A serene autumn scene in Hakone, Japan, featuring a traveler in a traditional yukata sitting by an outdoor fire pit at a luxury ryokan, surrounded by brilliant red and orange maple leaves with mountain views in the background.

A small, gentle waterfall flowing over dark rocks in Hakone, partially framed by vibrant orange and red autumn maple leaves in the foreground and lush green foliage.

As the steam rose gently from the onsen, a single crimson maple leaf settled on the water, a fitting seasonal symbol of Hakone, famous for its vibrant fall foliage.

Just an hour from Tokyo, in the shadow of Mount Fuji, this mountain hamlet is lauded not just for its foliage but for its onsens. Here, time marches to a more relaxed beat. The feeling of serenity is intrinsic from the restorative waters to the impressive Hakone Shrine, its Torii lakeside gate a spiritual and photographic attraction, framed by the area’s legendary maples and enormous cedars.

There is a specific golden alchemy that takes place in Japan as fall settles. The light turns honeyed, the foliage ignites in shades of red and ochre, and the air carries a newfound crispness. In Tokyo, it feels as if the metropolis is finally exhaling the sweltering weight of summer, bracing itself for the quiet of winter. For the traveler, this is a season of reflection—a time to trade the frenetic pace of sightseeing for the restorative embrace of Japanese Zen culture.

A tranquil interior view of the Serene Space meditation room at JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo, featuring minimalist wooden walls, soft ambient lighting, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Tokyo city skyline. — A haven for reflection: The Serene Space on the 30th floor of JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo offers a dedicated sanctuary for meditation and quiet contemplation above the city’s kinetic energy.

So it was fitting that I checked into the newly opened JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo for a weekend of mindfulness, a respite from the neon-lit activity of the city, cocooned above the city’s soaring skyline, for a more intentional stay.

Located on the same floor as the expansive spa, the nine dedicated mindful rooms and suites are designed for quiet respite from the urban hum. Dimmed lighting and a hushed, contemplative atmosphere add to the air of relaxation. Bounding children and noisy neighboring guests are not on the menu here.

Sound Healing

While the architecture mirrors the hotel’s contemporary luxury, the Mindful Rooms are distinguished by a curated suite of amenities designed to ground the senses. A crystal singing bowl sits ready to resonate, offering a focal point for meditation. In-room yoga mats and weights allow for private movement, if the lure of the expertly equipped gym with its view of Mount Fuji is not enough of a lure.

Perhaps the most poignant touch is the television shrouded in darkness. In an age of digital noise, a cloth cover serves as a prompt to question whether you truly want to fill the void with mindless media.

This gesture also nods to deeper Japanese traditions; in Shinto beliefs, an unused or reflective surface is said to attract unwanted spiritual energy. Covering the screen offers a sense of protection and spiritual cleanliness, ensuring the space remains entirely yours.

Japan in particular lends itself to this mindfulness approach, particularly relevant in Tokyo, where an antidote to the fast pace is all about balance. But this is not a new idea, JW Marriott founder John Willard Marriott believed that caring for yourself is the foundation of caring for others, so it’s a fitting realization of his vision.

From sound bath healing to yoga nidra, designed to reset the nervous system, and expert massages on heated beds, it doesn’t take long to return to a slower pace. For the dedicated student, each sunrise brings an opportunity to be more mindful and carve out time each day to work on inner peace.

Two people in traditional Japanese attire participating in a kintsugi workshop; an artisan in a dark patterned robe meticulously repairs a small ceramic piece while a student in a blue kimono works alongside him at a dark studio counter. — A traditional kintsugi workshop, where participants learn the slow and soulful art of repairing broken ceramics with gold.

A curated display of Kintsugi materials featuring wooden trays with gold dust, fine brushes, small ceramic shards, and glass tiles used for practice. — A showcase of the tools and materials essential to the Kintsugi process, including gold powder, artisanal brushes, and ceramic fragments.

A close-up of a ceramic bowl repaired using the Japanese kintsugi technique, featuring prominent gold-colored veins or seams that rejoin broken shards against a dark ceramic background. — Discover the beauty in imperfection with kintsugi, a centuries-old Japanese craft that uses gold-dusted lacquer to transform broken ceramics into unique works of art.

An overhead shot of several people standing in a circle, each holding a small ceramic bowl or dish repaired with kintsugi gold and silver lacquer, showcasing various pottery styles and repaired fractures. — Celebrating imperfection together: Participants display their unique kintsugi creations, each piece telling a story of repair and renewal through golden joinery.

With its calming rituals from kintsugi to tea ceremonies, Japan continues to call on its heritage to provide yesteryear peace amidst the modern frenetic pace, combining traditional with modern in a purposeful culture that will forever captivate.

Japan’s Season of Mindful Reflection

Stay inspired with our DestinAsian newsletters