TEA, TAIKO, TRIKONASANA AND TEMPURA: A JOURNEY THROUGH JAPAN
Embark on an unforgettable journey through some of Japan’s cultural treasures with Margi Young and our expert local guides! Yoga and meditation will keep us grounded and open throughout this eight-day adventure so that we may be present to all the depth this country and its people have to offer.
The trip begins with a few days in the bustling and thrilling metropolis of Tokyo. From there, we’ll retreat to Shimotakai, staying at a ryokan (a traditional Japanese hotel complete with bathing rituals and a kaiseki multi-course meal). Next, we depart from the cleanest, most orderly train station you’ve ever seen and take a bullet train to the charming historic city of Takayama, located in the mountains of the Gifu Prefecture. After that, we’ll have four days to soak in the cultural richness of Kyoto, visiting a handful of the 1,600 temples and 400 shrines! We’ll be treated to traditional experiences like Taiko drumming, a Zazen meditation, and a tea ceremony.
This will be an awake, meditative encounter with Japan, through all five senses: the majestic sight of Mt. Fuji, the sound of Buddhist monks chanting at dawn, the fragrance of smoking cedar branches from a Buddhist fire ritual, and the sensation of slipping into the hot mineral waters of a rural Onsen. We will savor the world-renowned flavors of Japan, from haute cuisine to enjoying a bowl of homemade noodles sitting alongside locals at a ramen house.
Best of all, we’ll experience the soul of Japan through its people, artists, monks, children, and elders. We may also meet up with some of Margi’s Japanese yoga students and friends! We’ll return home having had a soul connection with Japan!
Highlights
Visits to ancient Shinto shrines, Zen temples, and meditation gardens
Exploration of the technology, art, and trends of Tokyo
1 night in a traditional Ryokan with local cuisine and natural hot spring baths
High-speed train from Tokyo to Yudanaka - home of Japan's famous bathing monkeys
Taiko, Japanese Drumming workshop in Takayama
Exploration of Kyoto including, Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony & Zen Meditation Lesson
An evening with a Geisha: including dinner, performance, and Q & A
Private expert guide
All entry fees for group excursions and tours
Extensive pre-trip assistance
Included
8 nights accommodation
All breakfasts, 5 dinners
Daily curated cultural excursions
Taiko Workshop
Geisha Dinner
Tea Ceremony
Zazen meditation
All ground transport (private coach, train, group airport transfers)
Luggage transfer from Tokyo to Takayama
Private yoga spaces
Expert guide to accompany group
Group arrival and deparure airport transfers
All entrance fees and taxes
NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare
Meals not specified as included
Private airport transfers
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Retreat Location
On this trip we stay in several wonderful properties, chosen either for their grandeur or location, many of which rank among Japan's finest accommodations. In these hotels, all rooms have private baths. Single rooms are limited at all of our hotels. Please contact info@internationalyoga.com to discuss the accommodations in detail.