Tokyo - 3 nights

Our journey begins in Tokyo, we begin in the vivid meeting point of old and new Japan. This is a city where neon streets, tiny restaurants, elegant department stores and fast-moving stations sit alongside hidden shrines, temple gates, incense, gardens and moments of surprising stillness. Tokyo is often imagined as overwhelming, but beneath its speed there is beauty, precision and ritual everywhere… in the way food is prepared, tea is served, flowers are arranged, trains are entered, and quiet respect is held in public spaces. It gives us our first taste of Japan’s extraordinary contrast: the modern world alive with ancient threads still running through it.
During our first few days we will explore Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace area, experience a Japanese hand rolled sushi class, visit Tsukiji Market, explore Shibuya and visit Meiji Jingu Shrine. There is also free time to explore independently, eat locally and take in a city.

Nagano and Komoro  - 3 nights

We leave Tokyo by Shinkansen and travel into Nagano. Here the retreat takes a quieter turn. At Zenkoji, one of Japan’s most historic Buddhist temples, we explore the temple grounds, experience shakyo and stay overnight in a traditional shukubo temple lodging. The following morning we attend O asaji morning temple service and experience zazen meditation. From there we travel to Komoro and stay for two nights at Nakatanaso, a historic onsen ryokan established in 1898.

We will visit a sake brewery, practise yoga at the ryokan, walk through Ikenotaira Wetland at around 2,000 metres altitude and have time to relax in the hot springs. 

This part of the journey gives us more space, nature and stillness before travelling on to Kyoto.

Kyoto - 4 nights

In Kyoto we enter the cultural heart of the journey. We arrive with an afternoon visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha, walking amongst its famous vermilion torii gates before settling into our hotel in central Kyoto. Over the following days we explore Kiyomizu dera and Gion with a local guide, take part in a traditional tea ceremony, walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and along Hozu Gorge amongst the autumn colours. 

Kyoto is a place of temples, shrines, old streets, traditional food and extraordinary beauty. It is somewhere to slow down and really look. I left a piece of my heart in Kyoto, and it has been calling me back ever since.

Returning to Tokyo

On our final full day we return to Tokyo by Shinkansen.

After arriving we explore historic Asakusa with a guide, including Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street, before coming together for a final dinner overlooking Tokyo at night.

We depart the following morning after breakfast. 

The Accomodation

Across the retreat we experience several different styles of Japanese accommodation. In Tokyo we begin at Ochanomizu Hotel Juraku, conveniently situated for exploring the city.

At Zenkoji we stay overnight at a traditional shukubo temple lodging within the temple grounds. Rooms are Japanese style and bathrooms are shared, giving us an opportunity to experience temple accommodation as pilgrims have for generations. 

In Komoro we stay for two nights at Nakatanaso, a historic onsen ryokan surrounded by nature, with traditional Japanese style rooms and hot spring bathing. 

In Kyoto we stay at Hotel MyStays Kyoto Shijo in central Kyoto, within easy reach of the city. 

Our final night is at Shinagawa Tobu Hotel in Tokyo, chosen for its convenient transport links for onward journeys and Haneda Airport. 

Twin share and single occupancy options are available, subject to availability.

This retreat is absolutely suitable for solo travellers. If you would love to join alone and share with another solo traveller, you are very welcome.

Please note that hotel rooms are very differnent in Japan, they are small and sparse. But we'll be spending very little time in the hotels!

The Food

Japan has one of the most exciting food scenes in the world and we will do our best to taste as much of it as we can. Expect sushi, warming bowls of ramen, handmade noodles, delicate broths, rice dishes, pickles, tofu, miso, matcha, sweets, seasonal vegetables, beautifully prepared fish and plenty of surprises along the way.

There will be beautifully prepared group meals alongside a few opportunities to head out and explore independently.

Most meals are included. Dinner on Day 2 and Day 8, plus the Day 7 ekiben lunch, are not included as it's part of the fun exploring the food scene as it calls to you individually! 

This will not be “retreat food” in the usual sense. It will be real Japanese food, regional, seasonal, sometimes unfamiliar and very much part of experiencing the country. There will be many meals that you'll love, some that you'll find odd and the occasional option you might not like but this is Japan and we're diving head first into all of it! 

Japan can be more complex for dietary requirements than some retreat destinations, so please talk to Laura about your requirements before booking so we can establish whether they can be accommodated.

Travelling to Japan

International flights are not included. Most guests travelling from the UK are likely to fly into Tokyo, Haneda Airport which is smaller but closer that Narita. I will share flight guidance, suggested arrival times, recommended airports and practical travel information.

As with my other overseas retreats, the aim is to make the journey feel supported, clear and straightforward… so you can look forward to Japan without feeling overwhelmed by the logistics.

International flights are not included in the retreat price. As of today a direct flight with BA is £800 but flight prices are very changeable. I'd recommend budgeting £800 - £1200 for your flight but this may fluctuate. Please note, this will be an overnight flight, and it is a long flight! But well worth it. 

Pay in Three Installments

Payment plans will be confirmed when the retreat opens for booking.

As with my other international retreats, there will likely be a deposit to secure your place, followed by staged payments.

Full payment details, cancellation terms and booking conditions will be shared before any bookings are taken.