London Escorts sunderland escorts
    • Spring
      • video

        Finding the Flow from Kansai to Kochi

        Shikoku’s many mountains, valleys and proximity to the ocean has made it a hidden gem for rafting, kayaking and canyoning enthusiasts willing to take a step or two further from the Golden Route of Kyoto and Osaka.

        Solace and Giant Salamanders in Akiota

        Just beyond Hiroshima City is a tranquil outdoor destination home to some of Japan's last remaining oosanshouo, the elusive giant salamander.
        Kyoto Oni Trail Outdoor Japanvideo

        The Oni Trail: Hiking Coastal Kyoto

        The mystical oni is prevalent in Japanese children’s stories, usually as a way to scare kids straight. Adventure Travel Kyoto is shedding a new light on this folklore and developing a new hiking route in the countryside of Kyoto.
    • Summer
      • the nomad pasche family

        The World is Our Playground

        The Pasche family has been cycling and living out of a tent in remote corners of the planet for the past 13 years on four continents spanning 50 countries.
        adventure travel world summit in hokkaido

        Adventure Travel World Summit in Hokkaido

        The ATTA will host their first Adventure Travel World Summit in Asia in Hokkaido, Japan. We caught up with ATTA Director Shannon Stowell to find out more about the adventure travel industry and how it continues to grow and evolve.
        mead brewing in japan

        The Sweet Secrets of Brewing Mead

        Wander into the world of mead brewing and find yourself immersed in a fascinating journey spanning centuries and continents.
        the knights in white lycra

        The Knights in White Lycra

        Each year a group of cyclists head to the deep north towards Tohoku’s vast rice fields and coastal trails to help transform the lives of neglected children.
        sea to table yamagata

        Sea to Table in Yamagata

        An unforgettable way to intimately explore the Shonai Region in Yamagata is a culinary experience bringing bounty of the sea straight to your table.
    • Autumn
    • Winter
      • camp3 clubhouse madarao keith stubbs outdoor japanvideo

        CAMP3 Clubhouse in Madarao

        Keith Stubbs, a veteran in the snowboard industry, transitioned from rider to coach and instructor trainer for Snowboard Instruction New Zealand. After coaching in various Japanese resorts, he has established a permanent base in Madarao, outlining his plans for the area and future snowboard endeavors.
        shiretoko hokkaido outdoor japan

        New Horizons in Shiretoko

        During another epic powder season, two seasoned winter sports enthusiasts traded their snowboard bags for camera bags and traveled to Eastern Hokkaido to explore the frozen landscape and broaden their winter horizons.
        sayuri matsuhashi double role curling athlete japan outdoor

        Silent Resilience

        Curling athlete Sayuri Matsuhashi’s journey to the top of her sport is an inspiration to deaf athletes and women juggling their roles as mothers while also pursuing their professional dreams.
        ainu tour daniel moore outdoor japan hokkaido

        Heritage Hunting in Hokkaido

        Travelers venturing beyond Hokkaido's popular winter resorts will discover a land with a rich cultural and natural history, a proud indigenous people and a community striving to preserve their heritage.
        shizukuishi skiing snowboarding outdoor japan

        Shizukuishi

        Northern Honshu’s Iwate Prefecture, known for heavy snowfall, features Shizukuishi—a powder-rich resort area with views of Mt. Iwate. Snow enthusiasts seeking lesser-known gems can enjoy exceptional snow quality and uncrowded resorts, including Shizukuishi Ski Resort, Amihari Onsen Ski Resort, and Iwate Kogen Snow Park, offering affordability and traditional hospitality.
    • Near Tokyo
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Near Kyoto
      • Kumano’s Path Less Traveled

        A forgotten pilgrimage trail, ancient power spots and authentic rural communities are waiting to be explored this hiking season on the Iseji Trail. Stretch your legs and tickle your spirit to welcome the green season on one of the Kumano Kodo’s finest routes, minus the crowds.

        Protecting the Sacred Trees of Koya-san

        Within the misty mountains of Japan's Kii Peninsula, Koya-san (Mt. Koya), stands as a sacred realm of tranquility, history, and spiritual significance. This awe-inspiring mountain has been revered for centuries and is home to a unique collection of trees known as the rokuboku, or The Six Trees of Koya-san.
    • All Regions
    • Article Map
    • Ocean and Beach
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • River and Lake
      • ainu tour daniel moore outdoor japan hokkaido

        Heritage Hunting in Hokka...

        Travelers venturing beyond Hokkaido's popular winter resorts will discover a land with a rich cultural and natural history, a proud indigenous people and a community striving to preserve their heritage.
        getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Mountain and Land
    • Sky
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Snow and Ice
      • camp3 clubhouse madarao keith stubbs outdoor japanvideo

        CAMP3 Clubhouse in Madarao

        Keith Stubbs, a veteran in the snowboard industry, transitioned from rider to coach and instructor trainer for Snowboard Instruction New Zealand. After coaching in various Japanese resorts, he has established a permanent base in Madarao, outlining his plans for the area and future snowboard endeavors.
        shiretoko hokkaido outdoor japan

        New Horizons in Shiretoko

        During another epic powder season, two seasoned winter sports enthusiasts traded their snowboard bags for camera bags and traveled to Eastern Hokkaido to explore the frozen landscape and broaden their winter horizons.
        sayuri matsuhashi double role curling athlete japan outdoor

        Silent Resilience

        Curling athlete Sayuri Matsuhashi’s journey to the top of her sport is an inspiration to deaf athletes and women juggling their roles as mothers while also pursuing their professional dreams.
        shizukuishi skiing snowboarding outdoor japan

        Shizukuishi

        Northern Honshu’s Iwate Prefecture, known for heavy snowfall, features Shizukuishi—a powder-rich resort area with views of Mt. Iwate. Snow enthusiasts seeking lesser-known gems can enjoy exceptional snow quality and uncrowded resorts, including Shizukuishi Ski Resort, Amihari Onsen Ski Resort, and Iwate Kogen Snow Park, offering affordability and traditional hospitality.
        togari onsen outdoor japan

        Northern Shinshu’s Secret Stash

        A weak yen, revenge travel, and excellent ski conditions have led to high demand, booking out popular resorts like Hakuba and Nozawa Onsen this year. Fortunately, lesser-known gems like Togari Onsen, near Nozawa Onsen and Madarao, offer charming alternatives for powder seekers.
    • Travel
      • Okinawa’s Blue Zone —A Lifestyle for Longevity...

        Dan Buettner’s bestseller, “Blue Zones,” which was also adapted into a hit series on Netflix, identifies five regions with a high number of centenarians. One of these zones is Yambaru, in the north of Okinawa Island. A rich cultural and natural heritage remain in this region, holding the secret to the longevity of the communities living there.

        Kumano’s Path Less Traveled

        A forgotten pilgrimage trail, ancient power spots and authentic rural communities are waiting to be explored this hiking season on the Iseji Trail. Stretch your legs and tickle your spirit to welcome the green season on one of the Kumano Kodo’s finest routes, minus the crowds.

        Okinawa Forest Adventure

        Holiday-goers lounging on Onna’s white sand beaches are no doubt unaware of what’s going on high in the jungle as creatures climb above the forest canopy and zip or swing from tower to tower. Curious travelers will discover a new side of Okinawa’s tropical paradise if they take the leap into a Forest Adventure.

        Ryukyu’s Mountain Turtles – Interview wi...

        Okinawa attracts hordes of travelers to its sandy beaches and warm, clear water with divers and snorkelers often posting images of the majestic local sea turtles. The interior forest and rivers, however, are home to another Okinawa turtle also in need of protection—the small, reclusive, but equally beautiful, yamagame.
    • Food and Drinks
      • Okinawa’s Blue Zone —A Lifestyle for Longevity...

        Dan Buettner’s bestseller, “Blue Zones,” which was also adapted into a hit series on Netflix, identifies five regions with a high number of centenarians. One of these zones is Yambaru, in the north of Okinawa Island. A rich cultural and natural heritage remain in this region, holding the secret to the longevity of the communities living there.

        Kumano’s Path Less Traveled

        A forgotten pilgrimage trail, ancient power spots and authentic rural communities are waiting to be explored this hiking season on the Iseji Trail. Stretch your legs and tickle your spirit to welcome the green season on one of the Kumano Kodo’s finest routes, minus the crowds.

        Okinawa Forest Adventure

        Holiday-goers lounging on Onna’s white sand beaches are no doubt unaware of what’s going on high in the jungle as creatures climb above the forest canopy and zip or swing from tower to tower. Curious travelers will discover a new side of Okinawa’s tropical paradise if they take the leap into a Forest Adventure.

        Ryukyu’s Mountain Turtles – Interview wi...

        Okinawa attracts hordes of travelers to its sandy beaches and warm, clear water with divers and snorkelers often posting images of the majestic local sea turtles. The interior forest and rivers, however, are home to another Okinawa turtle also in need of protection—the small, reclusive, but equally beautiful, yamagame.
    • Races and Events
      • sayuri matsuhashi double role curling athlete japan outdoor

        Silent Resilience

        Curling athlete Sayuri Matsuhashi’s journey to the top of her sport is an inspiration to deaf athletes and women juggling their roles as mothers while also pursuing their professional dreams.

        Winter News and Notes

        Check out the latest news and winter events held at ski resorts all over Japan in 2024!
        dd4d brewing

        DD4D Brewing

        In nearly e...

Okinawa’s Blue Zone —A Lifestyle for Longevity

Dan Buettner’s bestseller, “Blue Zones,” which was also adapted into a hit series on Netflix, identifies five regions with a high number of centenarians. One of these zones is Yambaru, in the north of Okinawa Island. A rich cultural and natural heritage remain in this region, holding the secret to the longevity of the communities living there.

Sardinia, Italy, the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, Loma Linda in California, Ikaria in Greece and Yambaru in Okinawa are “Blue Zones’ where Dan Buettner conducted cross-regional investigations on the lifestyle of the locals there to find out their secrets.

His research paints a picture of how the people in these areas move naturally, eat wisely, have the right outlook and are connected to their tribe—their people, society and the natural environment around them. He suggests the wisdom nurtured in these places can help others achieve health and longevity.

Okinawa as a whole no longer holds the title for the world’s longest average life expectancy. Buettner speculates this is in part due to American chain restaurants and fast food that has altered the eating habits of urban dwellers and the younger generation. However, a traditional lifestyle still remains in Yambaru one that provides a balance of activity, due in part to nutrition and community in Japan’s only “Blue Zone.”

Living Between the Forest and the Sea

Subtropical regions at the same latitude of Yambaru are typically desert areas like Libya, or arid regions such as in India, making forested areas rare. Yambaru, however, is 80% forest. Blessed by the Kuroshio Current and warm rain, the evergreen broadleaf forest nurtures many unique species. Though it occupies only 0.1% of Japan’s total area, it is home to 50% of Japan’s bird species and 25% of its frog species. Endemic species such as the Yambaru kuina (Okinawa rail) and the Okinawa woodpecker thrive here, supported by a diverse range of plants.

This rich ecosystem, with its intricate web of unique creatures, was recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 2021. This recognition would not have been possible without the culture and history of the people who have lived in harmony with nature here. The Yambaru Region consists of Kunigami, Ogimi and Higashi villages, which are divided into 43 communities along the coast. In these small strips of land between the forest and the sea, people have developed a lifestyle that coexists with both.

“Our life here is open to the outdoors and to each other,” says Itsumi Nakamoto, who runs a local tour company and private villas called Nammei Shinshitsu in the heart of the Kijoka community of Ogimi and the Jyashiki community of Kunigami. Both communities are extremely small; even some Okinawans are unaware of their existence, making them hidden gems. A native to Kunigami Village, Nakamoto aims to offer travelers an opportunity to explore authentic village living while ultimately passing on the beauty of her home to the next generation.

Many villagers live alone or with just one other family member, but see others at least once or even twice a day: during the day while running errands and in the evenings when they pass the time cooling off together.

Elderly men and women enjoy tea or sake outside. As long as travelers maintain respect (i.e., go with a local guide and avoid rudely taking photos), the residents will casually invite visitors into the conversations. In Okinawa, there is a saying, “Ichariba chode,” meaning, “From the moment we meet, we are like brothers and sisters.”

Those who see each other daily certainly share an even deeper connection. A key aspect of Okinawan culture is the concept of “moai,” which refers to lifelong groups of friends who support each other. Moai groups offer financial, emotional and social support, contributing significantly to the community’s overall well-being and longevity. The mutual help within moai foster strong social connections and a sense of belonging, crucial elements for a long and healthy life.

Homegrown Sustainability

One of the keys to longevity is eating wisely, and the people of these communities do just that. In Okinawa, ingredients and meals that boost health are called nuchigusui, or “life medicine.” According to Emiko Kinjo who runs Emi-no-Mise, a local restaurant in Kunigami Village, the way people in these villages eat embodies this concept.

Their ancestors sustained themselves from the forest, the sea and the farms they cultivated in the forest. Much of the bigger fields have returned to the forest, yet each home still has a small garden with plants for medicine and cooking.

“Even if the elderly cannot drive to the supermarket, they can still get vegetables from the garden in front of their house. Or if typhoons hinder the growth of vegetables, the grandmothers of this place still know how to cook the wild plants,” says Emiko. The dishes she serves at her restaurant are not much different from the daily diet of locals, a lesson in how to receive the blessings of the land and sea, such as wild herbs, boar, fish, seasonal vegetables and more.

Ikigai: Sensing the Mighty

Ogimi Village is also the birthplace of “ikigai,” a word gaining international recognition, which means “purpose of life.” European journalists discovered this word while interviewing the people living in Ogimi and recognized it as another key to a fulfilling life. Buettner describes ikigai as having the right outlook. People with ikigai get up every morning with things to do, knowing it will contribute to their surroundings no matter the size of the impact. What they do is at the intersection of what they love, what they are good at and what the world needs.
Toshiiko Taira, who lived in the Kijoka community of Ogimi Village is known as a kind of ikigai role model. She dedicated her life to preserving the Kijioka bashofu textile techniques of the village. This traditional textile is the only textile present in modern Japan where the entire process from growing the materials to weaving the fabric is completed within one village. Moreover, the process uses no gas, just manpower and firewood.

From the heavy labor of growing banana plants to the delicate work of spinning threads, jobs are attributed to villagers including elders. Taira, herself continued spinning Bashofu threads until a few months before her death at the age of 104. From Nammei Shinsitsu villas in the Kijoka community, it’s a five-minute walk past Bashofu leafs to the Bashofu Kaikan, where you can see women continuing to weave—the beautifully woven products filled with the ikigai of the villagers.

Plants of Yambaru are also used to make daily necessities other than textiles. A forest road in Kunigami Village leads to a secluded atelier not visible on Google Maps and accessible only to those who already know it. Local women gather there to turn the leaves of shell ginger and other wild plants into ropes, baskets, trivets, even shoes.

Crafting with wild plants is not only a communal practice but also a spiritual one. Deities are believed to descend upon certain plants like kuba (fountain palm), and men would wear kuba ropes made here into the mountains to greet the spirits on ceremonial occasions.

Recent Harvard research has uncovered a correlation between spirituality and longevity. Although such studies are still in progress, spending time with these women and learning rope making, amidst the invisible beings of the forest, you may sense their wisdom being imparted into you.

Blue Zone Visitors

“This is not untouched nature,” adds Itsumi. “Rather, we live where people have long been exploring how to live together with nature.”

Staying at a Nammei Shinshitsu villa offers a unique opportunity to authentically experience a lifestyle that fosters longevity. Visitors spending time in these villages, where nature is seamlessly connected to human activities, get a sense of peering back into the past while gazing into a brighter future.

These quiet, far-off-the-beaten-path communities welcome a limited number of guests at a time. Visitors can connect with the locals, immerse themselves in their daily life, learn from their way of being and take these lessons home.

ESSENTIAL INFO

Getting There: The Yambaru Region is accessible by car from Naha, the capital of Okinawa. The drive takes about 1 hour 45 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Public transportation options are limited, so renting a car is recommended in order to explore the area. You can book both the villas and activities at Nanmei Shinsitsu at yambaru.co.jp

Yambaru Blue Zone Tours: It’s possible to join a three-day tour with a local guide and experience the Yamburu culture and lifestyle. Tours are limited to one group per week from June to September. More information is available at yambaru.co.jp/bluezone

WRITER BIO

Akiko Terai is the author of two narrative non-fiction books in Japanese, “10 Years Later” and “Letters from Savanna.” With a passion for storytelling and a commitment to preserving local heritage, she contributes to magazines and newspapers, bringing her expertise to regional initiatives through in-depth research and story-based travel content creation. Splitting her time between Tokyo and Okinawa, she also works as a bilingual guide, providing personalized tours that highlight the cultural and natural beauty of Japan.

[novo-map id=2 individual=”yes”]

Outdoor Japan logo tree

Related

Leave a reply

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest posts

Okinawa’s Blue Zone —A Li...

Dan Buettner’s bestseller, “Blue Zones,” which was also adapted into a hit series on Netflix, identifies five regions with a high number of centenarians. One of these zones is Yambaru, in the north of Okinawa Island. A rich cultural and natural heritage remain in this region, holding the secret to the longevity of the communities living there.

Kumano’s Path Less ...

A forgotten pilgrimage trail, ancient power spots and authentic rural communities are waiting to be explored this hiking season on the Iseji Trail. Stretch your legs and tickle your spirit to welcome the green season on one of the Kumano Kodo’s finest routes, minus the crowds.

Categories