Jet lag is more than just exhaustion; it is a physiological state of circadian desynchrony. While light is a well-known "time-giver," new research in gastroenterology and physiology reveals that your digestive system is a powerful tool for resetting your brain. This article explores how to use targeted protein intake, strategic meal timing, and Japanese probiotic-rich foods to cut your jet lag recovery time in half, ensuring you spend less time in bed and more time exploring.

In recent years, Japanese spas have become sought-after stops for travelers looking to unwind from fast-paced itineraries. But it’s not all hot springs and foot rubs; some of the most transformative treatments are the ones you’ll find tucked inside quiet salons in Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka.

Two standouts? The Japanese head spa and Japanese facial. Rooted in both modern dermatology and traditional healing, these services are equal parts beauty ritual and mindful pause. Expect glowing skin, yes—but also better sleep, reduced stress, and a renewed sense of calm.

If you’re curious about what these treatments involve—or where to book the best ones—we’ve done the legwork for you.

March is coming soon, and that means that the season of sakura is starting soon too! If you are visiting Japan during this period, you may often see sakura flowers blooming almost everywhere around. However, you may not have known that one of the most common sakura cherry blossoms in Japan is actually a hybrid species (Shirasawa et al., 2019), termed as Prunus yedoensis, or also known as ‘Somei-Yoshino’ (JNTO, 2023). While cherry blossoms are visually appealing to the eye, their flowers can be turned into an extract and consumed too. Various products are currently in the market using the extract of cherry blossom, ranging from a moisturizing jelly cream, smoothing mask, to a cleansing oil. Let’s dive into the journey of uncovering the science behind the health benefits in consuming these cherry blossoms (specifically on ‘Somei-Yoshino’)!