Hotel Okura Amsterdam is renowned for its unique fusion of Japanese and Dutch cultures. This special relationship, which began in 1639 when only Dutch traders had access to Japan, remains palpable nearly 400 years later. Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on tranquility and balance, with many traditional practices aimed at promoting restful sleep and a harmonious life.
Hotel Okura Amsterdam offers guests the opportunity to experience this serene ambiance, and now, with the exclusive
Hotel Okura collection, you can bring the same peace and refinement into your own home.
Inspired by the serenity of Hotel Okura Amsterdam, we share five Japanese lifestyle principles that can help you sleep better and create more balance in your daily life.
1. Wabi-Sabi: Embracing Simplicity
The Japanese philosophy of
Wabi-Sabi teaches us to accept imperfections and find beauty in natural aging. In your bedroom, this means that not everything needs to be perfect to be calming. Irregular shapes, natural textures, and items with history lend your sleep environment a sense of peace and authenticity. These details create an atmosphere where you can unwind more easily.
2. Ofuro: The Japanese Bath Ritual
One of the most relaxing Japanese rituals is Ofuro, a warm bath taken just before bedtime. This practice helps the body release the day's tensions and prepares the mind for deep, restorative sleep. After a soothing bath, wrap yourself in the soft luxury of the Hotel Okura Amsterdam bathrobe, giving you that extra touch of comfort and relaxation before you drift off.
3. Shinrin-Yoku: Forest Bathing for Relaxation
Shinrin-Yoku, or forest bathing, is a Japanese ritual involving time spent in nature to promote physical and mental relaxation. This form of mindfulness helps the body and mind recover from stress. Apply this concept to your sleep environment by incorporating natural elements and materials—like
Egyptian cotton and
linen—that help create a calm and soothing atmosphere.
4. Kaizen: Continuous Improvement
Kaizen is a Japanese concept focused on ongoing, incremental improvements. When applied to your sleep routine, it means making small, consistent changes to enhance sleep quality. This could range from establishing a regular bedtime to minimizing evening distractions, like setting aside your phone. Upgrading your bedding—perhaps with a
high-quality duvet or
fiberbed from the Okura collection—can make a significant difference in your comfort and the quality of your rest.
5. Minimalist Sleep Style
The
Japanese minimalist sleep style centers on simplicity and functionality. Bedrooms are often furnished only with essential elements to promote tranquility. Removing unnecessary items and creating a tidy, serene space can help you fall asleep faster and rest more deeply.
The bed linens from the Hotel Okura collection, featuring an exceptionally high thread count, align perfectly with this philosophy. They not only offer a luxurious sleeping experience but also enhance the calm, minimalist ambiance that invites complete relaxation.
Create Your Own Tranquil Sleep Environment
By integrating these Japanese lifestyle principles into your daily routine, you can improve your sleep and experience greater peace and balance in your life. With the
Hotel Okura collection, you bring the essence of Japanese simplicity and luxury into your home. Inspired by the comfort and refinement of Hotel Okura Amsterdam, the collection helps you get one step closer to the perfect night's sleep every night.
