The Rise of Fasting Retreats in Japan A New Era of Health Tourism

Understanding the Origins of “Tourism”

Have you ever wondered about the origins of the term “tourism”? The phrase can be traced back to the ancient Chinese text, the I Ching, specifically from the phrase “Li Yong Bin Yu Wang,” meaning “to observe the nation’s light, it is beneficial to be a guest of the king.” Since the Edo period, the Japanese have paired “tourism” (観光) with “travel” (旅行), distinguishing between the two. “Tourism” refers to leisure activities away from daily routines, aimed at enjoyment, learning, and entertainment. Conversely, “travel” emphasizes movement, whether for work, achieving a goal, or personal growth. However, in recent years, the lines between “travel” and “immersive tourism” have blurred. Many now believe that for tourism to thrive, convenient transportation is essential, but this is not necessarily the case. Take, for example, the increasingly popular fasting retreats in Japanese leisure inns, offering a unique opportunity for people to reset their mind and body in a comfortable and distinct environment.

The Appeal of Fasting Retreats

The primary allure of fasting retreats lies in their ability to provide a short-term reset for the mind and body. Modern life accumulates significant stress and fatigue, and…