birds, to feel nature with your entire body. Time spent walking barefoot in the forest, meditation as well as care after exercise for further mental and physical purification and experience deep healing. With the full support of a glamping master who is familiar with the outdoors, everyone at all levels of fitness can join in for this calm and active moment in nature.

Characteristic 1: Feel the Energy of Nature Through the “Jukai Forest Meditation”

Walk barefoot in the Ryugu Cave, one of the lava caves* in the forest, and meditate while directly touching the lava plateau in the mystical atmosphere. The Ryugu Cave is a nationally designated natural monument and it is believed that people visited it to pray for rain in the past. The shrine of Toyotama Hime, the deity of water, is enshrined at its entrance. In this sacred atmosphere, you can contemplate the culture unique to this place, meditate, and sharpen your senses. By meditating while directly touching the ground with your bare feet, it will feel as if you’ve become one with nature in the forest to feel its energy.
*Moisture gasified by the lava flow under high temperature and pressure creates initial cavity, and each cavity is carved by the flowing lava, where each becomes connected with the other to form a tunnel-like hole.

Characteristic 2: Awaken the Body by Walking Through the Forest

After sharpening the senses through forest meditation in the Ryugu Cave, take a walk through the forest. Participants will be encouraged to step firmly on the ground with the sole of their feet and walk fast to raise body temperature while taking deep breaths and becoming mindful of the torso to awaken the body. The energy of the forest can be felt by the entire body to achieve deep healing whilst walking through the forest of abundant nature.* Our glamping master will tailor the courses according to the exercise habits of participants and how they are feeling that day, so there is no need to worry even if you only have little experience in exercising.
*Psychological changes according to the Profile of Mood States (POMS) in forests and urban areas.

Characteristic 3: Preparation Through the Stretch Walk in the Forest

The forest is located on a semi-highland with an altitude of approximately 920m–1300m, so in order to help the body adapt, a “forest stretch walk” will be hosted on the arrival day. With the support of the glamping master, it is an original program that warms up the body through a 30-minute walk in the pathways of HOSHINOYA Fuji. After the exercise, stretch to cool down and properly loosen your muscles. By moving your body while listening to the sounds of nature, such as the chirping of the birds and the sound of the wind, you are able to prepare your body for the next day while healing your mind and body.

Characteristic 4: Dietary Support Unique to Glamping Resorts to Prepare the Body

Dietary support is provided during the stay to replenish your energy and prepare the body. The dinner on the first day is soy milk hot pot to provide the body with sufficient nutrition in preparation for the next day and to warm the body. Enjoy pork, chicken, and seasonal vegetables in the mild dashi broth made of soy milk and miso. On the second day, brunch with deer meat, beans, and grains is served to provide high-quality protein and energy to help you recover from fatigue. The deer meat is seasoned with herbs and spices and grilled in a Dutch oven. Eating it with a salad that has grains and nuts, balanced portions of dietary fiber, carbohydrates, and protein, helps you stay light.

Characteristic 5: Relax Your Mind and Body, Relieve Your Fatigue

After enjoying walking in the forest, bathe to relax the mind and body. The ground of the forest is hard and bumpy because it is made of lava, making it likely to cause more fatigue to your lower back and feet than walking on normal roads. After the power walk in the forest, soak in a bath that has herbs, such as lavender, peppermint, and rosemary, in HOSHINOYA Fuji’s cabin to relieve the fatigue in the body. In addition, participants can choose to follow the bathing guidebook to do self-care and relax the body. On the third day, a “forest distillation experience” can be done to take home the aroma of the forest. After distilling Hinoki cypress and pine, which grow in abundance in the forest and the premise of HOSHINOYA Fuji, the distilled water that has a refreshing aroma is extracted for participants to relax even after returning home to the aroma of the forest.

Jukai Forest Retreat at a glance

Period: April 1st–September 30th, 2023
Capacity: a group (of 1 to 3 persons) per day
Price: ¥52,030~/person (including taxes and service fees) *accommodation fee is separate
Price Includes: Forest stretch walk, energy bar making, bathing guidebook, forest distillation experience, Jukai forest meditation, walking through the Jukai forest, transportation, dinner (1-time), snacks (1-time), brunch (1-time)
Others: In case of bad weather, the contents of the program may be subject to change or cancellation

About HOSHINOYA Fuji

Address: 1408 Ooishi, Fuji Kawaguchiko-machi, Minami Tsuru-gun, Yamanashi 401-0305
Price: Starts from 101,000 JPY per night per room (includes tax and service charge, excludes meals)
Number of Rooms: 40
Check-in: 3:00 pm / Check-out: 12:00 pm
Directions: Approximately 20 minutes by car from Kawaguchiko Station

*Source: Hoshino Resorts