Hoshinoya Karuizawa, a resort for immersive stays, has launched a two-night, three-day program called "Wilderness Retreat for Men," featuring forest trekking along game trails and outdoor sauna experiences. The program runs from December 1, 2020 (Tuesday) to February 28, 2021 (Sunday).

In today's world, prolonged self-restraint due to the pandemic has led to accumulated stress, making it easy for our autonomic nervous systems to become imbalanced without us realizing it. To address this, Hoshinoya Karuizawa has introduced a program designed to strengthen the body and mind, and boost immunity.

The "Wilderness Retreat for Men" program spans three days and two nights. On the morning of the second day, trekking begins before dawn. Participants immerse themselves in the experience of walking on unpaved, natural forest trails that require strength, agility, and balance, with support from the forest specialists at "Picchio."

At the trekking destination, an elevated spot offering views of Mount Asama, a private tent sauna, noted for its immune-boosting properties, awaits. Here, guests can enjoy the rare experience of being enveloped by high temperatures and waves of heat from a wood-fired stove in the heart of nature.

After sweating profusely, releasing heat from the body, and doubling their heart rate, guests experience outdoor bathing under the starry sky. In Karuizawa, winter nights can drop below minus 10 degrees Celsius. The body, surprised by the extreme cold, attempts to adapt by regulating its autonomic nervous system. Repeating this cycle of high heat and sub-zero outdoor bathing several times leads to a state of profound relaxation.

Dinner features a winter-exclusive menu, "Gibier Oden." For this program, a special blend of shichimi (seven-spice blend) created in collaboration with Yawata Isogoro is served. The rich collagen in wild boar and iron-rich venison are combined with shichimi containing ginger, chili pepper, and sansho pepper—ingredients known for boosting immunity—providing warmth and nutritional replenishment.

The "Wilderness Retreat for Men" at Hoshinoya Karuizawa offers a unique opportunity to connect with your mind and body in various ways amidst the rich natural surroundings of Karuizawa. It is an unparalleled chance to liberate yourself and achieve rejuvenation.