Tokyo • Inuyama • Nagaragawa Onsen • Gujo Hachiman
Discover a quieter and more traditional side of Japan through yoga, historic towns, natural hot springs and unforgettable cultural experiences.
From the vibrant streets of Tokyo to peaceful mountain towns, we’ll journey into the heart of rural Japan, staying beside the Nagara River and in the enchanting town of Gujo Hachiman.
Along the way, we’ll explore traditional streets, enjoy regional Japanese cuisine, practise yoga in local temples and experience the warmth of Japanese hospitality.
This is not a retreat spent rushing between famous tourist attractions. It is an opportunity to slow down and experience places that many visitors to Japan never discover.
All yoga sessions and activities are optional.
This retreat includes:
• 1 night at Park Hotel Tokyo
• 3 nights at the historic Juhachiro Ryokan, Nagaragawa Onsen
• 3 nights in the mountain town of Gujo Hachiman
• Daily yoga and meditation sessions
• Yoga in traditional Japanese temples
• Access to natural onsen hot spring baths
• Travel on Japan’s famous Shinkansen (bullet train)
• Guided exploration of historic Inuyama Castle Town
• A welcome dinner at a traditional Japanese izakaya
• Traditional kaiseki dinners at our ryokan
• Delicious Japanese breakfasts throughout the retreat
• Private transfers throughout the retreat
• Free time to relax and explore at your own pace
• The use of all yoga equipment
• A welcome pack
ACCOMMODATION
From contemporary Tokyo to traditional Japanese inns and a peaceful mountain town, each stage of the retreat offers a different experience of Japan.
Our first night is spent at the elegant Park Hotel Tokyo, perfectly located for exploring the city before we begin our journey into the countryside.
We’ll then spend three nights at the historic Juhachiro Ryokan in Nagaragawa Onsen. Overlooking the Nagara River, this traditional inn combines warm Japanese hospitality, natural hot spring baths and beautifully prepared seasonal cuisine.
For the final three nights, we’ll stay in the charming mountain town of Gujo Hachiman, where peaceful streets, flowing waterways and surrounding mountains provide the perfect setting to end our journey through Japan.
Throughout the retreat, you’ll experience the unique atmosphere of Japanese hospitality while enjoying comfortable accommodation carefully chosen for both its character and location.
HEALTHY EATING
Food is an important part of the Bluerise experience, and Japan is one of the world’s great culinary destinations.
Throughout the retreat you’ll enjoy beautifully prepared regional cuisine, from our relaxed welcome dinner at a traditional Tokyo izakaya to elegant multi-course kaiseki dinners at our riverside ryokan.
Every meal is an experience in itself, showcasing seasonal ingredients, regional specialities and the incredible attention to detail for which Japanese cuisine is renowned.
Breakfast is included each morning, while some lunches are left free, giving you the opportunity to discover local cafés, restaurants and regional specialities at your own pace.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Holly Warren is a teacher trainer, workshop leader and international retreat facilitator with over 1600hrs teacher training experience.
As a life long student of Yoga, her ability to convey movement dialogue in an accessible and intelligent way comes from her eclectic background. Initially training with the Northern School of Contemporary Dance and at The Place, she had an eight year professional contemporary dance career, worked as tutor on three month residential leadership training programs and led four day breath and meditation workshops. Where she developed a daily sitting practice with an emphasis on the movement of breath. She also uses Yoga Nidra and NeuroLinguistic Programming as tools to support her life and teaching.
As a creative facilitator with 15 years teaching experience, Holly’s teaching focuses on awareness and sensation of breath. As well as developing healthy body mechanics, alignment, postural strength and vitality through movement and mindfulness. Having had the pleasure of learning with Yoga Master Sri OP Tiwari, Director of Kaivalyadhama, Paul Dallaghan and Adyashanti she recently undertook the Mindfulness Meditation facilitation program with Buddhist teacher and psychotherapist Michael Stone. Her passion rests with keeping it simple and the investigation of the basics in her own practice.
Holly’s website: www.hollywarrenyoga.com
THE EXPERIENCE
Rather than rushing between famous landmarks, this retreat has been designed to introduce you to a quieter, more authentic side of Japan.
Our journey combines vibrant cities, historic castle towns, peaceful riverside hot springs and traditional mountain communities, with plenty of time to slow down and appreciate each destination.
There is a moderate amount of walking throughout the week as we explore temples, historic streets, riverside paths and local neighbourhoods, but this is not a hiking retreat.
All hikes and activities are optional.
NAGARAGAWA ONSEN
Nestled beside the beautiful Nagara River, Nagaragawa Onsen is one of Japan’s most peaceful hot spring destinations.
We’ll spend three nights here at the historic Juhachiro Ryokan, where yoga sessions, natural hot spring baths and traditional kaiseki dining create the perfect opportunity to unwind after travelling from Tokyo.
Life moves at a slower pace here, allowing you to relax, reconnect and experience the warmth and hospitality for which Japanese ryokans are famous.
GUJO HACHIMAN
For the second half of the retreat, we’ll stay in the enchanting mountain town of Gujo Hachiman.
Known as Japan’s “Town of Water”, Gujo Hachiman is famous for its crystal-clear canals, traditional wooden streets and beautiful mountain setting. Water flows throughout the town, colourful koi swim beneath your feet and fresh spring water remains part of everyday life.
Our yoga sessions will take place in local temples, while free time allows you to explore at your own pace. Visit the hilltop castle, wander the quiet streets, discover artisan shops or simply sit beside the river and watch daily life unfold.
Gujo Hachiman offers a wonderfully peaceful and authentic glimpse into traditional Japan.
WHAT TO BRING
We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing suitable for October, a warm layer for cooler evenings and a waterproof jacket.
All yoga equipment is provided, although you’re welcome to bring your own mat if you prefer.
Towels, slippers and other essentials are provided at our accommodation, so there’s no need to pack anything extra.
After booking, you’ll receive a detailed pre-arrival guide covering everything from what to pack and travelling in Japan to local etiquette, onsen customs and useful travel tips.
TESTIMONIALS
‘My yoga retreat with Bluerise far exceeded my expectations. All of the staff were keen to make every day an enjoyable one, and nothing was too much trouble. The schedules were planned each day, though nothing too rigid, the accommodation was outstanding, and to top it all the food was 5* quality. I can’t wait till my next one!’ – Vanessa Reeve
‘The other guests were wonderful; inspiring and real pleasure to spend time with. Everyone involved in running the retreat was very welcoming, friendly and really fun to have around. Eleanor and Anna made us all feel really at home and looked after us brilliantly. Wonderful, inspiring, responsive yoga teacher. I had the best massage I have in years. The food was excellent, absolutely delicious. The views were magnificent. Perfect balance of structure and freedom.’ – Fiona Paveley
‘I can’t recommend this retreat enough! Wonderful people, surroundings, yoga, food, activities….everything. I will be booking again.’ – Rhonda Martin
