About HONZO
Honzo is a study and discipline that has been developed over many years by researching the effects of various plants and minerals on humans. Since its introduction from China in ancient times, it has been incorporated into the daily lives of the Japanese to help regulate the body. In the Edo period (1603-1867), its research flourished even more. Genjo Noro, an herbalist scholar from Taki, is said to have contributed greatly to its development. Steeped in the traditions of Mie, through honzo we work to awaken the senses and restore the body and mind, helping people regain their true vitality. Promoting joint research between Mie University and Rohto Pharmaceutical, VISON is working toward the creation of a new study of health and beauty based on honzo, and rethinking how to integrate it in modern life. To this end we created our thermal baths, the HONZO lab. and medicinal herb gardens.
Our bathing facility provides medicinal herb baths that draw on the knowledge of honzo. VISON has formulated its own Honzo 72 Shichijuniko* concept with herbal baths unique to this region that change with the seasons. They incorporate a combination of the ancient 72 micro-season way of thought which describes weather patterns and changes in plants and animals, pre-modern Shinto inspired calendars, and the climate and customs of the Taki region. HONZO lab. develops original herbal blends that are introduced every 5 days and monthly. Utilizing herbs cultivated in gardens on the VISON property and elsewhere in Mie, they provide a variety of benefits. Experience for yourself Mie’s healthy lifestyle and rich natural setting with its changing seasons, and indulge in a special kind of rejuvenation that you’ll only find here.
- *The 72 micro-seasons (shichijuniko)
- One way the seasons were represented in ancient China was with the 72 micro-season concept. It involved 24 divisions indicating the seasonal changes that occurred every half month to weather patterns, flora and fauna. These were then further divided into roughly five-day intervals.