healing through Thermal Springs and Nature
WELLNESS RETREATS FOR WOMEN CANCER SURVIVORS
Who We Are
Aletis Travel is a wellness travel agency specializing in retreats rooted in rhythms of the Japanese way of life, in the sacred regions of Hitoyoshi and Aso, Kumamoto, Japan. Our gentle paced and carefully curated 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day itinerary support women who have completed cancer treatment and are seeking not only recovery, but also renewal, meaning, and a deeper connection with themselves.
Our retreats integrate evidence-informed therapeutic practices with opportunities for personal reflection and emotional growth. At Aletis Travel, we recognize that many women emerging from cancer treatment have journeyed through what depth psychology describes as a “dark night of the soul”—a profound confrontation with vulnerability and loss. Yet, we believe what appears to be disorientation is the catalyst for transformation.
We honor each guest as the heroine of her own unfolding story, searching for a unique path toward wholeness and self-discovery. Our licensed therapists facilitate individual and group counseling sessions, creating a safe and compassionate space where guests can explore their experiences, reconnect with their inner strengths, and discover new meaning in their life journey.
Working closely with trusted local partners and destination experts, we ensure that every aspect of the retreat reflects our commitment to authentic healing and cultural immersion. Our philosophy is grounded in three pillars: the restorative wisdom of Japan’s thermal springs, longevity-inspired Japanese cuisine, and professional therapeutic support. Together, these elements create a nurturing environment where women can rest, reflect, and reimagine the next chapter of their lives.
At Aletis Travel, healing is not simply about recovering from illness—it is about reclaiming one’s story, redefining inner strength, and reembracing life with renewed purpose.
At Aletis Travel, each guest is invited to share a private moment with an Okami, the respected female proprietor and hostess of a traditional Japanese inn. More than a caretaker, the Okami embodies the essence of Japanese hospitality, quiet strength, and compassionate leadership. In a society historically shaped by patriarchal traditions, the Okami has long held a unique and honored role as a guide, protector, and keeper of cultural wisdom.
Aletis Travel is a wellness travel agency specializing in retreats rooted in rhythms of the Japanese way of life, in the sacred regions of Hitoyoshi and Aso, Kumamoto, Japan.
Our gentle paced and carefully curated 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day itinerary support women who have completed cancer treatment and are seeking not only recovery, but also renewal, meaning, and a deeper connection with themselves.
These personal exchanges provide a rare opportunity to experience Japanese culture beyond sightseeing or observation. They invite a genuine meeting of hearts and perspectives, where cultural understanding flows in both directions. In this shared space of listening and reflection, guests may discover new insights into their own healing journey while gaining a deeper appreciation for the wisdom traditions that continue to shape life in rural Japan.
Ms. Satomi Horio
Ms. Satomi Horio was born in South Korea and grew up as the youngest of five siblings. Influenced by her father, she developed an interest in Japan and worked as a translator for Japanese tourists in South Korea. During that time, she met her Japanese husband, married him, and moved to Japan. While raising her children, she devoted herself to her studies at Kumamoto University. Once her children were grown up, she learned the innkeeper’s role from scratch and became the third-generation proprietress of Hitoyoshi Ryokan. In Japan, Okami (Innkeeper) is regarded as a living embodiment of female wisdom and spirit.
She is dedicated to preserving the inn’s culture while maintaining the valuable wooden architecture of this property, which is designated as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property. Mrs. Satomi believes that one of the charms of Hitoyoshi Ryokan (Inn) is the quality of its thermal springs. It has been selected as one of the top 3,000 hot springs in Japan. It is a sodium carbonate-chloride spring that is safe to drink. In addition to its skin-cleansing effect, which removes dead skin cells, it also moisturizes, leaving your skin feeling soft and youthful. It is known as the “Double Beauty Springs” because it eliminates the need for additional skincare products, such as toners. Mrs. Satomi holds a certification as a hot springs sommelier and has studied the properties of hot springs in depth, so you can be sure of her loyalty to the hot springs’ anti-aging effect. In the future, Mrs. Satomi looks forward to welcoming Aletis Travel’s guests to her Inn, introducing the healing power of the hot spring, and getting to know each of you through her unimpeachable hospitality.
Courtesy of the Hitoyoshi-Kuma Tourism and Regional Development Council
Hitoyoshi's healing spots
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Contact Us For a Free Consultation
A Sanctuary for the Soul
My Team
Meaningful Connection
We believe healing begins through meaningful connection. These intimate exchanges offer a rare opportunity to experience Japanese culture not as a visitor, but through the human connection, compassion, and presence that define it by Okami.
