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How to Take a Japanese-Style Bath at Home

January 12, 2021

I am often asked about taking a Japanese-style bath at home. Bathing in the Japanese manner is life-changing. I hope that the info you will find below inspires you to bathe with intention on a regu...

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Reflections from the Tea Room: A Focus on Life's Beauty

July 07, 2020

The afternoon glow is brightening the bamboos, the fountains are bubbling with delight, the sighing of the pines is heard in our kettle. Let us dream of evanescence, and linger in the beautiful foo...

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A Peek Inside a Japanese Bathhouse

February 06, 2020

Walk into any bathhouse in Japan, and you are sure to find the same basic things, whether you are bathing at a Tokyo sento or a remote rural onsen.  Men’s and women’s baths are almost always separa...

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Ashiyu: Effortless Relaxation from Japan's Hot Spring Towns

September 25, 2019

Ashiyu are foot baths that are found in some of Japan’s hot spring town. They are beloved for their lighthearted atmosphere, as they are an easy way to enjoy Japan’s mineral-rich waters with little...

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A Healing Journey

September 11, 2019

I always try to keep things light in this journal, and debated writing about what I am about to share for over a month. But then it hit me: If I don’t share something that could help people, what i...

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How to Buy, Brew, Store & Order Sencha Green Tea

June 19, 2019

Not much comforts the heart and mind like a cup of well-prepared green tea. Stopping for a moment during a busy day and enjoying a small cup of tea can easily bring us back to our center. There is ...

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Japanese Bathing Wisdom for the Entire Family

March 13, 2019

In a traditional Japanese home, the bathwater is shared among family members. This practice perhaps comes from the Japanese tradition of the sento (public bathhouses) or bathing in public hot sprin...

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Creating Ryokan-Style Comfort In Your Home

November 06, 2018

One of my greatest hopes with Amayori is that it will pique your interest and inspire travel to Japan. Should you ever make the journey, I highly suggest spending at least part of your trip at a ry...

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