OKINAWA AMAMI Spiritual Retreat

The subtropical islands of the Okinawa and Amami regions were once part of the former Ryukyu Kingdom, which prospered through trade with China and Southeast Asian countries even when Japan isolated itself from the world.

Experience a way of life that developed separately from Japan’s mainland. In Yanbaru in Okinawa and Amami Oshima Island, animism remains an integral part of the day to day, an encompassing spiritual layer that predates shrine- and temple-centered traditions and is not confined to sacred buildings. Feel how this spirituality lives on in the land itself, in daily gestures, seasonal rhythms, and the bonds between people, nature, and ancestors.

A shaman will bridge between the spirits of the islands and the human world, taking you through forests, villages and sacred places to discover the heart of Ryukyu culture. Learn about the crafts and traditional performances that express gratitude to the deities of the natural world.

Yanbaru is also a “blue zone,” with many centenarians living on the islands. Savor the local cuisine, which is quite different from what you can experience on Japan’s mainland, and see how it connects with the local community and natural world.

Guests can opt to stay in airy private villas at Yambaru Hotel Nammei Shinshitsu, and passionate English-speaking storytellers will share the beauty of the Ryukyu way of life as they guide you around the islands. Alternatively, opt for a luxurious stay at Thida Moon hotel on Amami Oshima Island, which offers panoramic views of the blue ocean and is located right next to a museum and workshop dedicated to Oshima Tsumugi, one of the world's three great textiles.

Slow down, reconnect with the pace and spirits of nature, and discover a new side of Japan.