Skiing, Slow Fashion and Sustainability: A Hemp-Powered Trip to Japan
The Art of Less: Why Japan’s Mindful Lifestyle Aligns with Set Me Free
There’s something truly magnetic about Japan—an enigmatic yet beautifully simple allure that invites you to slow down and appreciate the essentials. From Marie Kondo’s philosophy of keeping only what sparks joy to the quiet elegance of a single piece of nigiri, Japan embodies the idea that less is more. Even in the stillnessof falling snow or the warmth of a steaming onsen, mindfulness and minimalism are at the heart of daily life. Fresh from my trip, I already find myself longing to return.
Packing Light, Traveling Smart: The Versatility of Hemp
Our journey took us from the tropical warmth of Mauritius to the deep winter of Madarao or Mada-POW, Japan or JaPOW, where five meters of snow transformed the landscape into a skier’s paradise.
Packing for such a drastic shift in climate required careful thought, but hemp clothing made it effortless.
For over a year, my go-to travel outfit has been my Set Me Free hemp blazer paired with a hemp shirt. With a stopover in Kuala Lumpur—where humidity reigns—I packed both long- and short-sleeved versions, layering them with my thrifted jeans from New York and, of course, my Cosy Hemp Socks. The hemp blazer was the ultimate travel companion, regulating my temperature no matter the environment. My essential skiing layer? A light pink wool sweater gifted by my dad eight years ago—proof that quality pieces stand the test of time.
Sustainable Discoveries: Eco-Conscious Choices in Japan
Madarao, a once-overlooked ski destination, has experienced a revival thanks to the Shinkansen line connecting it to Tokyo in just 100 minutes. We stayed at Snowball Chalet, run by Australian couple Dan & Andy, a charming eco-conscious retreat and a proud member of 1% for the Planet—just like Set Me Free. Every detail reflected their commitment to sustainability, from the carefully curated Japanese trinkets to the wabi-sabi wooden breakfast table, its imperfections repaired with a delicate bowtie insert. Their newly built Snowman Chalet incorporated beams salvaged from a derelict farmhouse, giving old wood a new life.
For a small ski town, Madarao’s food scene was refreshingly diverse, though we would have missed many gems without the guidance of Snowball Chalet. One standout experience was dinner at Japan Snowsports, an intimate chalet-turned-restaurant where a Dutch chef crafted mostly vegan dishes—sweet potato sorbet, anyone? Some of our most memorable meals felt more like home visits, hosted by Japanese couples who welcomed us with food made with love.
Slow Fashion Meets Slow Travel
At its core, Set Me Free is about embracing curiosity, adventure, and the freedom to explore—without the weight of excess. Travel teaches us that we don’t need a new outfit for every day; a well-curated capsule wardrobe not only lightens your luggage but also simplifies your journey. Fewer, better pieces create space for experiences, and isn’t that what travel is truly about?