We’ve teamed up with Bluerise Retreat again to bring you this wonderful Japanese retreat.

Discover a quieter and more traditional side of Japan through yoga, historic towns, natural hot springs and unforgettable cultural experiences.

From the vibrant streets of Tokyo to peaceful mountain towns, we’ll journey into the heart of rural Japan, staying beside the Nagara River and in the enchanting town of Gujo Hachiman.

Along the way, we’ll explore traditional streets, enjoy regional Japanese cuisine, practise yoga in local temples and experience the warmth of Japanese hospitality.

This is not a retreat spent rushing between famous tourist attractions. It is an opportunity to slow down and experience places that many visitors to Japan never discover.

All yoga sessions and activities are optional.

This retreat includes:

• 1 night at Park Hotel Tokyo
• 3 nights at the historic Juhachiro Ryokan, Nagaragawa Onsen
• 3 nights in the mountain town of Gujo Hachiman
• Daily yoga and meditation sessions
• Yoga in traditional Japanese temples
• Access to natural onsen hot spring baths
• Travel on Japan’s famous Shinkansen (bullet train)
• Guided exploration of historic Inuyama Castle Town
• A welcome dinner at a traditional Japanese izakaya
• Traditional kaiseki dinners at our ryokan
• Delicious Japanese breakfasts throughout the retreat
• Private transfers throughout the retreat
• Free time to relax and explore at your own pace
• The use of all yoga equipment
• A welcome pack

ACCOMMODATION

From contemporary Tokyo to traditional Japanese inns and a peaceful mountain town, each stage of the retreat offers a different experience of Japan.

Our first night is spent at the elegant Park Hotel Tokyo, perfectly located for exploring the city before we begin our journey into the countryside.

We’ll then spend three nights at the historic Juhachiro Ryokan in Nagaragawa Onsen. Overlooking the Nagara River, this traditional inn combines warm Japanese hospitality, natural hot spring baths and beautifully prepared seasonal cuisine.

For the final three nights, we’ll stay in the charming mountain town of Gujo Hachiman, where peaceful streets, flowing waterways and surrounding mountains provide the perfect setting to end our journey through Japan.

Throughout the retreat, you’ll experience the unique atmosphere of Japanese hospitality while enjoying comfortable accommodation carefully chosen for both its character and location.

Healthy Eating

Food is an important part of the Bluerise experience, and Japan is one of the world’s great culinary destinations.

Throughout the retreat you’ll enjoy beautifully prepared regional cuisine, from our relaxed welcome dinner at a traditional Tokyo izakaya to elegant multi-course kaiseki dinners at our riverside ryokan.

Every meal is an experience in itself, showcasing seasonal ingredients, regional specialities and the incredible attention to detail for which Japanese cuisine is renowned.

Breakfast is included each morning, while some lunches are left free, giving you the opportunity to discover local cafés, restaurants and regional specialities at your own pace.

ABOUT THE TEACHER

Our very lovely and experienced and instructor for this retreat, Naomi Hayama, will guide you through an inspiring week of classes. Specialising in Hatha Yoga, Mindfulness Meditation and Vision Yoga. Naomi also interweaves Vinyasa Flow, Restorative Yoga, Yin Yoga and somatic movements.

She will introduce you to wonderful relaxation and meditation practices that will help you to feel relaxed and focused. You will also learn refined elements of yoga such as Pranayama (energy/breathing techniques), Nada Yoga (vibration/sound) and Mudras (seal/gestures). Her creative classes will have you feeling balanced and energised.

Since 2004, Naomi has been teaching people of all abilities, from complete beginners to experienced practitioners. She can tailor the classes to suit your own specific needs, making this retreat available to all. She will guide you to deepen your yoga practice in an enjoyable and balanced way.

As well as a wonderful break in stunning surroundings, this yoga retreat will help to encourage and instil your own personal practice once you return home, meaning that the benefits you’ve gained will stay with you.

NAGARAGAWA ONSEN

Nestled beside the beautiful Nagara River, Nagaragawa Onsen is one of Japan’s most peaceful hot spring destinations.

We’ll spend three nights here at the historic Juhachiro Ryokan, where yoga sessions, natural hot spring baths and traditional kaiseki dining create the perfect opportunity to unwind after travelling from Tokyo.

Life moves at a slower pace here, allowing you to relax, reconnect and experience the warmth and hospitality for which Japanese ryokans are famous.

GUJO HACHIMAN

For the second half of the retreat, we’ll stay in the enchanting mountain town of Gujo Hachiman.

Known as Japan’s “Town of Water”, Gujo Hachiman is famous for its crystal-clear canals, traditional wooden streets and beautiful mountain setting. Water flows throughout the town, colourful koi swim beneath your feet and fresh spring water remains part of everyday life.

Our yoga sessions will take place in local temples, while free time allows you to explore at your own pace. Visit the hilltop castle, wander the quiet streets, discover artisan shops or simply sit beside the river and watch daily life unfold.

Gujo Hachiman offers a wonderfully peaceful and authentic glimpse into traditional Japan.

WHAT TO BRING

We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing suitable for October, a warm layer for cooler evenings and a waterproof jacket.

All yoga equipment is provided, although you’re welcome to bring your own mat if you prefer.

Towels, slippers and other essentials are provided at our accommodation, so there’s no need to pack anything extra.

After booking, you’ll receive a detailed pre-arrival guide covering everything from what to pack and travelling in Japan to local etiquette, onsen customs and useful travel tips.

BOOKING

Please book directly with Eleanor from Bluerise Retreat.

PRICE

From £4,995

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Feedback from previous yoga retreat with Naomi

"The yoga was so good for me, Naomi, I had expected to be at a loss, after not doing it for so long, but your excellent way of teaching reminded me what an important and restorative thing it is to do, and convinced me to continue" - Lorna from 2017 retreat.

"It was fantastic to have so much time to explore different yoga practice which normally there would not be time for. It was great to be able to practice outside. The whole retreat was very enjoyable" - Danny from 2018 retreat.

“I feel relaxed for the first time in many months! Just what I needed. It was really fabulous. I really liked how the classes built upon each other and the pace to reach different asana was really good. I also liked the atmosphere and attitude towards yoga - relaxed and fun but also very informative. Really good balance” - Julia from 2020