Experience a true retreat away from your habitual routines, city chaos, and hoards of tourists. Immerse yourself in a serene Japan where history has been carefully preserved, mythology breathes in the clear mountain air, carried on the sea breeze. This is the Japan of my childhood; before I ever ventured to Kyoto or Tokyo in adulthood, this quiet magic was my yearly experience of Japan - a sanctuary I am privileged to share with you now.

Yamaguchi, meaning ‘mouth of the mountain,’ is the city and prefecture that holds the rural town of my family. I have chosen a neighboring town, Tsuwano(AKA Little Kyoto) as our first home base to explore surrounding areas. This will include partaking in a local autumn festival, hiking through a breathtaking gorge, standing atop castle ruins, walking the passage of 1000 Torii shrine gates, feeding koi fish that line the sidewalks, and so much more that you can read in our itinerary.

We will get to experience the seaside Hagi Castle Town, home to one of my favorite temples, on our way back to central Yamaguchi.

Our second home base is more centralized in the city of Yamaguchi in an area called Yuda Onsen. It is hot spring central with open foot baths scattered across the city. Here we will experience why Yamaguchi is known as Kyoto of the West with the newly renovated Rurikoji pagoda nestled in rich foliage.

This cultural immersion weaves in mindful movement, local crafts/activities, delicious food, all while embracing the coziness of autumn at luxurious hot spring hotels.

1. Awareness - Refunds are not available, so please read through all details regarding this trip to ensure this is the right fit for you. I will send emails leading up to the retreat with essential info to prepare you for your trip.

2. Timeliness - Prompt readiness for arrival and departure to and from Shin Yamaguchi is essential for the experience of all. This is why it is required to stay nearby on 10/31, as it is difficult to get into the rural town on your own if you are late. During the retreat, timing will be more flexible, but we will have reservations for some activities/food/practice rooms, so please be respectful of everyone’s experience. You are always welcome to opt out of anything to pursue your own interests.

3. Cultural Respect - It is a privilege to experience an area of Japan that doesn’t see tourists as often. Please be mindful that rural areas are more conservative in general, specifically in regards to tattoos. The time of year lends itself to covered clothing, so this shouldn’t be an issue. Please do not take direct pictures of townsfolk without consent.

Shin Yamaguchi Station is the start and end point for our retreat. We will meet here the morning of 11/1, and I will guide you back here the morning of 11/6.

1 nights stay in Shin Yamaguchi, Hiroshima, or Fukuoka on 10/31 is required so that our journey has a smooth start on 11/1. I will give more specifics on best options for your itinerary upon registration.

Prices listed reflect $200 off early bird pricing thru April 30th.

The specialized nature of this retreat lends itself to higher expenses, so other discounts/scholarships are not available at this time.

~ “It has been my good fortune to attend two of Anika’s retreats.  Her knowledge of and affection for Japanese culture filled every day with fun and inspiring visits and activities. Opportunities to create unique crafts and try delicious food and drink were priorities. There was also time for contemplation and companionship thanks to Anika’s thoughtful plans for lovely accommodations, organized transportation and scenic walks.  Anika’s retreats are an ideal way to learn and grow through travel. ”

~ “The Yoga and Cultural Immersion retreat with Anika was such a joy! I felt I experienced Japan in a way that I never would have been able to do alone. The group container was safe and supportive, and the yoga was a welcome compliment to the active walking and exploration we were able to do each day. I definitely recommend this retreat to any yoga lovers who want to be able to fully experience Japan's culture and sights.”

~ “I’ve always been curious about Japan, but wanted to go with a local who knew the area. When I heard about Anika’s cultural immersion retreat, which also included yoga, I knew I had to go. The yoga sessions were a welcome compliment to all the walking we did and were a perfect way to unwind after an epic day of sight-seeing. Overall, it was one of the best trips I've ever taken. I made forever memories, and can’t wait to go back.”

• Our morning movement practices will be energizing without fatiguing, evening practices gentle and soothing.

• We will walk a good amount daily with our exploration of different towns, and nature hikes. Depending on the day, this may range from 2-6miles, though not all at once. Conscious stops for seated/relaxed activities are embedded throughout our days.

• the itinerary is subject to change based on availability, weather, and the needs of the group.

• 10:15 Meet at Shin-Yamaguchi Station

• 11 walk the trail of autumn leaves to and thru Longevity Village

• 12 local washi paper making actvities

• 1 local specialty soba lunch

• 2 movement practice

• 4 Grandma’s house

• settle in Tsuwano hotel equipped with personal onsen bath

• 5:30 evening wellness rituals

• 7 local dinner

A day grounded in the mystical town of Tsuwano

• 7:30 Breakfast at Hotel

• 9 Hike to Tsuwano Castle Ruins - movement practice at the top!

• 11 chair lift down the mountain + Taikodani shrine through the 1,000 Torii gates

• 12:30 lunch

• 2 Tsuwano’s specialty confectionery workshop

• 3 traditional sake distillery tour

• 4 free time (shop local goods, art museum, cat cafe, etc.)

• 5:30 evening wellness rituals

• 7 dinner

• 7:30 Hotel Breakfast

• 9 Taxi to Chomonkyo

• 9:30 taiko drum opening ceremony

• 10 enjoy festival+hike Chomonkyo gorge

• 1:00 lunch , local goods browsing at 'roadside station'

• 3:30 free time in tsuwano(massage, temple, hot springs etc)

• 5:30 evening wellness rituals

• 7 dinner

• 7:30 Breakfast at hotel

• 9 goodbye tsuwano - bus to the coast

• 10 practice at Hagi Castle Ruins

• 12 lunch, strolling historic streets and shops

• 2 towering monoliths of Tokoji Temple

• 3 Ocean views, soaring birds, hidden shrines

• 4 head to yamaguchi hotel

• 6 yin/gentle practice

• 7:30 dinner

• 7:30/8 Breakfast at hotel

• 9 leave hotel for morning practice

• 10:30 Yamaguchi’s specialty confectionery workshop

• 12:00 Rurikoji pagoda and surrounding surprises

• 1:30 ‘Roof tile’ soba

• 2:30 local craft experience(Japanese House Dolls)

• 3:30-5:30 free time (shopping, cafes, museums, hot springs, etc.)

• 6 closing practice

• 7:30 dinner

• Buffet Breakfast at hotel and check out by 9:45am

• 10 Yuda Onsen station

• 10:30 Shin Yamaguchi station - goodbyes, next adventures