Flowyo Yoga and Adventure Retreat in Kyoto, Japan

Flowyo Yoga and Adventure Retreat in Kyoto, Japan

One of the best times to visit Japan is in the spring when the world-famous Japanese cherry blossoms are in full bloom. So we thought to ourselves, what if we combined cherry blossoms with yoga on a wellness retreat? It was a match made in heaven!

This retreat will include travel around Japan with a local private guide. We will enjoy yoga as scheduled, along with daily cultural experiences.

Day 1 - Tokyo

Welcome to Tokyo, the nation's capital!

Did you know that with over 9 million residents, Tokyo is classified as the largest city in the world? And that's not even counting the neighboring cities in the Greater Tokyo region, bringing the number to a whopping 36 million!

Your private car will collect you from the airport and take you to your accommodations.

Before our group dinner and orientation, we will visit the famous Shibuya Crossing: The busiest crossing in Tokyo

Shibuya Crossing is one of Tokyo's most recognizable sights, pictured in countless films, magazines and blogs. During its busiest times, an estimated 1,000 to 2,500 people forge their way across this intersection every two minutes, enough to quickly fill up a football stadium.

7:00 PM - Welcome dinner as a group followed by an orientation.

Day 2 - Tokyo

Yoga at a nearby park as a group

Today you will experience a guided tour of both Tsukiji fish markets before heading to a nearby kitchen to make your own sushi lunch.

Tsukiji fish market was constructed just after the devastating 1923 earthquake, and quickly became the biggest dealer of fish in the country. Although this portion of the market has now been moved to Toyosu, the Outer Tsukiji Market still remains as lively as ever and is a must for anyone who loves sushi! 

You'll then meet your local guide who will introduce you to one of Tokyo's most important shrines, Meiji Jingu, which is said to house the spirit of the Meiji Emperor. 

Then you’ll move to the trendy fashion hub of Harajuku complete with its fascinating costume galleries and character cafes; and beautiful Sensoji temple. Be sure to keep an eye out for blooming cherry blossoms trees as you explore Tokyo.

Day 3  - Okutama day trip

Yoga at a nearby park as a group

Today you'll journey outside of the bustling metropolis that is Tokyo to enjoy something slightly slower paced.

You'll watch the city fade into countryside as you exchange busy streets and skyrises for majestic natural scenery and forest. Your guide for the day will meet you at the station and proceed to introduce you to the practice of forest bathing, the act of immersing oneself in nature for a period of time in order to improve one’s health in body and mind.

Take in the beauty Okutama's forest trails and enjoy some of the local countryside cuisine as you slow down, relax and forget life's business for a few hours.

On your return to Tokyo, you will have plenty of options for activities, restaurants and neighborhoods to choose how to spend your final night in the city.

Day 4 - Mt Fuji

Yoga at a nearby park as a group

One of the best things about spring in the Mt Fuji region is the blossoming of its tulip fields, and today you'll see one of the best. A train journey will take you to one of Fuji's 5 lakes, Yamanakako. Here you'll take in the site of thousands of tulips blooming in front of a brilliant Mt Fuji. Enjoy the fresh spring air as you explore the park by bicycle, or enjoy it by foot if you prefer.

In the area you'll also find an amazing floral dome which feels like being transported into a European garden! The picturesque Myojin waterfall is also only a short distance away.

After, enjoy a cruise on the lake before heading to your next destination by train - Isawa Onsen. Here you can look forward to relaxing in the onsen hotsprings of your ryokan and enjoying a traditional dinner.

Day 5 - Kanazawa

Yoga at a nearby park as a group

Today, you will board your first bullet train to the city of Kanazawa, also known as the city of gold. After meeting your private guide and dropping your bags, it's time to explore.

Stops for today will include: Kenroku-en, one of the three finest landscape gardens in Japan. This will include a visit to an ancient wooden villa with a fascinating history; Kanazawa Castle, which was for a long time a prime seat of power for the Maeda clan. It's also a fantastic place to take in the ground's cherry blossoms trees. 

Next you’ll see the Nomura Clan Samurai Home, which belonged to a high-ranking samurai family who ultimately lost their fortune with the advent of the Meiji Era. Finally, you’ll enter the city's oldest market for lunch.

In the evening take a stroll along the city's canals as you take your pick of where to dine for the night. Dinner as a group or on your own.

Day 6 - Kyoto

Yoga at a nearby park as a group

Today you will bid farewell to Kanazawa and hop on the bullet train to Kyoto. This former capital of Japan is bursting with history and culture. You'll start your time here with a Buddhist meditation lesson where you'll learn about and experience how the temple's monks go about focusing their minds. You'll then witness a short traditional tea ceremony, enjoying a hot cup of Green Matcha tea.

Then make your way, with your guide, to what is arguably the most famous shrine in Japan, Fushimi Inari. Featured in the movie 'Memoirs of a Geisha', this shrine has over 10,000 picturesque red 'torii' gates donated by people and various businesses from all over Japan as a sign of appreciation to the god Inari. It is also special as it is one of the few shrines in Japan that is open 24 hours. You will visit it around sunset once the crowds die down.

Day 7 - Kyoto

Yoga at a nearby park as a group

Meet your private guide at your hotel before moving onto the tranquil district of Arashiyama. Your day will start with a tour of the area including the UNESCO World Heritage site Tenryuji temple, which is known for its tranquil zen garden and is ranked first amongst the 5 great zen temples. You'll also walk through the famous bamboo grove behind it. Standing amidst these soaring stalks of bamboo is like being in another world!

Day 8  – Kyoto/Osaka

Yoga at a nearby park as a group

Today you'll have half the day free to explore Kyoto and the wider Kansai region at your leisure. Here are a few of our recommendations:

• Breakfast and shopping in Nishiki Market.
• Day trip to Kobe which boasts the world's longest suspension bridge and is known for its famous A5 quality wagyu beef.
• Walk the gardens of the Imperial Palace.
• Day trip to Himeji: This city is famous for its castle which is said to be the most beautiful in Japan.
• Visit the Wazuka tea plantation: This small town produces almost half of the country's Matcha tea and offers visitors the opportunity to pick leaves.

In the evening you'll head to Osaka for a street food tour where you'll get to taste some of the region’s most distinctive dishes, like Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki, amongst other things!

Day 9 - Tokyo

Yoga at a nearby park as a group

Bid farewell to Japan today as you travel to the airport to board your flight, and reflect on all the amazing memories you’ve made during your trip!

A bullet train to Tokyo will take approximately 4 hours and is a good option if your flight leaves in the evening; whereas a return flight from Kansai International will mean a shorter journey to the airport and perhaps a morning free for some last-minute exploration.

PRICE INCLUDES:

• Accommodation - 8 days/7 nights in luxury accommodations
• Airport Transfers - Pick-up and drop-off at Tokyo airport (HND or NRT)
• Meals - All meals during the retreat (breakfast, lunch, & dinner)
• Transportation - Support and transportation throughout the retreat
• Private Guide - Local private guide for our group only
• Yoga Classes - Yoga as listed on itinerary
• 7-Day Japan Rail Pass - Pass for local transportation, including the bullet train

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Airfare - Airfare to and from Japan
• Additional Items - Souvenirs, drinks, snacks, additional excursions, or other personal items
• Alcoholic Beverages - Any alcoholic beverages (unless listed on itinerary)
• COVID-19 - Any COVID-19 related tests or documentation (if applicable)
• Insurance - Travel insurance and medical insurance (required)
• Travel Fees - Any travel-related fees (visas, passports, baggage, etc.)

PRICE:

$7725 per person based on double occupancy. This includes the booking fee.

$700 extra for single occupancy

TO RESERVE:

Payments can be made via cash, check, Venmo - OR by credit card for an additional 3.5% processing fee. Venmo is preferred. Venmo: @amandaflowyo

A $1030 deposit per person is required to reserve your spot on the retreat. This deposit is non-refundable.

Your trip is required to be paid in full 90 days prior to departure. You are responsible for purchasing your own flights and travel insurance. We can help you arrange both if you would like assistance.

PAYMENT & CANCELLATION POLICY:

The deadline to book an international retreat is 90 days before the retreat begins; however, some exceptions can be made based on availability. Email Amanda at amanda@flowyo.com to inquire about booking after the deadline has passed.

A $1,030 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking. Payment in full is required 90 days before departure for international retreats. Invoices not paid in full within 7 days of the aforementioned deadlines are subject to trip cancellation.

Any payments made before the 90-day  deadline are fully refundable minus the $1,030 deposit. All cancellations after the payment deadline are non-refundable, and guests are encouraged to file a claim with their travel insurance for reimbursement. In the unlikely event that we cancel the retreat, guests will be provided a full 100% refund of their booking. Please note that we partner with several third-party booking platforms with separate deposit and cancellation policies. Please refer to their specific cancellation policies if booking through a third-party partner.

INSURANCE:

We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance, which can reimburse you for unexpected trip cancellation and expenses related to travel delays, lost or delayed baggage, emergency medical or evacuation.

PASSPORT AND VISA:

International travel requires your passport to be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip. In addition, please check with the appropriate consulate or embassy for the latest visa requirements.

PRIOR TO YOUR DEPARTURE:

Inform your bank of travel destinations to avoid blocked transactions. Sign up for State Department/Embassy alerts.