I have visited many places across Japan through my work in wellness travel Japan.

Kyoto’s bamboo forests, Hokkaido’s onsen towns, and Tokyo’s preventive health centers each offer something meaningful in their own way.

But the Valley of Gangala in Okinawa feels a little different.

The moment I stepped inside, the atmosphere felt noticeably quieter and more enclosed, as if the forest had its own rhythm.

What Is the Valley of Gangala?

The Valley of Gangala (ガンガラーの谷) is one of Okinawa’s most extraordinary natural and archaeological sites.

It was formed over 200,000 years ago when a limestone cave collapsed, creating a vast subtropical forest ecosystem spanning approximately 45,000 square meters.

But this is not just a nature walk.

It is also one of the most important prehistoric human sites in East Asia.

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Key historical facts:

• Evidence of human life dating back over 20,000 years

• Discovery site of Minatogawa Man (one of Japan’s earliest human ancestors)

• Home to one of the world’s oldest fish hooks (23,000 years old)

• Active archaeological research continues today

This combination of ancient human history + untouched subtropical nature makes it one of the most unique mindful travel Japan experiences.

Why Travelers Experience Deep Reset Here

From a medical and physiological perspective, places like Gangala Valley activate what we call the parasympathetic nervous system — the body’s rest-and-repair state.

Research on forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) shows:

• Reduced cortisol (stress hormone)

• Improved immune response

• Lower blood pressure

• Enhanced emotional regulation

You can read about shinrin-yoku more here.

Cultural Wellness: The Japanese Philosophy of “Ma” (Space & Silence)

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When people hear “health checkup,” they often imagine a quick blood test or a short doctor visit.

But in Japan, there’s a system called Ningen Dock—a comprehensive, full-body screening designed to detect diseases early and understand your health before symptoms appear.

So what do you actually learn from it?

1. What You Can Learn from a Ningen Dock

A Ningen Dock gives you a complete picture of your body, not just one aspect.

It typically includes:

• Body composition (weight, BMI, visceral fat)

• Blood tests (cholesterol, liver, kidney, glucose)

• Heart and lung function (ECG, X-ray, breathing test)

• Urine and stool analysis

• Imaging (CT, ultrasound)

• Eye and hearing tests

• Infection and inflammation markers

What’s unique is that everything is combined into one report, and instead of just numbers, you also get clear judgments and recommendations.

Example of What the Results Look Like

Here is an example of the type of report you receive:

• Each category (blood, liver, heart, etc.) is graded (A–G)

• You see both your actual values and the reference range

• Doctors include comments and next steps

At first glance, it can look overwhelming—but once you understand how to read it, it becomes incredibly insightful.

Also, at MEDICAL CHECKUP JAPAN CONCIERGE, we hand out the English translation to you.

2. What the Tests Actually Mean (Partly Explained)

Instead of just listing numbers, here’s how to actually think about them:

🩺 Body Composition & Metabolic Health

• BMI (Body Mass Index) → a rough indicator of weight balance

  • Around 22 is considered ideal in Japan

  • 25+ suggests increased metabolic risk

• Waist circumference / visceral fat
  → more important than weight alone
  → directly linked to diabetes and cardiovascular disease

👉 Even if your weight looks “normal,” internal fat can tell a different story.

🩸 Cholesterol & Lipids (Heart Health)

• LDL (bad cholesterol) → builds up in blood vessels

• HDL (good cholesterol) → helps remove excess cholesterol

👉 High LDL over time increases risk of:

• Heart attack

• Stroke

• Atherosclerosis

But what’s important is:

It’s not just “good or bad”—it’s about long-term trends.

🍬 Blood Sugar & Metabolism

• Glucose → your current blood sugar

• HbA1c → your average blood sugar over the past 1–2 months

👉 These help detect:

• Prediabetes

• Diabetes risk

🚽 Urine & Stool Tests

• Urine → kidney function, hydration, metabolic balance

• Stool (occult blood test) → detects tiny amounts of blood you can’t see

👉 This is especially important for:

• Early detection of colon issues

• Cancer screening

👁 Vision (How to Read the Numbers)

Vision is measured as a decimal:

• 1.0 = standard “normal” vision

• 0.5–0.7 = mild reduction

• <0.3 = more significant impairment

👉 So if you’re at 0.5–0.6, it means:

• You can still function normally

• But your vision is not fully sharp

I’ll be breaking down more of these individual markers in future newsletters—including how to interpret them and what to actually do with the results—so feel free to subscribe if you’d like to go deeper.

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3. What I Personally Learned from My Checkup

I recently did Ningen Dock in my mid-20s.

Overall, I was healthy—but the details were the most valuable part.

Cholesterol — “normal” but not optimal

My total cholesterol:

• Reference: 140–199 mg/dL

• Mine: 186 mg/dL (A judgment)

So yes—completely normal.

But at the same time, it’s closer to the higher end.

My LDL:

• Reference: 60–119 mg/dL

• Mine: 95 mg/dL

Again, normal—but I’d still like to optimize it further.

👉 That’s the key mindset shift:
Even within “normal,” there’s room to improve.

Vision — something I knew, but needed to address

I already had a feeling my vision wasn’t great—and the test confirmed it.

My results were:

• 0.6 and 0.5 (with contact lenses)

Which means:

• I can function fine in daily life

• But my vision isn’t fully sharp or optimal

Seeing it clearly quantified made me realize:

This isn’t just something to “live with”—it’s something I should properly correct.

In my case, it made me think about updating my glasses or contact lenses, rather than continuing with something that isn’t giving me full clarity.

🧪 Amylase — a subtle signal

My amylase level was slightly elevated.

Right now, I have no symptoms—but the recommendation was:

If you develop abdominal pain, follow up with a doctor.

👉 What stood out to me:
Even small findings are not dismissed—they’re tracked and contextualized.

Final Takeaway

What makes Ningen Dock powerful isn’t just the number of tests.

It’s how everything is connected:

• Data → Interpretation → Action

Even as someone young and healthy, I came away with:

• A clearer understanding of my body

• Small but important areas to improve

• A more proactive approach to health

If you’re curious how this works as an international visitor:
👉 https://www.japanwellnesstravel.com/p/ningen-dock-japan-for-foreigners

Ready to Book Your Ningen Dock in Japan?

This time, I had my Ningen Dock at IMS MeLife Clinic Ikebukuro.

It’s a very “Japanese-style” luxury clinic—calm, quiet, and thoughtfully designed with natural wood and greenery. The entire experience felt smooth and relaxing, which made the checkup itself much more comfortable.

If you’re interested in taking a Ningen Dock like this, feel free to contact me through the website.

MEDICAL CHECKUP JAPAN CONCIERGE is here to make the entire process seamless—from choosing the right package to fully understanding your results.

📧 Email: info@japanwellnesstravel.com
🌐 Website: www.medicalcheckupjapan.com

👉 Start with a free 30-minute health consultation
Share your health concerns, travel dates, and goals—we’ll take care of everything else.

Because your health is not a luxury.
It is the foundation of everything.

In my previous newsletter, I explained how medical checkups in Japan work, which is a big reason why Japan leads the world in longevity.

If you’re still not familiar with what a Japanese medical checkup is, I recommend reading that first before this.

Now, if reading about it made you curious…this is your chance to actually try it.

If you happen to be in Tokyo on May 2nd — or if you know someone who will be — I’d really appreciate it if you could share this with them. It might be something that genuinely makes a difference in how they think about their health.

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🌿 Why this event is worth it (even if you’re new to this)

Most people visiting Japan never interact with its healthcare system.
This event is designed to make that accessible, simple, and actually enjoyable.

• Learn from people working at the top of preventive care in Japan

• Get a free Japanese-style healthy breakfast
  (we’ll announce what’s being served soon—worth staying tuned 👀)

• Meet others who are into wellness, travel, and new experiences

• The event will be held all in English.

It’s intentionally designed to feel easy—not clinical or intimidating.

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💉 The highlight: Ningen Dock (with event-only pricing)

If you want the full experience, you can join the morning health checkup session.

✔ Blood tests, cardiopulmonary screening, urine, and more

✔ Onsite English translation & Translation of the Result included
✔ Free post-consultation (result explanation, not medical treatment)

💰 Event Price: $450
→ Usually starts from $585, but for this event, I’ve made it as accessible as possible.

To be honest, we’re keeping this at the lowest price we can including all the venue and personnel cost— almost no profit — because I truly want more people to experience this, especially those who are not yet familiar with Ningen Dock and preventive healthcare in Japan.

If you’ve ever thought:
“Maybe I should try a health checkup in Japan someday”
—this is probably the easiest moment to do it.

🎁 Extra benefits (that make this even better)

1. Free Healthy Breakfast

   If you’re not sure whether you’d like to experience a Ningen Dock but are curious to learn more and about preventive care, you’re very welcome to join the event — and enjoy the complimentary breakfast as well!

   🔗Here is the link for registration

2. Free consultation session (focused on helping you understand your results clearly)

3. Discount on your next Ningen Dock

4. Discount info for SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026, which is one of Asia’s largest global innovation conference.

   

   Even if you’re not involved in startups or technology, there’s a public day where anyone can join — and it’s truly exciting to experience. I’ve attended more than three times, and it’s always something I look forward to.

   

🤝 Who this wellness event is perfect for

• You’re visiting Japan around May 2

• You’re attending or curious about SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026

• You don’t really know what a Japanese medical checkup is—but want to

• You live in Japan but have never tried Ningen Dock

• You want a meaningful experience beyond typical tourism

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🗓 Event Details

• Date: May 2, 2026

• Location: IMS Me-Life Clinic Ikebukuro (9F Royal Salon)

• Schedule (All held in English):

  • 8:00–10:00 Health Checkup (optional)

  • 10:00–10:45 Seminar + Free Breakfast

  • 10:45–11:30 Networking

• Registration Link: https://luma.com/mhex41dv

  

✨ Final note

You don’t need to be “into healthcare” to join this.

If anything, this event is designed for people who are just curious—
about Japan, about longevity, or just about trying something different while they’re here.

And with the discounted price ($585 → $450), free breakfast, and added perks, I think
it’s a pretty good moment to try it.

If you’re in Tokyo that day—or know someone who is—this is worth sharing.

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And even if you’re not available on May 2nd, you can still register through this link for a medical checkup at another date that works for you.

If you’re searching for the best Okinawa soba in Naha, a hidden local restaurant near Naha Airport, or an authentic Japanese noodle experience, this is exactly the kind of place you’re hoping to find—but rarely do.

I was in Okinawa last month with my friend, and on our way to Naha Airport, we casually searched Google Maps for a great soba spot. No expectations—just something local.

What we found turned out to be one of the best Okinawa soba experiences in Japan.

A Traditional Okinawan Home You Can Dine In

The moment you step inside, it doesn’t feel like a restaurant.

It feels like stepping into a traditional Okinawan house.

The warm wooden interior, tatami flooring, and low tables immediately slow you down. You’re not just eating—you’re settling into the space.

Every detail adds depth to the experience:

• Handwritten calligraphy hanging naturally on the wall

• Traditional pottery and shelves that feel personal, not decorative

• Soft lighting reflecting off aged wood

• Tatami seating that creates a calm, grounded atmosphere

Nothing feels designed for tourists.

Instead, it feels real, local, and lived-in—like you’ve been quietly welcomed into someone’s home.

Wide Variety of Okinawa Soba (Perfect for First-Time Visitors)

Another reason this stands out as one of the best soba restaurants in Okinawa is the variety.

You’ll find:

• Multiple Okinawa soba styles

• Different broths and noodle textures

• A wide range of traditional toppings

If you want to know the exact restaurant name and what I personally ordered (including the best-value set to choose), continue reading below — this is where you unlock the full experience.

The Restaurant (Full Info)

The place was called…

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It was during my hospital rotation — my forth year of medical school — when I met Mr. T. He was 58 years old, a company executive who had been “too busy” for checkups his whole life. He came in because his back had been hurting for a few weeks.

The imaging results shook me to my core: Stage IV colon cancer. He had maybe six months.

What haunted me wasn’t the diagnosis itself. It was what the attending physician said afterward, almost to himself:

“If he’d done a ningen dock five years ago, we might have caught this.”

That sentence has never left me.

I’ve been practicing medicine in Japan for years now, and I can tell you — the number of patients I see who arrive too late is heartbreaking. Advanced cancers. Severe cardiovascular disease. Strokes that didn’t need to happen. And in almost every single case, I find myself thinking: this could have been caught earlier.

Japan has a system specifically designed to prevent this tragedy. It’s called ningen dock, and it is, without exaggeration, one of the most extraordinary preventive healthcare tools in the world.

The shocking part? Most foreigners have never heard of it.

Until now.

What Is Ningen Dock? Japan’s Revolutionary Full-Body Health Checkup Explained

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Ningen dock (人間ドック, pronounced “nee-gen doc-ku”) literally translates to “Human Dock.” The name is inspired by the concept of a ship dock — where a vessel goes in for a thorough inspection and maintenance check before heading back out to sea.

The analogy is perfect. Your body is the ship. Ningen dock is the inspection.

Developed in Japan in 1954 at the National Tokyo Daiichi Hospital, ningen dock was born out of a national health crisis: Japan was seeing surging rates of chronic illness, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Rather than simply treating disease after it appeared, Japanese healthcare leaders made a bold decision — catch it before it starts.

Seventy years later, that decision has helped make Japan the country with one of the highest life expectancies on Earth: 84 years on average, approximately 6 years longer than the global average. PMC - National Center for Biotechnology Information

Today, ningen dock is offered at 1,727 facilities across Japan and involves approximately 3.7 million people annually. It is not just a medical service — it is a cultural institution. PMC

Why I Think Every Foreign Visitor to Japan Should Consider This

In the United States, a comparable battery of tests — if you could even find a clinic that offered them together — would run you way more, assuming your insurance didn’t fight you at every step. In Canada, you might wait 6 to 12 months just to get individual tests referred through your GP. In many other countries, several of these tests simply aren’t available to the general public at all.

In Japan, you show up for half a day. You leave with a complete picture of your health, explained to you by a doctor, in a clean, calm, state-of-the-art facility.

Growing up in Japan, I genuinely thought this was normal. It was only when I started communicating with foreign friends and colleagues that I realized: this is not normal. This is extraordinary.

Everything That’s Included in a Ningen Dock: The Full Breakdown

One of the most common questions I receive is: “But what exactly do they test?”

The answer is: a lot. Far more than most people expect. Here is a comprehensive overview of what a standard ningen dock package covers, along with optional add-ons:

🩸 Blood Analysis — Your Body’s Chemical Story

• Complete Blood Count (WBC, RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets)

• Liver function (AST, ALT, γ-GTP, ALP, bilirubin, albumin)

• Kidney function (creatinine, urea nitrogen, electrolytes)

• Lipid panel (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides)

• Blood sugar & HbA1c (diabetes screening)

• Uric acid (gout)

• Thyroid hormones (TSH, FT4)

• Tumor markers (PSA for prostate, CA-125 for ovaries, CEA for colon/lung)

• Hepatitis B & C, syphilis serology

🫀 Heart & Cardiovascular System

• Resting ECG (electrocardiogram)

• Stress ECG — detects circulation problems that don’t appear at rest

• Echocardiogram (cardiac ultrasound — checks heart structure and valves)

• Carotid artery ultrasound — measures vessel wall thickness, detects early hardening

• Ankle-arm blood pressure index (ABI) — screens for peripheral artery disease

🧠 Brain & Neurological

• Brain MRI — detects silent strokes, tumors, early abnormalities

• Brain MRA (magnetic resonance angiography) — images blood vessels, detects aneurysms

🫁 Chest & Lungs

• Chest X-ray

• Chest CT scan (especially recommended for ages 40+)

• Pulmonary function test — detects asthma, COPD, early lung disease

🍽️ Digestive System — Where Cancer Hides

• Upper endoscopy (esophagus, stomach, upper small intestine) — looks for ulcers, H. pylori infection, early gastric cancer

• Colonoscopy — full colon examination; polyps can be removed during the procedure

• Abdominal ultrasound (liver, gallbladder, kidneys, spleen, pancreas)

• MRCP (MRI of bile ducts and pancreas) — for suspected blockages

👁️ Sensory Evaluations

• Vision acuity and intraocular pressure (glaucoma screening)

• Hearing test

• Ocular fundus examination (detects hypertensive and diabetic eye changes)

💧 Urine & Stool Analysis

• Urine: specific gravity, pH, protein, glucose, occult blood, sediment, microalbumin

• Stool: fecal occult blood (colorectal cancer screening)

👩 Women’s Health

• Mammogram (ages 40+) or breast ultrasound (under 40)

• Breast MRI for high-risk or dense breast tissue

• Pap smear (cervical cancer screening)

• Transvaginal ultrasound (uterus and ovaries)

• Bone density measurement (osteoporosis screening)

⚙️ Optional Advanced Tests

• Full-body MRI (head to pelvis — all organs in one scan)

• PET-CT scan (whole-body cancer detection)

• Genetic risk analysis

• H. pylori breath test

• HPV testing

As a doctor, I want to be honest with you: this is not a basic checkup. This is a diagnostic deep-dive that most people in most countries will never experience. And that is exactly why I think foreign visitors to Japan are missing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The Diseases Ningen Dock Can Catch — Before You Even Feel Them

This is the part that matters most to me as a physician.

The diseases that kill the most people globally — cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes — are almost universally silent in their early stages. By the time you feel them, treatment is often exponentially harder and more expensive.

Here is what ningen dock is specifically designed to detect early:

This table tells a story I’ve seen play out in real patients, real families. Every one of those diseases is far more treatable — and far less devastating — when caught at the beginning.

Japan’s Longevity Secret — And Why Ningen Dock Is Central to It

People often ask: Why do Japanese people live so long?

Diet is part of it. Lifestyle is part of it. Social connectedness is part of it.

But as a physician, I believe early detection through regular health screening is one of the most underappreciated factors.

Japan’s life expectancy stands at 84 years — one of the highest in the world, approximately 6 years longer than the US average.

Japan has extremely high rates of cancer detection in early stages compared to most countries, particularly for gastric, colorectal, and lung cancers. This is directly attributable to widespread ningen dock participation.

When you invest in knowing your health, you make better decisions. You treat things early. You prevent the cascade of complications that turns a manageable condition into a life-altering one.

Ningen dock isn’t just a health checkup. It’s a philosophy — the philosophy that your future self deserves the same care as your present self.

The Honest Challenges Foreign Visitors Face — And How to Overcome Them

I want to be transparent with you, because I think you deserve honesty rather than a sales pitch.

Accessing ningen dock as a non-Japanese speaker is not seamless — at least not if you try to do it alone. Here are the real barriers I hear from foreign visitors:

🚧 Challenge 1: Language

Many facilities operate entirely in Japanese. Forms, instructions, results, phone calls — all in Japanese. Medical Japanese is not conversational Japanese. Even fluent Japanese speakers struggle with clinical terminology.

A mistranslation of your medical history or current medications isn’t just inconvenient — it can genuinely affect your screening results and the recommendations you receive.

🚧 Challenge 2: Understanding Results

Your report will likely be in Japanese, filled with medical terminology and Japanese reference ranges that differ from what you’re used to. Without guidance, an “abnormal” finding might cause panic unnecessarily — or a concerning finding might be overlooked.

🚧 Challenge 3: Choosing the Right Package

With dozens of facilities offering different packages at varying price points, choosing the right one for your specific health profile requires genuine medical knowledge. A 35-year-old woman with a family history of breast cancer has entirely different needs than a 55-year-old man with a history of smoking.

✅ The Solution

This is precisely why services like MEDICAL CHECKUP JAPAN CONCIERGE exist — to make ningen dock fully accessible to international visitors, with zero stress and complete confidence.

How Medical Checkup Japan Concierge Helps You Every Step of the Way

I want to introduce you to the service I personally recommend for foreign visitors who want to experience ningen dock.

MEDICAL CHECKUP JAPAN CONCIERGE was created specifically to bridge the gap between world-class Japanese healthcare and the international visitors who deserve access to it.

Here’s what we do for you:

🩺 Step 1: Personalized Pre-Consultation (Free)

Before anything is booked, a medical professional sits down with you (virtually or in-person) to discuss:

• Your health history and concerns

• Family medical history

• Current medications and conditions

• Your goals for the checkup

Based on this, they recommend the specific facility and package that best matches your profile. Not a one-size-fits-all recommendation — a genuinely personalized one.

📅 Step 2: Complete Booking Coordination

They handle every single aspect of the booking:

• Priority appointment access — even during peak seasons

• All communication with the hospital in Japanese

• Pre-exam instructions translated into English

• Dietary and medication protocols clearly explained

🏥 Step 3: Day-of-Exam Support

On the day of your checkup:

• A bilingual medical interpreter accompanies you throughout

• All paperwork and check-in handled for you

• Real-time explanation of each test as it happens

• Immediate translation of any findings or doctor’s comments

• Cultural and logistical navigation so you focus only on your health

📋 Step 4: Results Translation & Consultation

Once your results are ready:

• Full English translation of your medical report

• One-on-one consultation (video or phone) to walk through every finding

• Explanation of Japanese reference ranges vs. international standards

• Personalized health recommendations based on results

• Coordination of any necessary follow-up — whether in Japan or with your home physician

🌏 Why This Matters

As a doctor, what I value most about this service is the last step. A health report is only useful if you understand it. I’ve seen too many people receive their results, fail to understand the nuances, and return home without acting on findings that warranted attention. Having a medical professional walk you through your results isn’t a luxury — it’s essential.

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What Real Patients Say About Ningen Dock

Sometimes the most powerful evidence isn’t medical research — it’s real human experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ningen Dock for Foreign Travelers

Q: Can foreigners get a ningen dock in Japan? Yes, absolutely. Many facilities in Japan accept international patients. However, most require Japanese-language coordination, which is why using a concierge service is strongly recommended.

Q: How long does a ningen dock take? Most packages are completed in 3–5 hours as a half-day experience. Two-day comprehensive packages are also available.

Q: Do I need to fast before ningen dock? Yes. Most packages require fasting from the night before (typically no food or water after midnight). Your concierge will provide specific instructions.

Q: What language will my results be in? Results are typically provided in Japanese. With Medical Checkup Japan Concierge, you receive a full English translation and a one-on-one explanation.

Q: Is ningen dock covered by travel insurance? Ningen dock is a preventive health screening, not a treatment, so it’s typically not covered by standard travel insurance. However, some international health insurance plans may cover a portion. It’s worth checking with your insurer.

Q: Can I get ningen dock on a tourist visa? Yes. There are no restrictions based on visa type. Any visitor to Japan can access ningen dock.

Q: How far in advance should I book? Popular facilities in Tokyo and Osaka can be booked out 1–3 months in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Book as early as possible, ideally 4–6 weeks before your trip.

Q: Is it safe? Are there any risks? Ningen dock is primarily diagnostic — meaning the tests are designed to detect, not treat. The most “invasive” element is typically the endoscopy, which is performed by experienced gastroenterologists and carries minimal risk.

How to Include Ningen Dock in Your Japan Trip: A Practical Timeline

Many visitors to Japan don’t realize that ningen dock can be seamlessly woven into a normal travel itinerary. Here’s how I recommend planning it:

6–8 weeks before your trip: → Contact MEDICAL CHECKUP JAPAN CONCIERGE for your free health consultation → Decide on your package and preferred facility (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto) → Confirm your appointment date

1–2 weeks before your checkup: → Review pre-exam instructions (fasting, medication restrictions) → Prepare your medical history summary in English → Confirm transport and logistics with your concierge

Day of your checkup: → Arrive at the facility with your concierge/interpreter → Complete 3–5 hours of comprehensive screening → Receive same-day results consultation with your doctor

After your checkup: → Receive full English results report within a few days → Schedule a results consultation with your MEDICAL CHECKUP JAPAN CONCIERGE advisor

A Final Word From Me, as a Doctor

I write this not as a marketer, but as a physician who has watched too many people receive diagnoses that came too late.

The patients who haunt me most aren’t the ones with rare diseases or tragic accidents. They’re the ones who had entirely preventable, entirely detectable conditions — who simply didn’t know, because nobody had looked.

Ningen dock changed how I think about healthcare. Growing up in Japan, I took it for granted. Now I understand it is one of the greatest gifts a health system can offer: the gift of knowing.

If you are traveling to Japan — whether for a week or a year — I genuinely encourage you to consider dedicating half a day to ningen dock. Not because something is wrong. But because knowing what’s right is exactly as important.

Your future self will thank you.

A Quick Note — Save the Date

If you (or someone you know) will be in Tokyo on May 2nd, I have something special planned.

I’ll be hosting a very limited, in-person event where you can experience Japanese preventive healthcare firsthand—including the opportunity to participate in a guided medical checkup in a real clinic setting.

👉 Early registration link (limited access):
https://luma.com/event/manage/evt-fIYsgqxBxKRLOo3

I’ll be sharing the full details, behind-the-scenes, and what to expect in my upcoming newsletter—so if you’re interested, make sure to subscribe and stay tuned.

For now, I highly recommend keeping your morning open and sharing this with anyone you know who will be in Tokyo around that time.

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Ready to Book Your Ningen Dock in Japan?

Medical Checkup Japan Concierge is here to make this seamless for you — from choosing the right package to understanding every result.

📧 Email: info@japanwellnesstravel.com

🌐 Website: www.medicalcheckupjapan.com

👉 Start with a free 30-minute health consultation — share your health concerns, travel dates, and goals. We’ll take care of everything else.

Because your health is not a luxury. It is the foundation of everything.

Thank you so much to everyone who read my last post about Katsuoji-temple. Since I recently took a medical exam in Japan, I found myself thinking a lot about “願掛け” (making wishes before big moments).

So today, I want to share something a little different—but very connected.

This post is for:

• Those looking for a great unaju spot in Osaka/Hyogo

• Anyone who has an exam, competition, or important life event coming up

• And those curious about the deeper meaning behind Japanese food culture

What Is Unaju—and Why Do Japanese People Eat It Before Big Moments?

If you’ve ever searched what Japanese people eat before exams or important days, this is something you might not see often—but it’s very real.

Unaju (うな重) is grilled eel (unagi) served over rice in a lacquered box, glazed with a sweet soy-based sauce.

But beyond the taste, there’s a cultural meaning.

In Japan, unagi is associated with stamina, focus, and resilience. Some even say it’s connected to wisdom (知恵の神様の使い), which is why people eat it before:

• Exams

• Important work presentations

• Sports competitions

• Big life moments

From a medical perspective, it’s also interesting.

Unagi is rich in:

• Vitamin A

• Vitamin B complex

• Omega-3 fatty acids

So while it’s not a “magic food,” it’s definitely one of the most nutrient-dense traditional dishes.

My Go-To Spot: Unatomi

Today, I want to share my personal favorite place for unaju: Unatomi.

It’s actually a local chain with multiple locations in Osaka and Hyogo (Takarazuka, Sanda, Takatsuki, Ikeda, Kawanishi, Minoh), which makes it very accessible.

What I like about it is that it doesn’t feel like a tourist place at all. Most customers are Japanese locals, and many come for special occasions or family meals.

It’s not cheap—but for the quality, I think it’s absolutely worth it.

Why Unatomi Stands Out

1. Carefully Selected Japanese Eel

They use only domestic Japanese eel (ニホンウナギ), delivered fresh every morning. The eel is raised in clean groundwater and fed carefully to preserve its natural fat and texture.

When you take a bite, it’s incredibly soft—almost melting apart.

2. Kansai-Style Grilling (No Steaming)

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Do you know the tallest mountain in Japan?
It’s Mount Fuji.

There are many beautiful places to see Mount Fuji, but personally, I think the best view is from the top of the Fujiyama roller coaster at Fuji-Q Highland — right at the moment when the ride slowly climbs the world’s longest uphill track.

When you are going up, Mount Fuji appears right in front of you. The mountain feels close, wide, and powerful. It’s one of those views that stays in your memory.

This post is for you if:

• You want to see Mount Fuji from a unique viewpoint

• You love scary roller coasters and thrilling rides

• You’re traveling with kids who want to enjoy an amusement park

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Fuji-Q Highland is very popular in Japan, but for many international travelers, it is still less familiar than Tokyo Disneyland or Universal Studios Japan. One of the best things about Fuji-Q Highland is that you can reach it from Tokyo in about 2 to 2.5 hours, making it a realistic and exciting day trip.

I visited Fuji-Q Highland last month on a Tuesday, and it was such a great experience that I wanted to share it with you.

Famous Guinness World Records at Fuji-Q Highland

Fuji-Q Highland has held many Guinness World Records over the years, especially for its roller coasters. This is one of the reasons thrill-seekers from around the world search for Fuji-Q Highland when planning a trip to Japan.

Some well-known records and attractions include:

• Fujiyama (1996): Certified for world-class height, elevation difference, and speed

  

• Eejanaika (2006): Famous for having one of the highest numbers of spins in the world

• Takabisha (2011): Known for having one of the steepest drops in the world at 121 degrees

• Super Scary Labyrinth of Fear: Known as one of the longest-running haunted houses

Even if you don’t ride every attraction, walking through Fuji-Q Highland feels like being inside the history of extreme roller coasters in Japan.

From here, I’ll be writing about the practical travel tips (how to get to Fuji-Q Highland from Tokyo, best tickets to buy, how to avoid long lines, and how to combine Fuji-Q with Kawaguchiko).

If you’re interested in visiting Fuji-Q Highland or traveling around Mount Fuji smoothly, you might enjoy becoming a paid subscriber.

The Roller Coasters I Rode in One Day (Weekday Visit)

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If you haven’t read my previous post about Katsuo-ji yet, I recommend reading that first.

Today’s post is the practical guide to visiting Katsuo-ji Temple smoothly and stress-free.

Today, I’ll share:

• How to get to Katsuo-ji from central Osaka (easy routes)

• What to eat before Katsuo-ji around Minoo-Kayano / Q’s Mall (my real picks)

• How to write your wish on the Kachi-Daruma (step-by-step, simple)

• Real local tips to enjoy Katsuo-ji without crowds or stress

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How to get to Katsuo-ji from central Osaka (Simple routes)

Katsuo-ji Temple is located in the mountains of Minoh, north of central Osaka. The access is easy, but knowing the best route saves time and energy.

Recommended route (easy for most travelers):

• Take the Midosuji Line from Umeda, Shinsaibashi, or Namba

• Get off at Minoo-Kayano Station

• From Minoo-Kayano, go to Katsuo-ji by bus or taxi

From Minoo-Kayano Station to Katsuo-ji:

• Bus:

  • About 20 minutes

  • Around 800 yen one way

  • Best for solo travelers or couples

• Taxi:

  • About 15–20 minutes

  • Often cheaper if you are 3–4 people

  • Comfortable in bad weather or when tired

Why this route is good:

• The Midosuji Line is the main subway line in Osaka

• Transfers are simple for tourists

• The scenery changes from city to mountains, which already feels refreshing

What to eat before Katsuo-ji (best food near Minoh-Kayano / Q’s Mall Recommendation)

You will walk a lot at Katsuo-ji. There are slopes, stairs, and long paths, so eating before you go is important. There is limited food inside the temple area.

Here are my real recommendations near Minoo-Kayano / Q’s Mall:

1) Sushi 北海素材 (Hokkai Sozai)

• A little nicer than typical conveyor belt sushi

• Slightly more expensive, but very good quality

• Perfect if you want a satisfying but not too heavy meal

• Good balance of protein and energy before walking

And my other 2 favorite places are…

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That place was Katsuo-ji Temple, a temple in the mountains of Osaka.

In Japanese, katsu (勝) means “to win,” and Katsuo-ji has long been known as a place people visit before important moments — exams, competitions, career changes, health challenges.

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To be honest, my New Year didn’t feel like a new beginning at all.
That exam was heavy. My head was full.
So I went to Katsuo-ji quietly and made a promise to myself to face the exam properly.

Why People Visit Katsuo-ji Before Exams and Big Moments

Katsuo-ji was founded in the 8th century and has been called a “temple of victory” for centuries.
Warriors once came here before battles.
Today, people come here before:

• Entrance exams

• Job interviews and career decisions

• Business challenges

• Sports competitions

It’s not about wishing for luck without effort.
Katsuo-ji is about making a personal commitment to do your best — even when you’re scared.

That’s why this place feels meaningful for travelers too.
If you’re visiting Osaka and have something important coming up in your life, this is a powerful stop to add to your Japan trip.

Daruma Everywhere — And What They Mean

Katsuo-ji is famous for its Daruma dolls.
Daruma represent persistence and not giving up on yourself.

Here, Daruma are not “magic wish dolls.”
When you write your goal and fill in one eye, you’re making a promise to yourself to face your weakness and not run away.

I did a Daruma-Mikuji, where you choose a Daruma while focusing on one question.
Inside is guidance based on old philosophy, not simple “good luck / bad luck.”

After reading mine, I placed my Daruma on the temple grounds.
They’re everywhere — on rocks, near small altars, quietly watching people walk by.
It’s strangely comforting to see how many people are trying hard at something.

Omamori, Small Comforts, and Daruma Snacks

I also bought an omamori (protective charm) for my exam.
I keep it in my bag now — not because I think it changes results, but because it reminds me of the promise I made to myself that day.

And yes, I ate Daruma-shaped baby castella.
It sounds small, but moments like this make Japanese temples feel warm and human — serious wishes mixed with gentle joy.

If you’re in Osaka and you or someone you love has an exam coming up, I really recommend visiting Katsuo-ji.

And please… wish me luck for passing the exam too! I truly hope I passed.

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A Place to Visit When You Want to Win — Without Rushing Yourself

Katsuo-ji doesn’t promise miracles.
It gives you a moment to slow down before something important.

If you’re traveling in Osaka and facing an exam, interview, or big life decision,
this temple is a quiet place to remind yourself why you’re trying so hard in the first place.

Coming Next for Paid Subscribers…

In the coming newsletter, I’ll share a practical step-by-step guide:

• How to get to Katsuo-ji easily from central Osaka

• What to eat before you go at Minoh Q’s Mall near Kayano Station (my recommended place to eat before Katsuo-ji)

• How to write your wish properly on a big Daruma

• Real tips for visiting Katsuo-ji without stress

• How to combine Katsuo-ji with nearby sightseeing

If today’s story helped you, I’d love for you to read my next practical guide too!

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Information for visiting Katsuo-ji

• Location: Katsuo-ji Temple, Minoo, Osaka

• Opening Hours:

  • Weekdays: 8:00–17:00

  • Saturdays: 8:00–18:00

  • Sundays & holidays: 8:00–17:00

• Admission Fee:

  • Adults: 500 yen

  • Children: 400 yen

• Access: Subway + bus from central Osaka (Details in the next paid post)

• Google Maps: Search “Katsuo-ji Temple”

Last week, I visited a lovely café in central Tokyo with a friend I first met about four years ago.
We’ve only met face to face around three times, but every time we do, the conversation feels natural and easy, as if we’ve known each other for much longer.

Since we both studied outside Japan for university, so meeting in person always feels a little special. This time, we chose a small café in Tokyo called Tokyo Little House. It was my first visit, and I was surprised by how calm and welcoming the space felt from the moment I walked in.

Tokyo has countless cafés, but finding a quiet café in central Tokyo that isn’t crowded can be surprisingly difficult. Tokyo Little House felt like a place where time slows down. The café is not large, but not too small either, and the atmosphere is warm and relaxed. It has a subtle Japanese style, simple but thoughtful, and the overall mood made it easy to settle in and enjoy the moment.

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What Makes Tokyo Little House Feel Special

Tokyo Little House stands out among cafés in Tokyo because of its peaceful atmosphere and attention to small details.

Inside the café, you’ll find old maps of Tokyo displayed on the walls and vintage Tokyo magazines.

Seeing these old materials made the café feel like a small time capsule of the city. The name of the place has also remained unchanged for many years, which adds to the feeling that this café has quietly existed alongside modern Tokyo.

Another thing I noticed was the kindness of the staff. There were non-Japanese travelers visiting while we were there. Even when the language was not perfect, the staff explained the coffee in English with patience and a warm smile. That simple, friendly communication made the café feel welcoming.

The Menu at Tokyo Little House: Matcha, Coffee, and Desserts

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Located in the refined district of Ginza, Head Spa ZEN offers a fully private, Zen-based head spa experience focused on sensory balance and autonomic nervous system regulation. It is not simply a beauty salon. It is structured as a guided reset for people experiencing digital fatigue, travel stress, and mental overload.

What Makes This Head Spa Different in Wellness Travel Japan?

Many people searching “best head spa Tokyo” or “wellness travel Japan experiences” want something authentic, calming, and culturally rooted.

Head Spa ZEN is built around:

• Zen philosophy and sensory harmony

• Fully private treatment rooms in Ginza

• Guided breathing and meditation

• Alternating pressure and temperature techniques

• Fascia and deep muscle work rarely found in standard salons

The concept centers on restoring breathing patterns disrupted by constant screen exposure and overstimulation. From a Japanese medical background, I find this focus on autonomic balance particularly meaningful. Stress regulation directly affects sleep quality, scalp health, and muscular tension.

If you are planning wellness travel Japan, this is a refined option that fits easily into a Tokyo schedule without leaving the city.

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The 90-Minute ZEN (SHIN) Deep Course: Step-by-Step Experience

For readers who want to know exactly what to expect, here is the full structure of the 90-minute session.

ZEN (SHIN) – Deep
¥16,000 (¥17,600 including tax)

This course is designed to unravel mental tension and guide you into deeper clarity.

01 Welcome Drink

You begin with a warm welcome drink in a private room. The transition from Ginza’s busy streets to a quiet interior happens immediately. The lighting is soft and intentionally minimal.

02 Counseling

A short consultation covers scalp condition, stress level, sleep patterns, and preferences. This ensures the pressure and focus areas are customized.

03 Meditation and Breathing

Before any physical treatment begins, you are guided through gentle breathing. This step is central to the philosophy. The goal is to shift from sympathetic to parasympathetic dominance.

04 Aroma Selection

You choose a fragrance that supports relaxation. Scent is one of the fastest ways to influence the nervous system, and the aroma sets the tone for the rest of the session.

05 Scalp Cleansing

The scalp is carefully cleansed to remove buildup and improve circulation. This step supports both hair health and relaxation.

06 Head Immersion

Warm water flows steadily over the scalp. The sound is subtle and rhythmic, similar to shishiodoshi in a Japanese garden. Many guests describe this as the most calming moment.

07 Massage Shampoo – Pressure

A structured massage shampoo applies rhythmic pressure to stimulate circulation and release tension in the scalp.

08 Treatment Massage – Relief

The technique shifts to relief-focused strokes, easing tightness in the scalp, temples, and upper neck.

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In today’s paid post, I want to go deeper — beyond the buildings and gardens of Kōseiji — and talk about the people and the living Zen I encountered there.

This article is based on my direct conversation with Miyazaki-san, the vice priest of Kōseiji, and what he shared with me about his life, his doubts, and his understanding of Zen today.

In This Article, You Can Read:

• Why he became a monk

• Why Zen felt difficult for him at the beginning

• What helped Zen become more natural and accessible over time

• What Zen means to him now, in his daily life

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Why He Became a Monk

Miyazaki-san decided to become a monk during his third year of high school.

His mother was born into a temple family, but the decision was his own. After entering university, he formally joined the Rinzai Zen tradition, where he underwent more than seven years of strict training.

During that time, his days were filled with:

• Long hours of seated meditation

• Cleaning in silence

• Chanting sutras

• Koan practice

As he spoke, I realized how far this world is from how Zen is often presented outside Japan.

“Do You Like Zen?” — His Honest Answer

I asked him directly:

“Do you like Zen?”

He smiled and said no.

At the beginning, he felt difficult sitting for long periods. His legs hurt. He was sleepy sometimes. His body wanted to escape.

Read more

In This Article, You Can Read:

• The history of this Rinzai Zen temple, Koseiji

• Why the famous “Garden of the Heart” is unlike any other Zen garden in Japan

• What I personally felt after hearing its story directly from those who care for it

Kōseiji is a Rinzai Zen temple founded in 1669. It was established by the Zen master Kōzan Giyō under the patronage of Prince Fushimi-no-miya Sadayuki, who built the temple to pray for his mother. Later, the temple was renamed Shinwazan Kōseiji, meaning something close to “a mountain where the heart becomes harmonious.”

Hearing the Story of Kōseiji From the Inside

What struck me was how consistently the temple’s history returns to one theme: quiet dedication rather than display.

For generations, Kōseiji was supported by the imperial family, and later by the Iwakura family, including Iwakura Tomomi, a key figure of the Meiji Restoration. Despite this, the temple never became grand or outward-facing.

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The Garden That Left the Strongest Impression: “Shinwa no Niwa”

What stayed with me most was the Zen garden called “Shinwa no Niwa,” designed by the renowned garden artist Shigemori Mirei.

This garden is shaped around the kanji “heart.” But not in a literal or decorative way.

Shigemori designed it as a dry landscape garden representing a vast sea with sacred islands. The stones are arranged with layered meaning:

• Islands symbolizing mythical lands such as Horai and Eishu

• Stone groupings reflecting traditional Buddhist symbolism

• White sand representing an endless ocean

There are no trees. No flowers. Nothing to distract the eye.

Standing in front of it, I didn’t feel like I needed to understand it. I just found myself standing still longer than expected.

I later learned that this is considered the first fully intentional heart-shaped Zen garden ever created, especially as a dry landscape garden. Knowing this while standing there made the silence feel even heavier — in a good way.

Another Garden, Another Feeling: Shingetsu Garden

Kōseiji also has Shingetsu Garden, created later by Shigemori Mirei.

This garden was built after a pine tree died, and instead of replacing it, Mirei transformed the space into something new. White sand, stones, and a bamboo fence surround the area.

“Shingetsu” means something like the true heart reflected as the moon.

It felt gentler than the main garden — not as striking, but quietly comforting.

The Main Hall and the Weight of Time

The main hall was completed in 1916 and formally consecrated the following year. Sitting there, I became aware of how many people had spent time in this same space over more than a century — sitting, praying, and remaining still.

Nothing felt preserved for display. Everything felt used in a quiet, continuous way, with care and respect.

This was also the place where I had the opportunity to speak with Miyazaki-san, the vice priest of Kōseiji, and to take part in Zen practice myself. Experiencing Zen there made the atmosphere of the hall clearer to me — not dramatic or solemn, but steady and practical. It was a place meant to be used, not observed from a distance.

Talking with Miyazaki-san in that setting added another perspective. His way of speaking was straightforward and calm, without trying to idealize Zen or make it sound mysterious. That tone matched the space itself and stayed with me afterward.

A Note Before Tomorrow’s Article

In tomorrow’s paid post, I will write in detail about something very different.

I will share my personal experience talking with Miyazaki-san, the vice priest of Kōseiji:

• Why he became a monk

• Why Zen felt difficult for him at the beginning

• What helped Zen become more natural and accessible over time

• What Zen means to him now, in his daily life

I put a lot of effort into writing that piece, and I truly hope you will read it if Zen, Japan, or inner stillness interests you even a little.

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If You Are Interested in Visiting Kōseiji

Because Kōseiji is not open to the public, visiting requires careful timing and consideration, and details such as schedule and conditions matter a lot.

If you are genuinely interested in visiting or learning more, I might be able to help coordinate or ask about possibilities. Please feel free to reach out and let me know!

As someone who grew up in Japan and later lived abroad, I’ve heard countless times from Muslim and vegan friends how stressful it can be to eat safely while traveling. And honestly? Japan is no exception. Even as a local, it hurts to say that most “authentic ramen” or “classic donburi” are not actually vegan or halal-friendly — even if they look plant-based at first glance.

Typical ramen broths are made from pork or chicken bones. Even soy sauce ramen almost always uses animal stock. Donburi sauces and broths rely heavily on fish-based dashi or alcohol-based mirin. For Muslim and plant-based travelers dreaming of “wellness travel Japan,” food can become a constant source of uncertainty.

But recently, I found a restaurant — Habibi, a halal-certified Arab–Japanese fusion restaurant in Tokyo. Now I can confidently tell Muslim and vegan visitors: Yes, you can finally enjoy real ramen, shojin ryori, and Japanese flavors without compromise.

What Makes Habibi Special for Halal & Vegan Wellness Travelers

1. Halal That’s Truly Halal

Some places say “halal-friendly,” but Habibi is the real thing — fully certified, handled by a Middle Eastern chef, and completely free from alcohol, cross-contamination, or hidden ingredients. It’s one of the few places in Japan where you can sit down, order, and feel 100% sure everything follows proper halal standards.

2. Halal That Still Tastes Like Real Japanese Food

Even when halal options exist in Japan, the flavors can feel very different from authentic Japanese cooking because the ingredients have to be swapped. But Habibi surprised me — the ramen I tried had so many layers of flavor that I actually couldn’t tell it was halal. The donburi was the same: I had so many toppings packed into one bowl that it felt like real Japanese home-style comfort food. It’s one of the closest “halal-safe but still Japanese” meals I’ve had.

3. More Than Just Ramen — Shojin Ryori & Tendon Too

The vegan side of the menu is supervised by Rev. Kakuhō Aoe, the Jodo Shinshu monk known for shojin ryori. I haven’t experienced full shojin ryori myself yet, but knowing a real monk designs the flavors adds so much depth and meaning.

And it’s not only ramen and shojin ryori — there are tendons, vegan donburi, and other dishes that stay true to the spirit of Japanese temple cuisine. It’s rare to find a place where halal, vegan, and traditional Japanese philosophy come together so naturally.

Habibi (ハビービ) — Halal-Certified Information

Address: Basement, Kodokan New Building, 1-16-30 Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-0003
Nearest Stations: Korakuen Station (Marunouchi / Namboku Lines)

Hours: Mon–Sat: Lunch 11:30–14:30 (L.O. 14:00), Dinner 17:30–21:30 (L.O. 21:00), Closed Sundays

Before we begin, thank you so much to everyone who subscribed last year. I’m truly happy to see this community growing, and I hope this newsletter continues to be something you enjoy opening.

Recently, when I shared a post about Hatsumōde (初詣), Japan’s first shrine visit of the year, I received a very common question:

“What yen should I put in when I pray in Japan?”

This is a great question — not only for January, but any time you visit a shrine or temple in Japan.

What This Post Covers

Free section:

• What osaisen is

• Where the custom comes from

• Which coins are generally appropriate

Paid section (from midway):

• Lucky and unlucky amounts (with reasons)

• Differences between shrine and temple offerings

• Proper etiquette most visitors don’t know

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, the paid section will be especially useful!

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What Is お賽銭 (Osaisen)?

Osaisen is the money offered when you pray at a shrine or temple.

Many people think it’s money to “make a wish,” but in Japan, it’s closer to:

• A thank-you offering

• An expression of daily gratitude

The word 「賽」 in お賽銭 means to repay blessings received.

So traditionally, osaisen is not about asking — it’s about appreciation.

The Origin of Osaisen

Originally, people did not offer money.

Instead, they offered:

• Rice

• Fish

• Vegetables

• Cloth

Among these, rice was especially important. It was considered sacred and was sometimes wrapped in white paper as おひねり.

As coins became common, money gradually replaced rice.
But whether rice or coins, the meaning has never changed.

Osaisen is an offering of gratitude.

What Yen Should You Put In?

Coins Considered Appropriate in Japan

The most commonly recommended coins are:

• 5-yen coin (五円玉)

• 50-yen coin (五十円玉)

These coins are special because:

• They have holes

• Holes symbolize good flow and clear paths

• Go-en (五円) sounds like ご縁, meaning “good connection”

Many Japanese people choose these coins when praying.

You may also see people combining them:

• Multiple 5-yen coins

• A mix of 5-yen and 50-yen coins

This is where things start to get more detailed.

Many Japanese people choose amounts based on 語呂合わせ (number wordplay) — matching numbers with positive meanings.

Common examples include:

• 5 yen – ご縁 (good connection)

• 11 yen – いい縁 (good relationship)

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I’ve also prepared a small token of appreciation in the form of a personalized Kakizome lock screen, which I’ll share at the end!

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The Tradition of Kakizome(書き初め)

Kakizome(書き初め), the traditional Japanese practice of writing the first Japanese calligraphy (or Shodo) of the year, holds a significant place in Japanese culture.

Originating as a court event in ancient Japan in the late 8th century, it has evolved into a widely observed custom. The process involves dissolving sumi ink in drawn water and writing a short poem facing a favorable direction of the year.

Over the centuries, it has become a way for people to express their hopes and aspirations for the coming year. In modern times, people often write auspicious kanji or words related to their aspirations for the year. The specific words or phrases written during Kakizome can vary widely based on individual preferences and aspirations for the coming year.

The Art of Shodo and Kakizome Today

Students of elementary and middle schools learn the basics of Shodo and often participate in the tradition of Kakizome at the beginning of each calendar year, creating calligraphic works symbolizing their wishes for the new year. While modern-day Japan mostly uses ballpoints, pencils, or felt-tip pens for everyday writing, the practice of Shodo continues to be a respected and cherished art form in Japan.

Examples of Kakizome Words

Although the specific words or phrases written during Kakizome can vary widely based on individual preferences and aspirations for the coming year, here’s some common examples.

1. 一期一会 (Ichigo-Ichie)

   • Meaning: “Once in a lifetime encounter”

   • This phrase signifies treasuring the encounters and experiences in life as unique and unrepeatable. It encourages gratitude and appreciation for the people and opportunities that come our way.

1. 初志貫徹 (Shoshi-Kantetsu)

   • Meaning: “Maintaining the initial resolve”

   • This expression represents the determination to uphold the original aspirations and goals set at the beginning, and to persistently and diligently work towards achieving them.

1. 有言実行 (Yugen-Jikko)

   • Meaning: “Action speaks louder than words”

   • This phrase conveys the importance of following through on one’s promises and commitments. It emphasizes the value of taking tangible actions to fulfill what has been expressed verbally.

Create Your Personalized Kakizome Lock Screen for the New Year

To welcome the new year, I am offering a small number of personalized Kakizome calligraphy pieces, created based on your intention for the year ahead. Your word will be written as a four-character Japanese phrase (yojijukugo) and delivered as an iPhone lock screen you can use every day.

How to Participate

1. Subscribe to this newsletter

   Subscribe now

2. Share your intention for next year
   Comment on this article with a few words about what you want to focus on next year. A goal, a direction, or a feeling is enough.

   Leave a comment

3. Become a paid subscriber (recommended) or share the newsletter.

   Paid subscribers are guaranteed to receive a personalized Kakizome.

   Subscribe now

   I may select a very limited number of non-paid subscribers too, and sharing this article may increase the chance of being selected!

   Share

If you are already a paid subscriber, no further steps are needed. If you can share your intention for next year, I will send you your custom four-character kanji.

I look forward to turning your intention into a word you can carry with you throughout the year!

About two months ago, I shared a newsletter about Yunomi.life, a place where you can find an incredible variety of Japanese teas directly from small producers across Japan. If you missed it, you can read it here.

Today, I want to take you one step closer to the stories behind those teas. I’ll be introducing three tea farms I truly admire, each representing a different side of Japanese tea culture:

1. Kurihara Tea Garden (Fukuoka)

2. Kajihara Tea Garden (Kumamoto)

3. Azuma Tea Garden (Kyoto)

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1. Kurihara Tea Garden (Yame, Fukuoka)

Guardians of Yame’s Gyokuro tradition, producing both classic and rare competition-grade teas.

The Kurihara family, specialists in gyokuro tea, began in 1922 as wholesalers. In 1942, the first master moved to Yame, famed for Yamecha, and started growing tea himself. His son Kippei now serves in the Yame City legislature, elder son Yuji in the Fukuoka legislature, and younger son Akio has become a nationally recognized, award-winning tea farmer.

Akio leads the family’s work today, cultivating exceptional gyokuro and sencha with the help of his family and fellow farmers in the small town of Yabemura (population about 1,000).

Here are some of the highlighted teas.

#0067.F2 Kurihara Tea: Shin 心 (Heart) - Premium Gyokuro Green Tea

#0068.F2 Kurihara Tea: [2025] Competition Grade Saemidori Heritage Gyokuro Green Tea

Akio is also a 4-time winner in Southern Japan tea hand rolling competitions, and places consistently in the top 5 in the gyokuro categories of regional and national tea competitions. Most recently, at the 2019 Fukuoka Tea Competition, he won the top Minister's Prize in the Gyokuro Category (awarded only when there are at least 100 entries.

Kurihara Tea Garden embodies precision and heritage — every leaf tells the story of a region that has perfected Gyokuro over centuries.

2. Kajihara Tea Garden (Kumamoto)

Preserving Kyushu’s kamairicha tradition while embracing eco-friendly innovation.

Through perseverance, he became an award-winning producer of kamairicha — a rare, pan-fired green tea that few farmers in Japan still make — along with black and oolong teas. Farming steep slopes by hand and small machines, Kajihara-san honors tradition while embracing the unique mountain climate that gives his teas their character.

For him, tea is about human connection. Even after devastating floods in 2020, the support of customers and the joy of hearing “Oishi!” after a cup keep him moving forward, one harvest at a time.

Kajihara-san's Green Friendly Teas

• Reduced fuel use thanks to pan-firing.

• Less than half the official fertilizer recommendation, focusing on healthy soil.

• Pesticide-free since 2000 — relying on a naturally balanced ecosystem.

• Antique machinery, adjusted by human senses rather than computers.

Here are some of the highlighted teas.

#0356.K5 Kajihara Tea Garden: #08 Koushun Autumn Flush Black Tea (Wakocha) 秋摘み香駿和紅茶

Kajihara’s story is about respect — for tradition, for the environment, and for the craft of tea.

An authentic, nutty, smooth, and rare even in Japan. In this video, you can find a video featuring Kajihara Tea Garden.

3. Azuma Tea Garden (Wazuka, Kyoto)

A fourth-generation farm from the heartland of Uji, blending heritage with new horizons.

Azuma Tea Garden is a fourth-generation family farm in Wazuka, Kyoto — the heart of Uji tea. Founded in the late 19th century, the farm spans about 5 hectares of mountain fields in an untouched valley with no trains or major roads, part of Kyoto’s designated cultural landscape.

Specializing in tencha (the base leaf for matcha), the Azuma family is gradually converting their fields to organic cultivation while also experimenting with new styles like matcha-infused genmaicha and rare Japanese oolong.

Today, Teruko Azuma helps lead the farm, combining deep respect for Uji’s traditions with a vision for making tea “simple, healthy, and warm.” The result is a balance of heritage and innovation — rooted in Wazuka’s centuries-old tea culture, but always looking forward.

Here are some of the highlighted teas.

#0102.K6 Azuma Tea Garden: Premium Kyoto Matcha-Infused Genmaicha Green Tea

#0098.K6 Azuma Tea Garden: Kyoto Oolong Tea, Single Cultivar Uji Midori

Azuma’s work shows how tradition can evolve while staying true to the land.

🌱 Special Gift for Paid Subscribers

Since today’s newsletter is all about meeting the farmers behind the teas, I thought it would be wonderful if you could also taste their stories. That’s why this time, the giveaway will feature three packages — each with a tea from one of the producers introduced today.

Giveaway🎁

• 1 winner will receive a package featuring one of the above teas.

• To participate: comment below with which producer’s tea you’d most love to try.

  Leave a comment

Discount (Same as Last Time)

• Free subscribers: YUNOMI_JPN1000

• Paid subscribers: ¥1,500 off (delivered via DM)

This way, you don’t just read about the farmers — you can bring their craft into your own teacup.

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Do you have another tea — or farmer — you’d love me to feature in future editions? And if enough of you are interested, we may even create an exclusive package just for our readers — a way to bring together teas you’ve read about here into one special set. So please let me know in the comments what you’d be most excited to see!

Today I want to introduce you to something completely different from the usual “wellness travel Japan” spots like onsen, gardens, or temples. This time, it’s all about Japan’s largest dagashi shop in Okayama an unforgettable place filled with nostalgic Japanese childhood snacks that you almost never see in Tokyo or Kyoto.

If you’ve never heard of dagashi, you’re not alone. Even many Japanese people haven’t visited a real dagashi store in years. But this place in Okayama is so huge, so charming, and so impossible to reach on your own that I always recommend joining the guided tour I talked about earlier. It’s the easiest way to get there without worrying about transportation.

This article is especially for…

• Travelers coming to Japan who want to bring home fun Japanese snacks

• Anyone who loves old-Japan nostalgia and wants to experience Japanese childhood culture

• Readers who want to discover the best dagashi through my personal childhood favorites

And today, I’m sharing 15 dagashi that shaped my childhood.
The first 8 are for all readers, and the top 7 are for paid subscribers… so if you enjoy nostalgic Japanese food, I would be happy if you considered upgrading.

First, What Is Dagashi?

Dagashi are traditional Japanese snacks that are simple, cheap, and full of old-fashioned charm. Before Japan had fancy convenience stores, every neighborhood had a small shop called a dagashiya where kids bought snacks for 10 yen, 20 yen, sometimes just 5 yen.

Unlike modern snacks:

• Dagashi are usually very inexpensive

• They often come with games, toys, or fortunes

• The packaging feels retro

• Flavors are simple, playful, and nostalgic

• Many are tied deeply to Japanese childhood memories

For many Japanese people, dagashi reminds us of walking home from school with friends, spending our last coins at the small local shop, and discovering tiny surprises inside each package.

Where Is Japan’s Largest Dagashi Shop?

In Okayama Prefecture!
It’s a little remote, and honestly, not easy to get to by public transportation. That’s why I always recommend joining the Okayama Hidden Gems Guided Tour, which takes you directly to the shop. You don’t need to worry about trains or transfers the bus brings you right to the entrance.

This place is unbelievable. Even as a Japanese person, I was shocked by the size. Imagine walls and walls of colorful snacks, aisles filled with retro candies, and shelves overflowing with classic dagashi you can’t find anywhere else.

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My Top 15 Childhood Dagashi

Below are the first 8 dagashi I loved growing up.
The remaining 7 are available in the paid subscriber section in our next post!

15. Putiputi Uranai (Fortune Candy)

I used to open these every day in elementary school. Each tiny bubble has a fortune written inside, like “health,” “love,” or “luck,” followed by ◎, ○, △, or ×. When I saw ×, I always screamed “Nooo!” — it was part of the fun.
Do you have anything like this in your country?

14. Fue Ramune (Whistle Candy)

You blow it and it whistles loudly… too loudly. I remember my mother scolding me for making noise on the way home. At the bottom, there’s always a tiny toy, which was the best part.

13. Umaibo

You might know this one. Umaibo is the king of dagashi. It used to cost 10 yen, now it’s 20 yen, but the flavors are amazing. Finding a new flavor always felt like treasure hunting.

12. Strawberry Chocolate on a Stick

A pink strawberry chocolate with a little wooden stick. I always chewed the stick afterward… and I loved collecting the stickers they sometimes came with.

11. Hokkaido Dice Caramel

A caramel cube inside a tiny box shaped like a dice. I never threw the box away. I used them as actual dice when playing games with friends.

10. “Goen-ga-aru-yo” Chocolate

A chocolate shaped like a 5-yen coin. “Goen” means “five yen,” but it also means “good connection” or “good relationship,” so it felt like a lucky snack. I ate so many that my parents once had to hide them from me.

9. Oyatsu Karupasu (Mini Salami Stick)

Probably not the healthiest. But little me didn’t care. This was the snack I secretly ate even when my parents said “only one!”

8. Ninjin Snack (Carrot Snack)

Despite the name, it’s not carrot flavored. It’s a simple, nostalgic snack with a gentle sweetness. Very old-Japan style, very humble, but so addictive.

If you’re curious about the top 7 dagashi that truly define Japanese childhood, they’re waiting for you in the paid subscriber post below!

I’d also love to hear your thoughts—did you grow up with similar snacks, or is there one you’re especially curious to try?

Leave a comment

And if you’re visiting Japan, even though some of these snacks appear in supermarkets, nothing compares to walking into Japan’s largest dagashi shop in Okayama.

If you’re curious about visiting, you can check the guided tour I previously introduced — it’s truly the easiest way to reach the store!

Thank you for coming back to the paid section!
From here, I’m sharing the dagashi that shaped my childhood—the ones I still buy even as an adult because the nostalgia is unbeatable.

These top 7 are the snacks I always saved for last, traded with friends during school breaks, and sometimes hid …

Read more

Luckily, I recently had a chance to explore some of the most surprising and meaningful spots in Okayama. Many of these places are difficult to access on your own, so joining the guided tour made everything smooth and stress free.

This tour is perfect for…

1. People who want to explore a hidden gem in Japan without stress

2. Fans of Japanese anime, especially those curious about swords or scenes from Ghibli films

3. Anyone who wants to time slip into Japanese childhood memories through nostalgic snacks and old local traditions

Experiences and Activities

08:00
“Yakushin” Taro Okamoto
RSK Sanyo Broadcasting Company

The tour begins at the “Yakushin” Taro Okamoto statue at RSK Sanyo Broadcasting Company. Once everyone gathers, the bus slowly heads toward one of the most unexpected cultural surprises of the day.

Noh Theatre Hall “Tenjin9”

This was my first time stepping onto a real Noh stage. Even as someone born in Japan, I had never stood on one before. When you stand on the wooden floor, you immediately feel how quiet and powerful the space is. The hall has a soft echo, the kind that makes you naturally breathe slower. It reminded me that traditional Japanese arts always bring you back to the present moment, which fits perfectly with the idea of wellness travel Japan.

09:30
Jigenin Temple
Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum

If you love anime or grew up watching characters with swords, this stop feels like stepping into that world. Osafune has an 800 year history of sword making, and you can actually watch real swordsmiths at work. What surprised me the most was the hands on cutting experience. Yes, you can try cutting with a real sword. It was my first time, and I had so much fun.

You also get to see many styles of Japanese swords at the Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum, and learn how much focus, training, and technique go into making each blade.

12:00
Ipponmatsu Observation Garden

This hilltop garden is where we stopped for lunch. It’s calm and open, with views stretching across the countryside. I chose demikatsu, a regional dish with a demi glace style sauce over pork cutlet. I always knew it was famous in Okayama, but eating it here made it taste completely different. The garden atmosphere makes the meal feel relaxed and slow, something I really appreciated.

13:30
Human Rights Island “Nagashima” History Museum

This is one place I think everyone should visit at least once. As a medical doctor, I’ve studied Hansen disease, but seeing the actual island changed how I felt about it.

Hansen disease is an infection caused by a slow-growing bacteria that mainly affects the skin and nerves. For a long time, people misunderstood it and feared it, which led to discrimination and the forced isolation of patients on remote islands in Japan.

Today, we know that Hansen disease is curable, not easily spread, and treatable with simple antibiotics. Once treatment begins, people are no longer contagious.

The tragedy is that even after the medical facts became clear, many patients continued to live in isolation because society didn’t change as quickly as science did. Places like Nagashima Aiseien and its museum help us understand their history, honor their resilience, and make sure these stories are never forgotten.

If you’ve watched Princess Mononoke, you might remember the people in the Tatara ironworks who had white bandages wrapped around their bodies. That detail was inspired by Hansen disease. Hayao Miyazaki thought deeply about this topic, and that’s why those characters appear in the story. Walking through Nagashima helped me understand that meaning more clearly. It’s not a heavy or dark experience, but a very human one.

15:50
The Largest Dagashi Shop in Japan

This was the most nostalgic stop. Dagashi snacks are a huge part of Japanese childhood. They are simple, cheap, and playful, and walking through this giant shop felt like traveling back in time. aisles filled with colorful treats, tiny candies, classic flavors, and snacks I haven’t seen since I was little. I bought quite a lot, and I’m planning to write another newsletter introducing my favorite dagashi soon.

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For anyone who wants a fun, lighthearted moment during their trip, this place is perfect.

18:00
End of the tour

This tour opened up parts of Okayama that even many locals don’t normally see. Places like the sword museum, Nagashima, and the giant dagashi shop are especially hard to reach without a guide, so joining this tour makes the experience smooth and enjoyable.

If you’re looking for a slower, more meaningful side of Japan, or if you love anime and want to see the inspirations behind some iconic scenes, this tour will make your trip unforgettable!

Price
25,000 yen, every Thursday

Tour link
https://www.rsk.co.jp/special/okayama_bus_tour/

If you’re interested, take a look at the website and explore the hidden side of Okayama on your next visit!