b'Japan:soul-stirring journeysA SPIRITUAL JOURNEYPore over some of these sublime traditions to findinner peace and tranquilityArashiyamaSeiganto ji temple, Bamboo Grove Kii MountainsThough it is known for advanceddesigned to elevate mental processesexperience in stillness and mindfulness technological prowess and to a higher plane of awareness.is known to have a therapeutic effect modernity, Japan is also a country The simplicity and purity of the dryon physical and mental wellbeing. of spiritual traditions. Travel to Japan rocky landscape of these gardensForest bathing is possible all over to engage with this heritage, frominduces a state of contemplation andJapan, from the ancient cedar forests of sacred Shinto shrines to Buddhist calm. Kyotos Tenryuji and RyoanjiYakushima National Park to soaring Zen gardens, pilgrim trails to hottemples, among countless othersbamboo groves of Sagano Bamboo spring retreats. around the country, have Zen gardensForest in Arashiyama.Cleansing the soul and findingthat offer travelers the opportunity forA more literal concept of bathing equilibrium is at the core of zazendeep reflection. is available at Japans mineral-rich hot meditation courses offered at manyForest bathing or shinrin-yoku issprings or onsens. Unlike western-Zen temples in Japan. At Tokyosthe Japanese concept of mingling withstyle spas, however, Japanese onsen Kuonji temple, a two-hour guidedand soaking in the atmosphere of apractice is rooted in spirituality and meditation session is a good way toforest, using all five senses. Guides takethe purification of body and soul. kick off a spiritual journey of healingvisitors for a session, which helps themAt traditional inns or ryokans, for and calm. focus on nature and absorb its calminginstance in Hakone and Yudanaka Japans Zen gardens, calledaspects, leading to a physical slowingOnsen near Nagano, you can imbibe karesansui, are serene physical spacesdown of breathing and heart rate. Thisthe healing properties of water in 16 \x1a BE ENCHANTED'