Slow Travel & Digital Detox in Japan

In an age of constant connectivity and breakneck speed, Japan offers another side: slow travel. 

Known for drawing hordes of hit-and-run itinerary travelers who’ve seen Japan’s bullet trains and neon-lit cityscapes on social media, Japan also harbors plenty of profound calm and relaxation. 

Honestly, in many parts of Japan, time seems to stand still. An aging society with a nostalgia for a “Showa” era of years gone by, the reality of day-to-day life in Japan reflects rather little of what content creators and influencers would lead us to believe.

This duality makes Japan an ideal destination for those seeking to embrace the concept of digital detox and slow travel in Japan. Let’s lift the veil and find out how & why.

The Essence of Slow Travel in Japan

For starters, let’s define Slow Travel, shall we.

Is slow travel moving at a leisurely pace? Yes. But it’s more than that.

Slow travel is a philosophy that encourages deeper connections with places, people and cultures. 

In Japan, the slow travel approach aligns very well with long-standing Japanese traditions of mindfulness and appreciation for fleeting moments. It’s especially good for solo travelers in Japan, as you are 100% in control of your itinerary and can choose the level of slow travel and digital detox that you please. It’s also good for couples traveling in Japan, letting you escape the daily grind and embrace each other in the slow travel concept.

Embracing 'Ma': The Space Between, a Japanese Concept

Central to Japanese aesthetics is the concept of 'ma' – the meaningful pause or space between elements. 

In the context of travel, 'ma' invites us to appreciate the intervals between destinations, the silence between words, and the stillness between actions. By embracing 'ma', travelers in Japan can transform transit time into moments of reflection and observation.

A good example of this can be experienced on a a train journey through rural Japan. Instead of burying your nose in a guidebook or smartphone (or livestreaming the whole journey, as apparently some influencers and influencer-wannabes have taken to doing), gaze out the window. Watch as rice paddies give way to misty mountains, and small towns emerge then disappear. This shifting scenery becomes a meditation in motion.

The Tea Ceremony: A Lesson in Presence

I can’t think of a better experience that embodies slow travel like the Japanese tea ceremony. 

This centuries-old ritual is a true exercise in mindfulness. Each movement is deliberate. Every moment is to be appreciated. In Kyoto and nearby Uji, the heart of Japan’s tea culture, numerous tea houses offer tea ceremony experiences.

At tea houses such as Nakamura Tokichi and Ocha no Kanbashi, in the historic tea capital of Uji, visitors can participate in a tea ceremony led by a tea master. The deliberate pace of the ritual – the careful preparation of the tea, the appreciation of the utensils, the mindful consumption – serves as a template for how we might approach travel itself: with intention, gratitude and full presence.

Digital Detox: Unplugging in a Hyperconnected Society

The idea of a digital detox in Japan might seem counterintuitive. After all, this is the land (as social media keeps reminding us) of robots, smart toilets and vending machines for everything imaginable.

Yet, Japan's deep-rooted spiritual traditions and natural sanctuaries provide the ideal ground for disconnecting from the digital world.

Zen and the Art of Digital Detachment

Zen Buddhism, with its emphasis on living in the present moment, offers valuable lessons for the digital age. 

Many temples across Japan offer zazen (sitting meditation) sessions open to visitors. In Tokyo, Ryuzen-ji Temple provides English-language zazen sessions, allowing travelers to learn the basics of meditation practice.

For a more immersive experience, why not stay at a Buddhist temple. Mount Koya (aka Koyasan), the center of Shingon Buddhism, offers temple lodgings (shukubo) where visitors can participate in morning prayers, meditation sessions and temple chores. Here, far from the buzz of smartphones and the glare of screens, you can reconnect with yourself and your surroundings.

Shinto Shrines for Calm Moments

We’ve talked about Buddhist temples, but Japan also features thousands of Shinto shrines.

Shinto is the soul of Japanese spirituality, and you can experience a shrine practically anywhere in Japan. Whether it’s a local neighborhood shrine or a major one like Ise, Izumo or Atsuta, your time in a Shinto shrine is likely to be slow and calm.

Bow at the front torii, walk slowly around the grounds, give thanks at the altar and admire the calm in what’s usually a setting of nature.

Forest Bathing: Nature's Antidote to Digital Overload

Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, is a practice that originated in Japan in the 1980s as a physiological and psychological exercise. The premise is simple: immersing oneself in nature can reduce stress, improve mental wellbeing and boost immunity.

The ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes on the Kii Peninsula offer an ideal setting for forest bathing. As you walk these centuries-old paths, surrounded by towering cedars and the sound of distant waterfalls, the urge to check your phone fades away. The forest demands your full attention, engaging all your senses in a way that no digital device can match.

Slow Travel Destinations in Japan: Where & How

While slow travel is more about approach than specific locations, some places in Japan lend themselves particularly well to this unhurried style of exploration.

This means purposely avoiding the tourist traps in Japan, limiting your exposure to the places that are experiencing overtourism, and mixing your itinerary to include many of the best places to visit in Japan, some hidden gems and underrated Japanese destinations, plus some time to just live in the moment.

Naoshima: Art, Nature & Contemplation

This small island in the Seto Inland Sea has reinvented itself as a hub for contemporary art. Naoshima's pace is decidedly slow, with bicycles being the preferred mode of transport. 

Spend days exploring the island's art museums, outdoor installations and repurposed buildings. The famous Yellow Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama, set against the backdrop of the sea, invites quiet contemplation amidst art, nature and space.

Onomichi: A Portal to the Past

Onomichi is a quaint port town in Hiroshima Prefecture that feels like a step back in time. 

Known for its hillside temples and winding narrow streets, Onomichi rewards those who explore on foot. The Temple Walk, connecting 25 temples, offers a day (or more) of leisurely exploration. Stay at a renovated traditional house turned guesthouse, where the slow pace of local life becomes your own.

Yakushima: Timeless Forests & Ancient Cedars

Yakushima is a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s home to some of Japan's oldest living trees, including the awe-inspiring Jōmon Sugi, estimated to be between 2,000 and 7,000 years old. 

Hiking through Yakushima's moss-covered forests feels like entering a world where time holds no sway. The island's limited public transportation and intentionally preserved wilderness make it an ideal destination for those looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature.

Practical Aspects of Slow Travel and Digital Detox in Japan

Embracing slow travel and digital detox requires some preparation and a shift in mindset. Here are some practical tips for your journey.

Intentional Disconnection

• Inform friends, family, and colleagues of your plans to disconnect. Set up an autoresponder for your email if necessary.

• Consider leaving your smartphone in your accommodation and exploring with just a camera (or your own eyes).

• If you need to stay somewhat connected, set specific times for checking messages or emails, such as once a day.

Mindful Planning

• Build ample buffer time into your itinerary. Allow for unexpected discoveries and spontaneous detours.

• Choose accommodations that encourage disconnection. Many ryokans (traditional inns) and small guesthouses offer a more unplugged experience than large hotels.

• Opt for slower modes of transportation when possible. Instead of always taking the shinkansen, consider local trains that allow you to see more of the countryside.

Engaging with Local Culture in Japan

• Learn a few key phrases in Japanese. Even basic communication can lead to meaningful interactions with locals.

• Participate in local activities: join a community festival, take a cooking class, or learn a traditional craft.

• Shop at local markets and eat at family-run restaurants. These experiences connect you more deeply with the place and its people.

The Lasting Impact of Slow Travel & Digital Detox

The benefits of slow travel and digital detox extend well beyond your time in Japan. 

Many travelers find that these experiences spark lasting changes in their approach to both travel and daily life.

By slowing down, you create space for more authentic experiences and deeper connections. You might find yourself noticing details that would have been missed at a faster pace: the intricate grain of wood in a temple pillar, the subtle flavors in a bowl of ramen, the changing patterns of light on a mountainside.

Disconnecting from digital devices allows you to reconnect with your surroundings and yourself. Without the constant pull of notifications and updates, you're free to fully engage with the present moment. This digital break often leads to improved sleep, reduced anxiety, and a renewed sense of creativity.

Moreover, the mindfulness practices you encounter in Japan – from meditation to the tea ceremony – offer tools for managing stress and finding balance long after your trip has ended.