Okinawa Adventures has launched a new wellness tour in its namesake prefecture, one of only five global 'Blue Zones' where people live exceptionally long lives. Olivia Palamountain reports

The new four-day Yambaru Miracle Forest Blue Zones Premium Tour from Okinawa Adventures is designed to offer visitors insight into the region's longevity secrets.

It takes place in northern Okinawa, and explores nine key aspects of Okinawan longevity, including plant-based eating, community bonds and medicinal gardening

To begin the tour, guests are collected from Naha Airport before visiting Shioya Villiage to discover the importance of neighbourly relations at a community centre, followed by dinner at a local restaurant specialising in seasonal produce sourced from the forest. On day two, participants meet a local craftsman whose ikigai — or purpose in life — is to continue the tradition of making Sabani boats, with guests then offered the chance to experience sailing upon one across the crystal-clear and serene waters of an inland sea.

Day two also includes exploring the secrets of longevity foods as guests can enjoy the taste of freshly picked vegetables at a farmhouse in Ogimi, the village of longevity, and savor traditional yushi-tofu, which is a healthy Okinawan dish made from soybeans, at the home of a local elderly couple.

Day three begins with a kayaking and trekking experience in the Yambaru Forest to discover the region’s spectacular nature before visiting a small-scale farmer to learn more about the future of agriculture in Okinawa and its importance to healthy living. The day ends with a stay at the remotely located Ada Garden Hotel for some rest and relaxation in the lush forest.The final day of the tour includes a visit to a local Utaki – or sacred place – to learn more about the deeply rooted traditions and beliefs of the local people before enjoying a final lunch made with foraged wild herbs. Guests are then transported back to Naha Airport to end the tour.

Activities include sailing traditional Sabani boats, kayaking in the forest, and learning about local agriculture. Guests visit Ogimi, known as "the village of longevity", where they sample freshly picked vegetables and traditional yushi-tofu with local residents.

The tour, priced from ¥328,000 (£1,730) per person, includes accommodation, meals, activities and an English-speaking guide.

Okinawa, Japan's southernmost prefecture, comprises 160 subtropical islands and is known for its unique culinary culture, which is considered crucial to residents' long lifespans.