Japan A Taste of Tradition
24th - 30th may 2026
izu peninsula - japan
Join us for 6 nights on the stunning Izu peninsula staying at a modern wellness centre (exclusive to us) fully equiped with luxurious onsen and hot stone sauna, with an adjacent Zen temple to practice yoga. Taking the best of what this very traditional society has to offer and incorporating a more pragmatic spiritual understanding with beautifully expansive nature experiences to facilitate a retreat that will benefit you in so many ways.
Izu peninsula has it ALL, amazing beaches, rich history, relaxing onsens, and breathtaking landscapes. The diversity of landscapes makes this area so special, with quaint towns, rice fields, mountains, views of Mt Fuji, rivers, waterfalls, wasabi farms, hot springs, caves and even has it’s own spiral bridge! This is Japan’s most underrated hot spring region and it is delightfully uncrowded.
Our program is an exquisite combination of Japanese relaxation rituals, cultural experiences, nature excursions, delicious food, and yoga. Each day you’ll enjoy meditation and then an energising morning vinyasa flow. In the afternoon a relaxing yin practice, including self-guided myofascial release and a blissful guided deep relaxation (yoga nidra).
We will have the benefit of a full time, on-site Japanese interpreter assuring you the opportunity to easily communicate with anyone. We know interacting and connecting with locals is essential for an unforgettable trip. Our interpreter will seamlessly switch between English and Japanese so you can understand and be understood.
Everything will be taken care of for you, so you can truely relax and enjoy this retreat.
Location
Japan offers the most unique travel experience where modern, old and nature coexist peacefully and orderly. It is one of the world’s safest destinations with very high hygiene standards, and the Japanese people are so helpful and kind hearted.
Kawazu on the Izu Peninsula is the ideal location for our retreat, surrounded by raw beauty & serenity. Our modern wellness centre will be our home for this 6 day retreat experience. The Zen temple is a sacred place for the Shugendo tradition, a spirituality that blends both Shinto (nature worship) and Buddhism.
Private transfers will be organised to pick you up from a hotel in Tokyo that we will recommend. Of course you are free to arrive at any time and enjoy all that Tokyo has to offer. The transfer will be a scenic 3 hour journey to our retreat venue.
Highlights
Accommodation
Food
onsen hot pools
Jogasaki CoastAL WALK
YOga SPace
nature fix
INCLUSIONs
Japan A Taste of traditon Retreat includes:
- Six nights accommodation in a modern wellness centre exclusive to our group with unlimited access to Onsen and stone sauna.
- All meals, includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Showcasing Japan’s wide range of local and seasonal ingredients and cooking methods.
- Private vehicle transportation from Tokyo to Izu Peninsula and return to Mishima train station.
- Opening ceremony of prayers conducted by monks at Jigenin Zen Temple.
- Traditional tea ceremony ritual
- Welcome gifts
- Guided walk along the famous Jogaski coast with lunch on route and a special onsen visit.
- Excursion to a wasabi farm to learn the complicated process of growing and harvesting wasabi
- Japanese cooking class- preparing and enjoying lunch
- Exploring the small coastal town of Shimoda
- A leisurely walk to the Kawazu Nanadaru waterfalls. There are seven waterfalls along the walkway.
- Local Guide and interpreting service throughout the retreat
- Guided hike to Mt Daruma with spectacular views
- Private transportation for the entire duration of the retreat
- Filtered water
- Daily cleaning service
- Complimentary tea and coffee available all day
- Towels supplied daily and traditional Japanese pyjamas
- Free internet in rooms and public areas
- All yoga, meditation and relaxation classes.
- One month free access to all our online classes prior to retreat starting, includes access to over 1,000 classes.
Other indulgences on offer:
Japanese massage & spa treatments, shopping, and relaxing at the beach.
Investment
JPY 520,000 per person ($5,900 NZD exchange rate on 15 July 2025) twin rooms with toliet and washbasins.
Limited single rooms with toliet and washbasins an additional JPY 90,000 ($1,000 NZD).
The bath and shower will be in the communal Onsen space.
$800 NZD non-refundable deposit will secure your place.
Please note the final payment will be in NZ, Australian or American dollars at the exchange rate 90 days prior to to retreat starting.
The retreat starts Sunday at 10am in Tokyo and finishes when we leave Saturday at 10am for Mimisha train station.
Important information – We are really embracing the Japanese way of life on this retreat. It is not possible to order western style meals. The rooms are either western beds or Japanese futons on the floor- should you require a western bed please advise us at time of booking. Each room has a toilet and wash basin. The bath and shower will be in the communal Onsen space. Japanese culture does not prioritise privacy in their communal showers, although it is strictly seperate male and female.
To register please email: [email protected]
Not included in the package
International airfares
Travel insurance
Spa treatments, special drinks, laundry service
BOOK THIS RETREAT:
As always, there are limited places and this retreat is likely to fill up quickly. If you are interested in coming please let us know soon, to avoid disappointment.
Reach out to us today so we can reserve your spot. Email: [email protected]
Itinerary
Itinerary Overview
7 Day All Inclusive Retreat
Start : Tokyo hotel (recommended hotel will be given) Finish : Mishima Train Station (we can travel together back to Tokyo)
This itinerary overview is designed as a flexible framework, allowing us to adapt and flow with the moment, ensuring that your experience is nothing short of extraordinary. Each evening, we’ll offer a briefing on the plans for the upcoming day, inviting you to relinquish the role of organiser. In your journey, you’ll find unwavering support and guidance from our dedicated team, Marie, Matt, and Rika making this retreat an unforgettable and magical experience.
Arrival in Tokyo
Welcome to bustling Tokyo! On arrival you will make your way to our recommended hotel accommodation. We will be waiting there to greet you!
Day 1: Journey to the Izu Peninsula
We will travel by private coach to Kawazu, Izu Peninsula (3h) and check into your accommodation for the next 6 Nights. Join us for a ceremony of prayers and incantations for our safe journey conducted by a priest at Jigenin Zen temple. Followed by an orientation of the venue. Unpack, relax or try the onsite Onsen, stone sauna. Evening yoga followed by a welcome dinner.
Day 2: Kawazu Nanadaru Waterfall
After meditation/yoga and a scrumptious breakfast, we will have a leisurely walk at the Kawazu Nanadaru waterfall. There are seven waterfalls next to the walkway. Waterfalls range from 2m to an astonishing 30m in height. This is an idealic location for meditation by the waterfall. Return to the retreat venue to experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Yoga in the evening followed by dinner.
Day 3: Jogasaki Coastal Hike
Morning meditation/yoga followed by breakfast. Today, we will walk along the beautiful Jogasaki Coast (3 or 6km, depending on your fitness level), located on the east side of the Izu Peninsula. It offers dynamic views of the jagged cliffs and stone formations created 4000 years ago by the Mt. Fuji eruption. This is a UNESCO Global Geopark listed site. Lunch en route and outdoor onsen experience overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Return to the accommodation. Yoga class followed by dinner.
Day 4: Shimoda
Wake for your morning meditation and yoga practice. After breakfast, an excursion to a small coastal town, Shimoda. It is nestled amongst hills, located near the tip of the Izu Peninsula, historically significant as a port town. It was one of the first ports in Japan open to international trade and home to the best Izu peninsula beaches. Evening yoga practice followed by dinner.
Day 5: Hiking Mt. Daruma
Wake for our morning meditation/yoga followed by breakfast. Today is a day of hiking in Mt. Daruma with a local mountain guide. One peak of the Nekoetsuka mountain range rises in the northwestern part of the Izu Peninsula—982 m above sea level. The mountain trail’s north and west sides face Suruga Bay and offer fascinating views of Mount Fuji over the bay. Moderate fitness level is required. Evening yoga practice followed by dinner.
Day 6: Kawazu
After breakfast and yoga, we will visit a wasabi farm. This region has proudly farmed wasabi for more than 400 years. Wasabi (Japanese horseradish) is one of the most difficult plants to grow, and to go from a plant to those little green sachets is a complicated process that requires very specific growing conditions. Participate in a Japanese cooking class and make your lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing with on-site Thai massage, foot reflexology, or lymph massage, followed by evening yoga. Farewell dinner at our accommodation.
Day 7: Kawazu – Haneda/Narita Airport
Early morning yoga. After breakfast, soak up your final view of Izu before our transfer to Mishima train station.
**Departure flights must be after 4pm to utilise the group transfer.
Self-guided extension packages to Kyoto or Tokyo are available.
Image Gallery
