The Resurgence of Postnatal Care Tradition in Japan: The Rise of Luxury Maternity Hotels

Since time immemorial, birth rituals have occupied a central role in societal structures, reflecting a deep cultural understanding of this transformative process. In Japan, the traditional practice of “San’ya” or postnatal retreats was prevalent until the early 20th century. New mothers and their infants on the islands and coastal regions of the Seto Inland Sea would be escorted to a small hut, known as a “San’ya,” where they would recuperate for 21 days following childbirth. This practice allowed mothers to recover without the burden of daily chores, which were undertaken by female relatives. Over time, these huts evolved into “birthing centers.”

Fast forward to the present, the popularity of Taiwanese and Korean postnatal care centers has inspired a new form of San’ya in Japan — Postnatal Nursing Hotels. These hotels combine luxurious hospitality with professional maternity care, including round-the-clock assistance from midwives and childcare experts to guide new mothers on their journey.

A prominent example of such establishments is Mom Garden Hayama, located in Kanagawa Prefecture. Hailed as the largest postnatal nursing resort in Japan, it has maintained near-full occupancy of its 47 rooms since its opening in 2021. New mothers and their babies typically stay for…