HOSHINOYA, one of Japan's most luxurious hotel brands by Hoshino Resorts, has introduced a unique wellness program at their stunning ocean-front property in Okinawa, Japan's southernmost prefecture.

With eight luxury properties across Japan and abroad, HOSHINOYA is renowned for providing extraordinary cultural experiences—and HOSHINOYA Okinawa is no exception.

The “Ryukyu Karate Stay” program, which relaunched on March 1, 2025, enables guests to learn karate, the martial art native to Okinawa.

Karate, originated in Okinawa when the ancient Okinawan martial art called “Te” merged with Chinese martial arts to form “Toudi,” the ancestor of modern karate. Toudi was not originally intended for fighting but was a means of self-defence and self-cultivation.

It focuses on facing oneself, rather than others, with the goal of self-improvement through practice. Furthermore, HOSHINOYA Okinawa believes that learning the spirit of Toudi provides guests with an opportunity to self-reflect.

Whilst the “Ryukyu Karate Stay” program has been offered year-round at the facility since 2022; it was revised earlier this year to become more wellness centric. It now further aims to restore harmony of the mind and body by addressing the mental and physical imbalance caused by stress and irregular lifestyles.

This two-night, three-day wellness program allows participants to experience the rhythm of tension and relaxation while immersing themselves in Okinawa's unique culture and natural environment. Here, they can regain vital energy to face the pressures and uncertainty of every living.

Here are three features of the “Ryukyu Karate Stay” Wellness Program

1. Learn the principles of Karate and Ryukyu Kobudō

Practicing Okinawan karate and traditional Ryukyu Kobudō—Okinawa's classical martial arts—takes place in the dojo inside the facility and on the beach.

These training sessions not only aim to improve physical skills but cultivate the mind and spirit, embodying the Okinawan martial arts philosophy. Additionally, Ryukyu Kobudō, which developed alongside Karate, is characterised by its variation according to the practitioner's profession.

Practitioners will learn a variety of techniques using different tools and training locations, such as the sai (a traditional farming tool) and the eeku (oar for rowing boats), each adapted to specific martial arts practices.

2. Relax and heal after rigorous training

After an intense training session, guests are invited to unwind with personalised acupuncture and shiatsu treatments designed to restore and rejuvenate tired bodies.

The experience begins with soothing oil treatments at the spa, helping to release the stresses of daily life. From there, licensed practitioners provide expert acupuncture and shiatsu therapy tailored to each guest's physical condition.

By gently easing the tension accumulated during training, this holistic approach guides guests into a deep, restorative state of relaxation.

3. Revitalise the body through nutrient-rich meals inspired by ancient wisdom

In Okinawa, Ishoku Dōgen—the belief that food and medicine share the same origin—has been passed down since the Ryukyu Dynasty, reflecting a deep understanding that a well-balanced diet can serve as a powerful form of medicine.

Guided by this philosophy, meals are crafted to emphasise not only seasonal ingredients but also nutritional balance. Okinawa is home to an abundance of high-quality ingredients, including vitamin-rich vegetables and distinctive local herbs. A cornerstone of the region's cuisine, pork is especially valued for its high protein content and B vitamins, essential for building and maintaining a healthy body.

Throughout their stay, guests can enjoy thoughtfully prepared meals that restore their physical energy and mental clarity—nourishing both body and spirit and enhancing vitality for the days to come.

For those that don't have the opportunity to participate in the “Ryukyu Karate Stay” Wellness Program, HOSHINOYA Okinawa offers Ryukyu Karate lessons where guests can learn core-strengthening forms and sparring while discovering the spirit behind Okinawa's native martial art.

Ryukyu Karate Stay Overview

Period: Available year-round starting from March 1, 2025

Price: ¥160,000 per person (tax & service charge included, accommodation not included)

Includes: Two Toudi (karate) sessions, one Ryukyu Kobudō session, breakfast, lunch, dinner, oil therapy, acupuncture and shiatsu treatments

Capacity: One group per day (up to 2 guests)

Reservation: Available on the official website (https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/hoshinoyaokinawa/activities/14584/) at least two weeks in advance

Notes: Schedule may change due to weather conditions. Meal contents and ingredients may vary depending on procurement.

HOSHINOYA Okinawa

A coastal luxury resort that embodies the essence of Ryukyu culture, inspired by the timeless spirit of Gusuku no Ikkan—the harmony and strength found in Okinawa's historic fortresses. Surrounded by untouched shoreline, lush gardens, and expansive fields, the resort features ocean-facing rooms and a cultural dojo, offering guests a sophisticated and immersive Okinawan experience unlike any other.

Location: 474 Gima, Yomitan-son, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa 904-0327

Phone: 050-3134-8091 (HOSHINOYA Reservation)

Rooms: 100 rooms | Check-in: 15:00 | Check-out: 12:00

Price: From ¥170,000 per night (per room, excluding meals, taxes and service included)

Access: About 1 hour by car from Naha Airport (airport limousine bus available for a fee)

Website: https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/hoshinoyaokinawa/

- END -

*When using any images provided with the release "©︎Hoshino Resorts" must be added.

For Australia and New Zealand media enquiries, please contact:

Maki Watabe

m.watabe@thedoq.com

0481 796 381

About Hoshino Resorts

Founded in 1914 as a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan) in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, Hoshino Resorts has grown into one of Japan's most influential hotel management companies. Now led by fourth-generation family member Yoshiharu Hoshino, the company is renowned for offering immersive travel experiences that highlight the unique culture, nature, and hospitality (omotenashi) of each destination. Since its expansion beyond Karuizawa in 2001, Hoshino Resorts has developed a diverse portfolio of more than 60 properties in Japan and abroad. These accommodations fall under distinct brands, including the luxury “HOSHINOYA,” onsen ryokan “KAI,” countryside resort “RISONARE,” city tourism hotel “OMO,” free-spirited hotel brand “BEB,” mountain retreat “LUCY,” and other unique lodgings.

About HOSHINOYA

HOSHINOYA is a luxury hotel brand with distinct themes, conceptualized from each location's land, history, and culture. Woven into these distinct themes is our attention to detail in every aspect from the design to hospitality, contributing to the creation of a one-of-a-kind world of HOSHINOYA. Enrich the heart with the epiphanies of travel through a unique stay experience.

https://hoshinoya.com/en/