Abstract
Wellness Tourism（WT）is an active and broad concept that includes various activities, while Retreat Tourism（RT）can be a form of travel encompassed within it. Particularly in the Japanese market, there are vital elements of “recovery,” “resetting,”“healing,” and “relaxation” of personal conditions. Japan offers only a few examples of RT specifically. “Transformation” offered by RT includes restoration, spiritual transformation, spiritual/community change, transcendence, and happiness. RT in Japan seek a more gradual transformation as indicated by the terms “healing” and “resetting,” rather than a more purposeful or transformative spiritual/religious transformation. In other words, the emphasis is not on definitive transformation but on selfrestoration to make up for daily deficits. Since RT in Japan does not have a strong spiritual or religious background, it may lead to a broader acceptance among tourists with such backgrounds. Leveraging this uniqueness, RT can attract travelers seeking self-transformation and restoration, both domestically and internationally, offering opportunities for them to adapt to the complexities of modern society and restore themselves to their natural state. In this respect, RT can expand the role and potential of travel.
