Mindfulness Travel Japan: Nature, Food, Forest Bathing, Tea Ceremonies, Onsen, Craft & Meditation

by Michelle Mackintosh

Mindfulness Travel Japan is the perfect travel guide to Japan when you need to breathe, pause, focus and relax.

Are you looking to step back from the stress of daily life on your next holiday? In this guide, Japan travel connoisseurs Steve Wide and Michelle Mackintosh offer a selection of some of the most relaxing and mindful destinations and experiences across Japan, so you can just exist in the here and now.

Covering a total of 100 mindful travel experiences, you can enjoy forests carpeted in moss, plant-based food banquets or long walks in zen gardens, losing yourself in Japan's beauty and nature. Soak in medicinal onsen waters, or have your whole body covered in a hot-sand bath, stay overnight in a traditional ryokan or zen temple. Walk the paths of philosophers and poets and hike the paths of religious pilgrims. Observe the opening of cherry blossoms, the changing of the leaves or the first flurries of snow. Take a class in calligraphy or learn the art of meditation, spend a day bicycling around ancient temples and shrines. Learn about the different varieties of Japanese tea and the art of tea ceremony.

Mindfulness Travel Japan will show you how to be your best self not just on holiday, but in life.

Genres: Travel, Japan, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

Published July 5, 2022

Reviews

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous book - really makes you want to just up and go to Japan!

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️ A beautiful, mindful book that exudes calmness. My friend and I have earmarked experiences to explore on our trip to Japan.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mindfulness Travel Japan is a beautifully designed guide that blends travel with gentle reflection, aiming to offer a more thoughtful and present way to experience Japan. It’s visually appealing and carries a calming tone, but it leans more toward inspiration than in-depth travel planning or cultural insight. A pleasant read, but perhaps better as a coffee table companion than a serious guidebook.

What I Liked:
- The photography and layout are stunning, each page invites slow, intentional reading.
- It encourages a mindful approach to travel, focusing on small details and moments often overlooked.
- There are some lovely location highlights, especially lesser-known spots that fit the book’s theme.

What I Didn’t:
- The writing can be vague or repetitive at times, lacking depth or practical context.
- It’s light on logistical details, so not ideal if you're looking for a functional travel guide.
I have a personal preference for Okinawa, so I would have liked more content for the prefecture.

[Claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is beautiful, the photography is lovely but it just isn't for me. I can't really pinpoint anything exact about the book so it's probably me or simply read at the wrong time.

"When our plans hit an obstacle, we simply acknowledge the change and move forward - knowing we are about to embrace another unexpected adventure"

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m only here for the photos.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely book of a lot of hidden places and ideas for Japan.

[Benay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful photos and recommendations, but the writing was condescending and unhelpful at times. A lot of the author’s opinion was presented as fact.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some helpful suggestions for peaceful places to stay and see in Japan. Unfortunately, most of them are pricey!