A digital detox with a "digital-free stay" at Hoshinoya Tokyo. A special experience to rediscover yourself in the heart of the city.

1.What is digital detox?

Digital detox means distancing yourself from digital devices such as smartphones and computers for a certain period of time.

By deliberately cutting off from a digital-dependent lifestyle, it is expected to have positive effects both mentally and physically, such as reducing stress and anxiety and focusing on non-online communication and activities. A simple digital detox before and after bedtime can be easily incorporated into daily life, so more and more people are putting it into practice.

Furthermore, in order to get even better results, there is growing interest in taking a digital detox period of at least one night and two days. Hoshinoya Tokyo in Otemachi, Tokyo, is offering the much-talked-about digital detox as a plan called "Digital-Free Stay - Samurai Training." Our editorial team went to investigate what the experience is actually like.

The person trying out the app this time is actress Ayane Nakata. She says that she can't live without her smartphone on a daily basis.

"Smartphones have become a part of my life and it's hard to let go of them. I'm half anxious and half excited about what will happen after I leave my home and what will happen to me..." (Nakata, same below)

2. Let's head to Hoshinoya Tokyo for an experience

Hoshinoya Tokyo stands out in the heart of Otemachi's offices. Although it is a 17-story tall urban building, it is an accommodation facility that incorporates elements of a Japanese inn. It is not a traditional hotel with a garden and a single-story wooden structure, but rather a modern, evolved inn that has earned it strong support from guests from Japan and abroad.

From the beautiful interior design to the demeanor of the staff, you can enjoy a "digital-free stay" in a relaxing space where you can fully experience Japanese culture itself.

As you step into the building from the high-rise buildings of Otemachi, you will feel as if you have entered another world. The entrance hall is symbolic of its trellis wall made of bamboo and chestnut wood. Here you take off your shoes, and you will need to keep them off at all times inside the building.

"It smells really nice...!" said Nakata.

According to the staff, they place incense so that customers can experience relaxation with all five senses from the entrance.

In a complete departure from the everyday world we had just entered, we walked deeper into the building, enjoying the Japanese scent and the feeling of stepping on tatami mats. A staff member guided us straight to the accommodation floor. There was no so-called "check-in counter," which reminded us that this was a ryokan, not a hotel.

"Now that you mention it, that's definitely the difference between a hotel and an inn. I feel like I receive more polite hospitality when I go straight to my room."

Once you have completed the check-in process, your "digital-free stay" begins. The first important ritual is to leave your digital devices behind.

"Please place your digital devices in this paulownia wood box," says the staff member. If you have a PC or tablet, you can also place them in the box and "disconnect from digital devices" until check-out.

"It's a bit unsettling because it's always there for me 24 hours a day," said Nakata. However, this is a very important ceremony, so even though I was nervous, I made up my mind and turned off my smartphone. I left it with the other person.

The paulownia wood box will be kept safe at Hoshinoya Tokyo until check-out. This is the start of my "digital-free stay."

3. Increase your concentration by experiencing the experience of "feeling your senses"

During your "digital-free stay," a variety of activities will be available to help you sharpen your five senses and reflect on yourself.

The biggest attraction is the sword-fighting training.
This program was developed with the aim of helping participants forget the stresses of modern society by immersing themselves in swordsmanship training, a tradition that has continued since the Edo period, and adopting the mindset and training of a samurai.
He will learn swordsmanship from the master of the Hokushin Itto-ryu sword-fighting school, which once had a dojo in Kanda, Edo.

"I've done kendo before, but this is my first time with swordsmanship. Will that be okay?"

Nakata seemed a little anxious, but the sensei arranged the lessons to suit the level of the participants, so he was relieved. Nakata, who has experience in kendo, explained the differences between kendo, kenbu, and kenjutsu in an easy-to-understand way.

Let's start with basic manners, such as greetings.

Mopping the dojo is a way to keep the area clean and also serves as a warm-up.
"It's been a while since I last mopped the floor," says Nakata, yet he still manages to mop the floor neatly and in a straight line.

The sensei also praised him, saying, "Your muscles are quite good!"

We then moved on to basic practice, using a mock sword. It takes time to master the correct form, but with the careful guidance of the sensei and his assistants, we gradually got the hang of it.

It takes a lot of concentration to watch the teacher's example, think about what he is told, and then actually do it yourself. Nakata-san had a smile on his face at the beginning, but gradually his expression changed to one of concentration, and the practice became heated.

I've gotten the hang of it by practicing repeatedly, but it's a pretty full-body workout, including footwork. I tend to get stiff shoulders because I use my smartphone and PC a lot on a daily basis.

When swinging a heavy sword, you have to be very conscious of your core to stabilize your body and move your shoulders. It seems that you are using a lot of physical and mental strength without even realizing it.

If you concentrate, the hour and a half of sword training will fly by.
At the end of the lesson, they do a test cut using wheat gluten, called "shizanfu," but the real thing actually takes place the following morning. That's all they do in the evening practice.

"I feel like this practice has really helped me develop my concentration and mental strength. I'm sweating a lot, but I feel a pleasant sense of fatigue throughout my body. But I missed my shots and wasn't able to cut the way I wanted to, so it's frustrating! I hope I can do well in tomorrow's performance."

4. After a sweat, treat yourself to some deep relaxation

After the sword training program, an abundance of luxurious relaxation is on offer.
First, head to the hot spring on the top floor. You can enjoy the natural Otemachi hot spring water that springs from about 1,500 meters underground.

The indoor bath has a calming atmosphere, but the open-air bath with its modern design is not to be missed. The sky visible through the atrium is the heart of Otemachi. Relax in body and mind in a quiet space where only the sound of the bath can be heard. After morning practice on the second day, you can reserve this hot spring exclusively. We recommend leaning yourself against the floating pole and floating in the bath. By facing the fatigue of your body and mind and releasing your daily stress, you will become more sensitive to the slightest sound or breeze.

Once you get out of the bath, it's time for dinner. Head to the dining area in the basement. As soon as you get off the elevator, you'll see the entrance to the dining area. The walls are made of stone and are said to represent the layers of the earth, creating a unique atmosphere.

The private rooms are arranged like a maze, with the entrances hidden from view. You can relax without having to worry about other guests.

Dinner served in the dining area is centered around seasonal fish and vegetables. They use Japanese ingredients, even the seasonings, but the cooking techniques are French. The many original dishes are delicious. Drink pairings are recommended, so it would be a good idea to ask for wine or sake that goes well with the food.

Delicious food will leave your body feeling refreshed after the activities and hot springs.

In fact, there are no clocks inside Hoshinoya Tokyo. You can simply focus on the beautiful food in front of you without being tied down by anything.
"I don't know what time it is since I checked in and left my smartphone there, but it's a strange feeling, like time has stopped."

After enjoying delicious food to your heart's content, a spa treatment is available. In a tasteful private room, you can choose your favorite aroma oil scent. You can fully relieve the fatigue of everyday life for 90 minutes.

This day was a day of full body exercise. It soothes muscle fatigue and relieves the stiffness in the body. Most people fall asleep while receiving treatment in the darkened private room.

"Maybe it's because I just worked out, but it feels so good. Even though the hot spring and the food were relaxing, the scent of the oil is so good I'm sure I'll fall asleep too..."

5. A night of self-reflection in silence

After your spa treatment, return to your room and relax until bedtime. Hoshinoya has no televisions, as its concept is "a day off from modern life." Even though it is in the center of Tokyo, Otemachi is an office district, so it is very quiet at night. The silence inside Hoshinoya Tokyo feels comfortable.
"After practicing swordsmanship, I feel like my five senses have become more sensitive."

In the silence, you can feel the fragrant scent of tatami mats and rush grass. After fully relaxing your body, you can fall asleep surrounded by the soothing aroma. There is no clock in this space, so you can lie down when you feel sleepy or indulge in a book in the silence. Enjoy a luxurious night that you would never be able to experience in your busy days.

6. In the morning, when you can see your goal, you will return to your daily life feeling “lighter”

The program begins early in the morning at 6:30. In a quiet room, we meditate and focus on our breathing, posture, and mind. Incense is burning softly in the room. The fragrant aroma calms the mind and increases concentration for the actual practice.
"I didn't know there were techniques and tips for meditation...!"

After eating a light snack of rice balls, it's time for the real thing: "Test cutting wheat gluten." Nakata-san checks with the master about yesterday's practice. He practices his sword swing to concentrate.
"I hope you can use yesterday's practice and mistakes to succeed."

With the master and assistant teacher watching closely, he succeeded in making a sharp cut!
Although the top part was chipped slightly, it is said to be quite amazing that it can produce a sharp cutting edge in such a short time.
"Ah, but I wish I could have cut it more perfectly," Nakata said with a look of regret.

"This time, we only had a little, but I'm now interested in swordsmanship. It seems quite deep. I want to practice more in case I get a job in a period drama," said Nakata. He heard that the master also teaches period dramas, and was convinced, "That's why he's good at teaching! He taught me in a very easy-to-understand way." Finally, the lesson was summarized and the session ended.

After that, we enjoyed breakfast and the private hot spring, and before we knew it, it was time to check out.

Check-out is at the counter, decorated in an impressive red color that is typical of Japan. With a "digital-free stay," any digital devices you have left behind will be returned to you when you check out.

"Here's this back to you. Please check it," said the staff member.

"It feels so strange. I can't believe I didn't touch it all day yesterday, even though I had been carrying it with me all this time."
According to the staff, everyone is usually nervous at first when they turn it on and check their emails for the duration of their stay.

"It feels like I've been brought back to reality all at once!"
My nearly 24-hour "digital-free stay" has now come to an end. I put on my shoes at the entrance for the first time in a while.

"The stay at Hoshinoya Tokyo itself was very refreshing, and there were plenty of 'digital-free' activities, so the time flew by. I feel like I have become lighter both physically and mentally."

Our modern lives are hectic and filled with noise and hustle and bustle. In Tokyo, a digital society where a huge amount of information is flying around, isn't it very important to "face yourself and regain your rich sensibilities"?

Deliberately let go of digital devices and train your concentration and mental strength in silence. Recover your sensitivity by sharpening your five senses. The "Digital-Free Stay - Samurai Training" experience at Hoshinoya Tokyo was a novel stay plan that offers a highly effective digital detox. Sightseeing at your destination is one of the best parts of traveling, but sometimes a trip with this purpose is sure to help you improve yourself.

Photo by Toshiyuki Tamai
Filming cooperation: Hoshinoya Tokyo