OVERVIEW

FORM+FOCUS

We are returning again to Japan, the ‘land of the rising sun.’ This time we’ll be accompanied by our private guide during our week and led through some of the more hidden, off-the-beaten-path experiences and sacred places in and around Kyoto. We’ll be exploring yoga combined with creativity classes - both practices designed to lead us to a closer look into the Zen mindset of simplicity, quiet inward focus, and being present.

Julian will lead the group in daily art classes and help to find new ways of seeing and experiencing this incredible location. Then Erin Lewis, our collaborator from Eat Pray Move will lead us through optional yoga and meditation classes to prepare our bodies and minds. Both yoga and art work together to find FOCUS in the many layers of sites, and sounds that abound in this amazing part of the world. *NO PREVIOUS ART OR YOGA BACKGROUND REQUIRED. All levels are welcome, and participation is voluntary. Projects and classes will be offered as a completely exploratory, unintimidating and personal experience.

LODGING

Come away with us for a week in the incredible and culturally-rich country of Japan, where we’ll be staying in the cultural capital of Kyoto, the city with 1600 temples. We will be finding a nice balance of traditional and modern in our home for the week, a newer hotel built with the spirit of the Japanese ryokan (traditional guest house) but with all of the current conveniences. Guests will enjoy western-style beds in the usual minimal Japanese style. The hotel offers a serene meditation room designed by a Zen monk, as well as an amazing restaurant, bar, and roof-top lounge, and it’s located in Kyoto’s famous Gion district, where one may spot a Geisha walking the streets.

Though its meaning may have drifted in translation, the Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto promises an insider view of what it calls “hot Kyoto” — the vibrant, modern city that is informed, but not constrained, by a long, long cultural evolution. In more concrete terms this means a youthful, stylish version of Kyoto, and one that admits of plenty of Western influence as well. Cicon, the restaurant, features Italian dishes prepared in a Josper charcoal oven, made from Kyoto-grown and -produced ingredients. The bakery, too, is a loving tribute to European breads, though made from Japanese wheat. And the rooftop bar, with its far-ranging views of the city, is a concept that transcends cultures. — Michelin Guide

With a thousand years of history, there are so many beauties, wisdom, history, and delights in Kyoto that are yet to be discovered. Let NOHGA HOTEL be your new base for learning the unknown side of Kyoto. Opportunities are scattered around the property to guide you to a diverse culture Kyoto has to offer. Through collaborations with various specialists taking part in creating this dynamic city, we have prepared our own creative experiences based on art, food, music, and meditation. Meet the hot Kyoto for a dramatic encounter and fascinating experiences that NOHGA HOTEL, has to offer.

CUISINE

Healthful, vegetarian food is part of the retreat experience, including breakfast and most dinners and lunchs, either hosted at the hotels or out and about in town. Some meals will have an option for seafood, as we're in the land of some of the freshest fish on the planet. Ingredients are local and seasonal, and our meals will be inspired by the Japanese traditions. We'll enjoy a traditional coursed menu, a sushi dinner, a ‘yufodu’ meal, a Kyovege (vegetable specialist), as well as some modern selections at newer restaurants, a tea-ceremony, and even a sake-tasting!

SURROUNDING AREA

Not only will we take advantage of the amenities and beauty of our hotel and neighborhood for the week, but this retreat will also be full of culturally-rich experiences that will give guests a full taste of the offerings of Japan. By being located in Kyoto, we get the balance of the city amenities, but also really get to sense the calm and spiritual side of Kyoto and the neighboring countryside. Here guests will feel as if they've stepped through a Japanese painting - with colorful leaves starting to change for autumn, bonsai trees, wooden pagodas, and rock gardens. We'll take a tour outside the city to the famous "Golden Pavilion" Kinkakuji and walk the way of the "Thousand Torii Gates" at the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Our days in the center will include a visit to the famous market, participation in a traditional tea ceremony, temple visits with on-site travel journal creation lessons, evening walk through the Gion district where we'll keep our eyes open for passing Geisha, and even a spa day at Kyoto's premier luxury spa - complete with treatments and relaxation time fit for a Zen master.

WELLNESS

Daily practices will be offered in a way to relax, stimulate, and help guests grow in the mindfulness nature of the trip. Classes are open to all levels, beginner to practiced, and can range from gentle, restorative, and vinyasa flow.* Plus meditations such as yoga nidra, guided meditation and a walking meditation will be offered. We will have the opportunity to attend a led ZaZen meditation with a monk one day as well. This week is uniquely designed to incorporate wellness practices woven throughout our activities and day trips instead of just having a daily morning yoga class. Japan’s culture lends itself to take things slower, be more mindful and intentional, and we will embrace just that as we experience the week and how we approach the itinerary.

Style and class levels will be determined and moulded to fit participating students' needs, and with a small intimate retreat class size, students will be able to get personalized attention and comfortability to deeply explore their practice. Our yoga classes during our time in Japan will take place a couple of times at a centuries-old temple in town, while another day we’ll have meditation at the specially designed meditation room at our hotel, and we also will be taking a group meditation walk in the red torii gates. At the temple, we’ll enjoy the serene experience of a Japanese garden just in front of us, while we practice in a room of wood, paper, and tatami mats, where monks still meditate today. Additionally, we will be led through a meditation by a monk. This is a very special and unique experience, one of which many tourists will never have been able to participate.

* Participation in classes and activities is optional throughout the retreat. All levels welcome!

DETAILS / PRICING

7 days / 6 nights (Oct 20-26, 2024)

SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICING

Inclusive Retreat Price = $5,980 (shared room*), +$990 (single room)

Deposit to hold space = $1,500

Max # Guests = 14
* Guests traveling alone can choose the shared room and we match up based on guest profile. Rooms are spacious with separate beds and private bathrooms.
** Final balance due 60 days before retreat start date.
Read full cancellation policy in our Terms & Conditions.

INCLUDED*:

Hotel accommodation (Japanese luxury hotel, western-style bedding, private bathrooms)

Yoga classes at a centuries-old private temple overlooking a Japanese garden

Creativity and travel-journal classes

Private Zen Meditation led by monk

Walking meditation among Fushimi Inari Red Gate Shrines

Led meditation in zen-designed meditation room

Daily Breakfast

Most dinners and selected lunches

Welcome reception

Welcome dinner

Learn about and enjoy a Yudofu lunch

Sake Tasting + Dinner

Transportation to/from day trips

Visit to the Golden Pavilion and Sagano Bamboo forest

Photography morning at Bamboo Forest

Walking tour of Higashiyama district

Entrance to Kyoto sites, temple visits

Sample the local delicacies while strolling along Nishiki Market

Private walking tour to Fushimi district, with its iconic thousands of red Shinto gates

Japanese culture experience classes - learn the art of crafts

Participate in a tea ceremony

Spa day with treatments at luxury Kyoto spa

Taxes

* airfare not included
** meals will be a mix of seafood and vegetarian options on specific meals. special dietary restrictions can be accommodated. Breakfasts will be open for all menu for choice of guests. There will be a lunch and a dinner where guests can choose their own menu as well for those not wanting to stick to seafood and vegetarian.

*tentative schedule, activities may be substituted based on weather and seasonability. All activities are carefully chosen based on the best experience for the guests.

LOCATION:

Nearest major international airport: Osaka Kansai International Airport (KIX)

We can assist in your travel plans upon booking and arrival is simple by train or shuttle from airport

For those wishing to arrive/depart in Tokyo and/or extend their travel by adding some time in the capital city, this is easily reachable by direct bullet train to/from Kyoto

SUGGESTED PACKING:

Besides the basic packing and travel needs, here are a few things to think about bringing with you.

Bathing suit (spa day)

Yoga clothes

Smart phone with camera and/or digital camera

Plug adaptors / converters