This is your complete guide to the nature‑ and wellness‑driven appeal of Iki Island and Awaji Island, seen through a sustainability lens. A journey to sea‑encircled islands—where you reset body and mind while engaging with Japan’s living traditions—becomes a wellness experience that frees you from everyday stress. In this article, you’ll find eco‑conscious ways to get around, seasonal recommendations, and restorative programs on both islands, including Zen and yoga, plus thalassotherapy (seawater therapy).
We’ve also woven in tips for continuing sustainable habits and deep relaxation long after you return home. Now, on Iki, the “island where deities gather,” and Awaji, the “birthplace of the nation,” set out on a luxury journey that treats both your body and the earth with care.
To begin, here are low‑impact basics—from entering Japan to reaching these outlying islands. Long‑haul flights may be unavoidable, but choose nonstop routes whenever possible and reduce the number of trips you take (＊1). If your schedule allows, opt for fewer, longer journeys rather than several short visits; that’s a smart way to lower CO₂ emissions per trip (＊1).
Short domestic flights have relatively high CO₂ emissions per kilometer, so for routes such as Kyushu ⇄ Kansai, consider trains or ferries instead (＊1). For example, from Hakata Port (Fukuoka) to Iki Island, the high‑speed jetfoil takes about one hour and the car ferry about two hours and twenty‑five minutes—access that rivals flying in convenience (＊2).
One published estimate suggests around 246 g CO₂ per km for domestic flights versus roughly 19 g for ferries (＊3). As a lower‑impact option, use ferries and rail wherever feasible.
After arriving in Japan, the standard route from Tokyo to Awaji Island is by shinkansen or local train to Kobe/Osaka, then a highway bus or rental car onto the island. Because Awaji is connected to the mainland by bridge, there’s no need to fly—shrinking your carbon footprint. To reach Iki, you can sail from Fukuoka or take a small aircraft from Fukuoka Airport to Iki Airport in roughly 30 minutes.
From an environmental standpoint, however, the high‑speed boat or ferry is recommended. By choosing the most ethical mode available on each leg, you practice sustainability from the very start.
Both islands are delightful year‑round, and each season has activities that truly shine.
Spring (Mar–May): As the islands’ flora awakens, herb picking and flower‑farm visits are ideal. On Awaji Island, lavender fields and herb gardens burst with color; you can craft aroma goods with herbs you pick. On Iki Island, guided walks introduce medicinal plants and wild herb teas—an invitation to savor nature with all five senses.
Summer (Jun–Aug): The sea takes center stage. On Iki, swim, snorkel, or sea‑kayak in exceptionally clear waters. The west coast’s “Twins Beach” connects two coves by a walkway, letting you move easily between marine sports and quiet relaxation. On Awaji, find private‑feeling beaches for SUP yoga, or welcome the day with sunrise salutations by the sea.
Autumn (Sep–Nov): Harvest season means food experiences. Awaji’s warm climate yields famed onions and fruit; enjoy vegetable harvesting at farms or tour small wineries. On Iki, try traditional rice farming, dig sweet potatoes, or head to an uninhabited islet for fishing—quintessential island “autumn appetite.” Terraced fields and foliage are gorgeous, perfect for nature walks.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Colder months showcase wellness facilities. Iki has thalasso hot‑seawater facilities where warmed, mineral‑rich seawater in a thalasso pool heats you to the core. The buoyancy and minerals may aid circulation and reduce perceived stress—great for beauty and well‑being.
Awaji offers many inns with natural hot springs and saunas, especially around Sumoto. Open‑air baths with sea views and herbal tubs are highlights. Clear winter air is ideal for stargazing: soak in an onsen beneath a star‑studded sky and let the day’s fatigue melt away.
Floating in the Genkai Sea, Iki Island is a healing retreat of clear waters, bountiful cuisine, and living myths from antiquity. In 2018, it became—at the time—the only remote island designated an “SDGs Future City,” and the community actively builds a sustainable region (＊1).
Here, you can immerse yourself in nature while re‑centering body and mind. From eco‑friendly transport to shrine pilgrimages, Zen retreats, farm‑to‑island dining, and eco‑luxury accommodations, this section highlights what makes an Iki Island stay distinctive. Wrapped in ocean energy and mythic history, a journey that sharpens all five senses awaits.
As noted earlier, high‑speed boats and ferries are convenient to reach Iki, and you can keep that spirit once you’re on the island. In addition to rental cars, electric‑assist bicycles called “Iki Chari” are popular. Rent them easily at tourist information centers; the motor makes hills effortless, you emit zero exhaust, and slow cycling in the sea breeze is a gentle, invigorating tonic.
Chargers are available for multi‑day rentals, and even without a driver’s license you can expand your range—great for wellness‑minded travelers. Traffic is light on main roads, and riding through green corridors often becomes a meditative experience in itself.
If you have larger luggage or plan longer excursions, consider hybrid or EV rentals. Iki’s charging spots are steadily growing, so you can sightsee while relying on cleaner energy.
Some accommodations offer shared shuttle services from the ports; book ahead to reduce CO₂ versus solo taxis. From Fukuoka to Iki Island—and all across the island—choosing eco options turns a good trip into a truly sustainable one.
Iki appears in Japan’s oldest chronicle, the Kojiki, and more than 150 shrines dot this “island where deities dwell” (＊2). Many visitors say the entire island feels sacred; simply arriving can fill you with clear, settling energy. Try starting your day with early‑morning shrine worship.
For example, at Ondake Shrine (男嶽神社), pausing to offer a prayer in crisp morning air calms the mind and ushers in mindfulness. Listening to birdsong and the rustle of trees is a rare gift in busy lives.
Joining zazen (seated meditation) or yoga sessions at local temples and retreat facilities is another approachable path. On Iki Island, you’ll find temple lodgings and hotels that offer Zen programs and morning yoga; even first‑timers can comfortably touch Japan’s mindfulness culture.
One temple’s popular morning zazen begins with careful breathing instruction from the head priest. Sitting tall in the quiet main hall, you focus on exhalations and inhalations; distractions fade, and you rest in the feeling of being “here and now.” Even a short session leaves you remarkably refreshed. If yoga is your preference, island hotels run many classes; practice sun salutations with sweeping views of the Genkai Sea.
Known as an “island of abundance,” Iki is a treasure trove of ingredients—from pristine seafood and pesticide‑free vegetables to a famed local beef. For wellness through food, “local production for local consumption” is essential: safe, nutrient‑dense, locally sourced ingredients (＊1).
At the long‑established Oku‑Iki inn, Hirayama Ryokan, meals center on produce from its own organic farm. Wild mountain vegetables, local citrus, rice from terraced paddies, eggs from their own hens, and fish caught by the head chef—nearly everything is island‑sourced (＊3). The cuisine is deeply nourishing, and each bite invites gratitude for nature’s gifts (＊3).
For gourmets, Iki Beef—sometimes called a “phantom wagyu”—is a premium brand known for fine marbling and elegant sweetness. Island restaurants serve it as charcoal‑grilled cuts or steaks, often paired with fresh local vegetables.
Iki is also the birthplace of barley shochu, with five centuries of distilling history; “Iki Shochu” has Geographical Indication (GI) protection under Japan’s system (＊4). Its mellow character, made with rice koji and barley, pairs beautifully with seafood. Raise a glass with local shochu and savor just‑caught treats—squid sashimi, sea urchin, and grilled turban shells.
Non‑alcoholic choices include original herbal teas blended with seaweed; for instance, Iki’s hijiki tea is mineral‑rich and traditionally enjoyed after meals—perfect for wellness‑minded travelers.
In short, Iki Island lets you “eat for beauty and health.” Meals based on organic, nutrient‑dense island foods are gentle on your body and lighter on the environment. Meeting producers builds trust and deepens understanding of traditional foodways.
What elevates an Iki stay is lodging that marries environmental care with true luxury.
A standout is the retreat hotel “Iki Retreat Kairi Murakami,” the first property on a remote island to earn five pavilions in the 2019 Michelin Guide (＊5). Every room faces the ocean and features a private, free‑flowing open‑air hot spring bath. Creative, health‑conscious kaiseki meals spotlight local ingredients, and interiors incorporate traditional crafts—a fusion of regional culture and wellness. Set along Yunomoto Bay where the sun sinks into the sea, it is the island’s only five‑pavilion ryokan in the Michelin Guide (＊5).
Iki also offers wellness facilities built around thalassotherapy (marine therapy). In the south of the island, certain inns maintain thalasso hot‑seawater pools, pumping in fresh ocean currents and warming them for therapeutic use.
Kept around 35°C, the seawater is often described as close to human amniotic fluid, a “cradle of the sea” that is gentle on the body (＊6). Minerals absorb through the skin, and buoyancy eases stress on the joints—supporting comfort for lower‑back issues, muscle fatigue, and relaxation. Some reports suggest warmed seawater bathing may offer unique benefits compared with standard hot‑spring bathing; in Europe, six‑day programs for beauty and health are common (＊6).
Iki’s thalasso spas also offer in‑pool aqua exercise and seaweed‑pack treatments. In winter, some facilities alternate cooler seawater with Finnish‑style saunas (＊6). With wave sounds as your soundtrack, thalassotherapy is an island‑born wellness experience.
Embraced by Osaka Bay and the Seto Inland Sea, Awaji Island holds an honored place in Japanese myth as the stage of kuniumi, the creation of the land. The first island birthed by the deities Izanagi and Izanami was said to be Awaji (＊1). Historically, it supported the imperial court as a fertile “Miketsu‑kuni,” a land of provisions.
With this mythic background, Awaji is home to historic shrines and temples—beginning with Izanagi Jingu—and the island is often called a vast “power spot.” Blessed with a mild climate and rich soil, it has cultivated a culture of gardens and a thriving fragrance industry as the “Island of Flowers” and “Island of Scent.”
In recent years, eco‑minded resort development has emphasized harmony with nature, expanding healing experiences. Here, explore scenic garden tours, yoga retreats, herb & aroma workshops, and sustainable tourism that blends cuisine and art. On Awaji Island—where mythic romance meets modern wellness—enjoy resort time that liberates body and mind.
Following the 2000 Japan Flora (Flower Expo), Awaji advanced an “Island of Flowers” initiative and enhanced parklands across the island (＊2). Today, blossoms in every season make Awaji feel like one grand garden.
A must‑see is Awaji Hanasajiki, a prefectural park on a hillside plateau in the north. Seasonal flowers carpet the slopes with Osaka Bay below. In spring, a million rapeseed blooms create a golden quilt; in summer, sunflowers blaze; in autumn, cosmos sway—each visit promises a new panorama.
As a cradle of the kuniumi myth, Awaji also invites you to Izanagi Jingu (伊弉諾神宮), where Izanagi is said to have spent his later years after forming the land—a palpable portal to Japan’s origin story. A camphor tree over 900 years old towers in the precincts, and the atmosphere is strikingly serene. Come at dawn or dusk for the quietest, most energizing experience.
Myth‑linked sites dot the island. Nushima (沼島), for example, is one proposed location of “Onokoro Island,” created when the deities stirred the sea with the heavenly spear; today about 400 people live there, and the place still exudes a mysterious air. At the island’s southern tip, Mount Yuzuruha (諭鶴羽山) has long been a Shugendo training ground; near the summit, Yuzuruha Shrine is a “once‑in‑a‑lifetime” power spot many aspire to visit.
By evening, head for the west coast. Along shorelines such as Keino‑Matsubara—part of Setonaikai National Park—you can witness sunsets chosen among “Japan’s Top 100.”
Thanks to its mild climate and beautiful coast, Awaji is gaining attention as a wellness‑retreat destination. The island’s west coast hosts ocean‑view yoga studios and open‑air fitness spaces where you can move in sync with nature. At a serene shoreline studio, for example, Hatha classes greet sunrise or salute sunset.
Feeling sea breezes and flowing through poses to the sound of waves brings a liberating dimension you can’t quite get indoors. Many instructors can teach in English. From relaxation‑focused sessions for beginners to power yoga for seasoned practitioners, you can match your level and goals.
If you’re game for something active, try SUP yoga. The sea off Awaji Island is relatively calm, making it beginner‑friendly. Balancing on a board cultivates a floating union with the rhythm of nature; it builds core strength and sharpens mental focus. And if you slip into the water, it usually turns into a shared laugh—part of the fun.
A headline‑making Zen retreat, Zenbo Seinei (禅坊 靖寧), has also opened. Set in a mountain hollow surrounded 360° by nature on the 135°E meridian (Japan’s standard‑time longitude), it’s said to sit where special ki gathers (＊3). The architecture is striking, and on a 100‑meter wooden deck you’ll find chairs designed so anyone can sit zazen comfortably—no sore knees for beginners (＊3). Programs include meditation, yoga, and shojin (vegan Buddhist) cuisine; spend a half day to several days to detox mind and body.
A popular four‑hour day course combines meditation, yoga, a vegan shojin lunch, and a workshop infused with elements of incense and tea ceremony (＊3).
As the “island of flowers and herbs,” Awaji offers a wealth of fragrance‑themed healing experiences. In fact, Awaji is Japan’s top producer of incense, accounting for about 70% of national output—the “Island of Scent” (＊4). Records say the first aromatic wood drifted ashore here some 1,400 years ago, making it a birthplace of Japan’s fragrance culture (＊4).
In Ichinomiya in the island’s center, historic incense makers cluster, and some run workshops. At Kunjudo, founded in 1893 (Meiji 26), you can blend colored powders and fragrances to craft your own original incense.
In about 40 minutes you’ll shape plenty of charming pieces; dry them at home to finish—a delightful keepsake. In local shops, you’ll find everything from sandalwood and aloeswood sticks to floral aroma incense and paper incense—a card‑sized sheet that needs no flame and gently scents your space.
If herbs and aromatherapy call to you, visit herb gardens and farms. At Awaji Greenhouse (Miracle Planet Museum of Plants), enjoy seasonal herbs and blooms in vast conservatories; they sometimes run lavender distillation and herb‑tea workshops.
In summer, the scent of lavender fills the halls; you can make potpourri with freshly picked stems or watch demonstrations of essential‑oil extraction. Some classes teach how to grow herbs and use them in tea or cooking—practical well‑being skills to bring home.
At England Hill in the south, British‑style herb and rose gardens spread out. Seasonal herb festivals feature hands‑on fun such as baking herb‑infused bread and crafting aroma candles—great for families.
Awaji is also growing venues where you can experience sustainability through cuisine and art. On the food front, farm restaurants are blossoming. A highlight on the west coast is the farm‑to‑table restaurant Haru Sansan.
Using vegetables picked that morning from its own fields and ingredients sourced from contracted Awaji farmers, it serves creative French where vegetables take the starring role. Dishes like roasted Awaji onions and seasonal produce, fresh pastas, and grilled Awaji beef showcase clean, refined flavors.
The building itself, designed by architect Shigeru Ban, is a talking point: a sustainable structure combining timber, paper tubes, and thatch (＊5). The airy, nature‑materials space feels like an oasis; on certain afternoons, live performances by professional musicians complete a five‑senses experience.
ESG‑minded restaurants like Haru Sansan also practice circular agriculture—composting vegetable trimmings and returning them to the fields (＊5). As you dine, you help sustain a regenerative model.
If you can carry what you learned on the islands into everyday life, the effect of your journey lasts. Here are easy ways to weave Iki and Awaji wellness into home routines—breathing and Zen habits, herb know‑how, and staying connected with the communities you touched. Keep the island glow alive and continue a well‑being life that feels true to you.
Bring back the feel of zazen or yoga, a little each day. Start with a five‑minute breathing meditation. In the quiet of morning or before bed, sit tall in a chair, soften your gaze, and rest your attention on the breath. As you learned on Iki Island, slowly inhale through the nose, letting fresh air fill the belly, then exhale gently through the nose or mouth.
When you inhale, hold a positive keyword like “vitality” or “gratitude,” and as you exhale, imagine that energy flowing through the body. If thoughts intrude, simply notice them and return to “now, the breath.”
Even a few minutes can settle your nervous system and ease stress. As you get used to it, extend the time—or take a few deep breaths on your commute before you step into the day.
From Awaji’s Zenbo lessons, bring a “mindful stance” into daily rhythms. At breakfast, engage all five senses: inhale the aroma of coffee, savor the warmth and flavor of miso soup, and soften your eyes toward the morning light—small moments that make busy days feel richer. Once a week, hold a mini zazen and imagine Iki’s sea breeze or Awaji’s forest air.
Let the healing herbs and aromas you met on the trip support you at home. Do you have fragrance souvenirs—Awaji incense or an aroma oil inspired by Iki shochu? Light Awaji incense to bring back island memories.
Lavender or citrus scents are deeply relaxing; use them before sleep to invite better rest. If you brought home moshio (seaweed‑infused sea salt) soap or seaweed bath salts from Iki Island, add them to your bath. Sea‑derived minerals can soften the skin and warm you to the core.
If you found a tea blend you loved, recreate it at home. Mix Awaji lemongrass or peppermint with pesticide‑free Iki chamomile to craft your own blend. Lemongrass + green tea helps with fatigue; chamomile + lavender + a pinch of island citrus peel calms; peppermint + ginger supports digestion—play with pairings to suit your needs.
No herbs on hand? Dry Awaji onion skins and simmer them for a gentle “onion tea” rich in quercetin. If you brought back Iki barley shochu, try an evening o‑yuwari (hot‑water mix). Sip slowly and mindfully (always in moderation); gentle warmth supports relaxation.
Finally, explore simple home aromatherapy such as steam inhalation—fill a bowl with hot water and add one drop of essential oil to create a fragrant cloud. These budget‑friendly routines work best when you recall pro tips you picked up on the islands.
What you gain from wellness travel to nature‑rich islands goes far beyond relaxation. Experiences on Iki Island and Awaji Island teach the synergy of sustainability and self‑transformation—the value of a journey where care for environment and culture harmonizes with inner growth.
The deep breath under a blue sky or a starry dome, the quiet time you spent at ancient shrines, and the circular ways of living you learned from local people—all of this likely softened and widened your outlook on life.
“Rather than consuming a destination’s content one‑sidedly, travel designed to enrich both you and the place you visit” (＊1) is the essence of true wellness tourism. On Iki and Awaji, that’s exactly what you experienced.
Now that you’re home, take a moment to reflect. Perhaps you feel like spending more time in nature, choosing local ingredients, or starting your workday with five minutes of meditation. These small shifts are the journey’s real gifts—the first steps into a well‑being life.
As a next step, share your impressions—tell friends, post photos and stories, or bring your experiences into conversation. You might also plan a return in a different season; you’ll discover something new each time. When you go back, the islands’ people will likely welcome you with a warm okaerinasai—“welcome home.”
Your wellness journey on Iki Island and Awaji Island is not a finish line—it’s the starting point of a more mindful life. By harmonizing with nature you find deep healing; by honoring culture you find spiritual fulfillment. Having tasted both, you can now design your days to be richer and more sustainable.
May this guide support your next steps. Until your next journey—Be Well and Travel Sustainably. Wishing you healthy, heart‑full days ahead.
（＊1 Reference: Travel Alliance Partnership, “Wellness Travel: The Transformative Trend Redefining Tourism” (blog post) https://travelalliancepartnership.com/wellness-travel/）