JAPAN YOGA RETREAT TO RECONNECT
When: 26 – 28th of December 2022
Where: Nozawa Onsen Village, Nagano Japan
AUD $ 2,210.00
Early bird: AUD $2,150 (-10%) until 31st of August 2022
THE RETREAT
It’s time to escape.
Surround yourself with nature. Enjoy the benefits of yoga, and shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), swim and soak yourself in the healing hot springs, or ski and explore the snowfields while enjoying the wonderful hospitality and culture of Japan.
This retreat is the perfect opportunity to disconnect from the digital world, reconnect with yourself and make new connection with others. There’ll be plenty of opportunities to explore or relax, it’s all about the balance.
So escape and recharge. Re-energise and reconnect your body and mind, then move into 2023 with your best foot forward, fully refreshed and revitalised!
THE LOCATION
Wake up to the majestic mountain views of the Nozawa Onsen, fall asleep in the warm cozy ski resort, and awaken your mind and body.
Nozawa Onsen is a small village, in northern Nagano, surrounded by beautiful mountains, with crisp clean air and clear, fresh water. It’s only two hours from Tokyo on the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) and is famous for its picturesque scenery and world-renown for the winter skiing.
A cozy and traditional village, Nozawa Onsen has 13 natural geothermal hot springs within walking distance, and is the perfect location for your wellness journey to begin.
THE YOGA
In this retreat you will explore and learn practices in order to develop a sincere relationship with your mind, breath and body, through the well-known practice of Yoga. If you’re not familiar with what Yoga actually is – we define it as: An ancient discipline that connects body, mind and spirit through postures (known as asana), breath (pranayama), sensory awareness (pratyahara), concentration and meditation (dharana and dhyana).
Our mission is to reinforce your wellbeing. During this retreat, you will discover new and different ways to approach the most basic of poses and to awaken your curiosity and sense of play. Through asana, pranayama and meditation, our retreat will support and guide you into embracing the benefits of yoga.
Our retreat is suitable for all levels of practitioner, and you will be supported to meet and challenge your abilities.
BENEFITS OF YOGA
- Calms our nervous system. It is a way to combat stress that restores to our body the fluidity that we lose when we allow problems to invade us.
- It promotes energy circulation and oxygenation of the body.
- Helps to improve flexibility of muscles and joints, providing more vitality and agility.
- Increases physical strength, working muscles while improving the overall appearance of the body, toning every part of it.
- It helps to improve breathing, which has a direct impact on health.
- Helps to combat episodes of anger, panic, anxiety.
You’ll leave the 3 days retreat feeling fresh and energized to start the new year with fresh insight and a light heart.
THE DAY (example only)
7am Introduction to pranayama/meditation
7.30-9am Dynamic Active Practice
9.30am Breakfast
11am Activity
12.30-1.30pm Lunch
2pm Free time
5pm – 6.15pm Slow Flow Yoga Nidra/Restorative
6.30pmDinner
THE INCLUSIONS
- A full day of yoga classes in a traditional Japanese tatami yoga studio –
also included is the rental of your eco-yoga mat, block, belt, bolster and
blanket. - Breakfast, Lunch, and Vegetarian Dinner.
- Share room (cost for single room is an additional AUD $535.)
- Each share room is a traditional Japanese tatami room with private toilet
and basin, hair dryer, towel, and shared shower room. Rooms are non-
smoking. - Bus or van transfer to village from the JR Iiyama train station.
- Free Wi-Fi
- Your local host, village and forest therapy guide
- Access to 13 therapeutic onsens (natural hot springs).
- 1 extra activity (snow shoes hiking to the winter forest includes a set of
snow shoes)
THE EXCLUSIONS (not included in price)
- Return Flights from and to Australia.
- Airport transfers to JR Iiyama station.
- Travel Insurance. Please ensure you have the right insurance that covers
winter sports if you’re planning on skiing or snowboarding.
WHO WILL TAKE CARE OF ME?
Karen is an experienced teacher and yoga practitioner with years of training behind her. Having established and managed a thriving yoga studio for a number of years, she is currently in high demand as a private teacher and coach.
«My passion is to share the core of Yoga, Mediation, Pranayama (Breathwork)»
Hiromi Matsumura is not just your Japanese host. Hiromi is also a yoga teacher and Forest Therapy Guide who is committed to assisting you throughout your stay; helping you to focus on relaxing, healing, and healthy eating, in tune with the beautiful nature of her village.
PAYMENT
* We require you take out travel insurance, in case of injury, illness or cancellation by you. Unfortunately we cannot refund you for these occurrences. Please make sure you have read our Terms and Conditions before purchasing online, and register for making a bank transfer.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BRING?
- Below is a suggested list of some of the items you may wish to bring on retreat – but feel free to add more of what you need on a personal level.
- Comfortable casual “Winter» clothes for to cover 2 nights/ 3 days (washing facilities will be available.)
- Comfortable, waterproof snow boots for walking.
- Sweaters and warm socks.
- Toiletries.
- Yoga clothing (around 2-3 sets)
- Eco-water bottle
- Camera (there’ll be incredible photo opportunities!)
- Jacket and Pants for winter sports if you plan to ski/snowboard (There are shops that hire out clothes if you require.)
- Power adapters. In Japan the standard voltage is 100v and the power points are a different shape and configuration.
WHAT IS AN ONSEN?
There are many, wonderful and varied stories about the origins of the onsen.
The main two however, claim it was discovered by a group of ascetics called
Yamabushi who trained by roaming the mountains; Or it was found by a hunter
who followed an injured bear that then led him to the source. While we may
never know the true origins for certain, we do know that the springs around
Nozawa Onsen have been in use for many generations.
Today Nozawa Onsen is a popular hot-spring health resort thanks to
efforts of the local villagers in developing the town and its springs for all to
enjoy. In the village’s Onsen district there are thirteen unique public bathhouses
called “SOTOYU” and visitors can sample any or all of them on a relaxing
onsen pilgrimage.
Please be mindful of the rules; the do’s and don’ts of Onsen Etiquette.
