We just came back from our very first yoga retreat in Japan. This was a 7 day holiday with a night in Tokyo, 3 nights in Bessho Onsen and 3 nights in Kiso Valley.
Japan is now a very popular destination and can be full of tourists but luckily, we had a very knowledgeable local guide who showed us lots of hidden places to go. He was fluent in English and Japanese and helped us with everything from buying train tickets to where to go for the best food. When he was free, he even joined us in the yoga class!
There were broad mix of students from yoga teachers to complete beginners. Many came on their own, others were joined by a friend, partner, or a family member. All different ages were represented, and some people had physical and medical issues.
It was also a very international group with people from Japan, Thailand, America, England, France, and Singapore. We all came together and practice yoga in a non-competitive, friendly way. I love to encourage people to practice in a playful and explorative manner.
We had so many memorable experiences on our holiday but the highlight for me was doing yoga in an old local temple with a tranquil Japanese garden. It was also wonderful to have a picnic under the full bloom of the cherry trees. Watching so much cherry blossom fall like snow was spectacular.
I also loved hiking in the snowy Mt.Togakushi and the mindful walking we did through the beautiful trail to the holy peak of Mt.Ontaki. The ancient meditation waterfall site had a strong spiritual quality, and many felt emotional just being close by. We were the only people there, so we could take our time, absorb and feel the power of nature.
We were also treated to delicious and beautifully presented Japanese meals whilst staying our luxurious ryokan (traditional Japanese hotel). These ryokans are famed for their natural mineral baths which are believed to be excellent for healing all kinds of ailments from skin problems to muscular aches and pains. There were lovely indoor and outdoor baths, and it was so nice to be able to take a long soak after a day of yoga, sightseeing, and hiking.
They even had the latest massage chairs, which looked like a spaceship and felt very Japanese. It wasn’t as good as a real massage but it was a good way to unwind and release some of the tiredness of traveling and sightseeing.
At the end of the retreat, it was sad to say goodbye. We were people from a very different walks of life but we slowly got to know each other and shared an amazing time together.
We’re doing another yoga and hiking retreat in Chamonix this September with the Bluerise retreat. I hope you can join us!