Photo above: Reiki's Birthplace on Mount Kurama, Kyoto, Japan

November 5-14, 2025

Early Birds save $200 thru May 5, 2025
Group Size: 12-19 Participants

About our Journey...

Begin your 10-day Japan journey with 5 days on Yakushima Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with cedar trees that are over 1,000 years old and pure jungles and forests that bless 90% of the lovingly nicknamed, "Island of Water."  (Yakushima's mystical forests inspired the setting for Hayao Miyazaki's animation film, Princess Mononoke.)  Steep in the healing power of simple living held in ancient wisdom and immerse in guided nature walks of deep shinrin-yoku (forest-bathing), natural hot spring baths, voice healing, Yoga, Reiki and ways to cultivate harmonious relationships with Mama Earth and all her beings, including yourself! 
​
For the next 5 days, explore the cultural capital of Kyoto, adorned with nature-honoring shrines, Buddhist temples, gardens, hiking trails and traditional Japanese culture.  Surrounded by a graceful integration of modern city life, breathtaking nature and spiritual sites, support your well-being and clarity with Guided Yoga, Meditation, Mindful Walking and group Reiki sessions.  In community with like-hearted truth-seekers, let the ancestral beauty of Japan joyfully awaken deep insight and perspective within you.

Who is this retreat for?

This retreat is designed for people of all walks of life who share the intention of opening their heart, mind and body to authentic connection.  It's for those who choose to practice the courage to play outside of their comfort zone and largely unplug in the forest for 5 days to recharge in the joy of simple living and intimate presence.  It's for those who respect the diversity of life on this planet and are curious to learn from it with a beginner's mind.  It's for those who travel with others in community spirit, mindful of how our energies affect each other.  All levels of Yoga and meditation experience are welcome, including beginners.  Walking will be plentiful, so you'll need to be comfortable with being on your feet throughout the day, with leisurely moments to pause and rest.

Our Handcrafted Itinerary for 10 Days

The following itinerary was created with love and in collaboration with our colleagues in Yakushima and guide in Kyoto.  Please note that this is the intended flow of activities and is tentative, pending weather conditions, our group needs and availability of tours.  We will do our best to offer all these activities as planned.  After booking this retreat, closer to the retreat date, you'll receive an updated itinerary with more specific times.  

Meals included on each day are indicated by B (Breakfast), L (Lunch) and D (Dinner).  Some meals are not included, so that you may enjoy the freedom to explore your personal preferences in local Japanese cuisine among the abundant restaurants in Kyoto.

Day 1 (D)
Arrive at Yakushima Airport no later than 2:00PM for your airport transfer to the lodge.
3:00PM Check-In at lodge
Gentle Yoga + Group Reiki to ground from travel
Opening Circle
Dinner
Introduction to Yakushima Island with Local Guide

Day 2 (B, L, D)
8:00AM Vinyasa Flow Yoga + Meditation 
Breakfast
Deep Shinrin-Yoku Nature Immersion with Local Guide
Lunch
Onsen (Natural Hot Spring Bath)
Dinner
Guest Speaker (Nature + Wellness Topic TBA)

Day 3 (B, L, D)
8:00AM Breakfast
Deep Shinrin-Yoku Nature Immersion with Local Guide 
Lunch
Sunset Flow + Restore Yoga + Meditation + Group Reiki
Dinner
Guest Speaker (Nature + Wellness Topic TBA)

Day 4 (B, L, D)
8:00AM Vinyasa Flow Yoga + Meditation
Breakfast
Voice Healing + Waterfall Visit
Onsen (Natural Hot Spring Bath)
Dinner 
Bonfire Somatic Dance + Meditation 

Day 5 (B, D)
7:30AM Vinyasa Flow Yoga + Meditation
Breakfast
10:00AM Check-Out from lodge
Deep Shinrin-Yoku Final Reflection with Local Guide
12:00PM Group Drop-Off at Yakushima Airport 

Reunite with Group at Hotel in Kyoto (Book your flight to Osaka Itami Airport and take limousine bus + taxi to hotel for about 75 minutes ground travel)
4:00PM Check-In at Hotel
6:00PM Group Walk to Dinner

Day 6 (B, L)
7:30AM Morning Mindful Walk to Breakfast
Guided Day Trip with Hike to Reiki's Birthplace, Mount Kurama, includes shrine and temple visits, lunch, Shinrin-Yoku, meditation + Group Reiki session at sacred site

Day 7 (B, L)
7:30AM Morning Mindful Walk to Yoga Studio
​Vinyasa Flow Yoga + Meditation
Breakfast
Cultural Activity: Private Geisha Show, Zen Meditation with Monk or Matcha Tea Ceremony
Visit Kiyomizudera Temple + Stroll traditional neighborhood with shops and cafes
Free Time

​Day 8 (B, L)
7:30AM Morning Mindful Walk to Breakfast
Guided Day Trip to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, includes lunch + Shinrin-Yoku
Stroll West Kyoto neighborhood temple, shops and cafes
Onsen (Natural Hot Spring Bath)

​Day 9 (B, D)
7:30AM Morning Mindful Walk to Yoga Studio
Vinyasa Flow Yoga + Meditation
Breakfast
Free Time to explore on your own
6:00PM Group Walk to Dinner

Day 10 (B/L)
10:00AM Check-Out from Hotel
​Morning Mindful Walk to Brunch + Closing Circle by the Kamo River

Where We'll Stay...

On Yakushima Island, our accommodation is a locally-owned nature-immersed rustic lodge with mostly traditional Japanese-style floor futon beds in single or shared rooms or shared cottages or bungalows with private bathrooms.  Cottages and bungalows have a small kitchen, and bungalows are located about a 5-minute nature walk to the main hall.  Group breakfasts are served on-site in the main hall. WiFi and air conditioning is available in accommodations. 

In Kyoto, we'll stay in a 3-star modern Japanese hotel with Western beds, WiFi, private bathroom with bathtub, coffee + hot water maker, TV, air-conditioning and toiletries.  Our location is conveniently close to Shoren-in Temple, walking distance from Gion-Shijo station and within the famous Geisha district of Gion in Higashiyama.  Traditional shops, restaurants, temples, museums and the famous foodie's haven, Nishiki Market, are within easy walking distance.  Your accommodation is a single or shared room with one or two beds, based on your preference.

What's Included:

• 4 nights stay at a rustic locally-owned lodge on Yakushima Island
• 5 nights stay at a 3-star modern Japanese hotel in Kyoto
• Airport transfers in Yakushima
• Group private transportation to sites in Yakushima
• Plant-based locally-sourced meals, as indicated on itinerary
• Deep Shinrin-Yoku program with Local Guide (Michelle's Teacher in Yakushima)
• Group Yoga with Meditation, Mindful Walking + Reiki sessions with Michelle 
• Group Voice Healing session in nature with local healer in Yakushima
• Group Reiki session + Shinrin-Yoku on Mount Kurama, the sacred birthplace of Reiki with Michelle
• Day Trips in Kyoto with Local Guide
• Admission to onsens in Yakushima + Kyoto
• Cultural Activities in Kyoto
• ​Sightseeing in Yakushima
• ​Bonfire somatic dance session with Michelle
• Guest Speaker Talks with Nature + Wellness Experts in Yakushima
• Support for booking your flight from Yakushima to Osaka Itami for Day 5
• Support for booking your ground transfer to and from Kyoto Hotel for Day 5 + 10

What's Not Included:

• Travel insurance (Recommended for your flights)
• All flights (Note: You will need to book your own domestic flight for November 9, 2025 from Yakushima to Osaka Itami Airport to arrive no later than 3PM.)
• Ground transfer between Osaka Itami Airport + our hotel in Kyoto (about $25USD each way)
• Public transportation costs for day trips (about $10-30USD total) + free time explorations
• Few meals, as indicated on itinerary, to allow for personal exploration of local restaurants

Why Michelle's Inspired to Invite You...

I was initially drawn to journey to Kyoto, Japan, because I sought to deepen my connection to my Reiki practice, a natural healing art that originated there on Mount Kurama, where its first teacher, Mikao Usui, received it after fasting and meditating in solitude for weeks in pursuit of satori, or enlightenment.  During my pilgrimage to this sacred site and to study with a traditional (Jikiden) Reiki teacher, I fell in love with so much about the local culture: prevailing kindness, integrity, humbleness, harmony, wisdom, reverence for nature and ancestors and purity in various forms.  

While researching for my Japan trip, I connected with a teacher of Deep Shinrin-Yoku, or forest-bathing, which I had grown to love practicing and guiding in Los Angeles, CA and originated in Japan too.  Virtually seeing the forests where this guide practiced, the ancient nature there called me.  My time spent with trees of over 1,000 years old and the raw nature of Yakushima was so magical that after returning home I dreamt of the forests for several nights, feeling its visceral presence and nurturance within me.  

Spending time in these places that carry much spiritual wisdom from ancestors and beings who live in harmony with our Mother Earth awakened life-transformative healing and insight.  Moved by gratitude and a longing to share such treasures with other soul-centered seekers, I am honored and excited to invite you on this journey through Yakushima and Kyoto to steep in Yoga, Mindfulness, Shinrin-Yoku and wisdom-filled local culture. 

Read Michelle's Bio here.

Choose Your Retreat Package:

Your retreat investment includes all that's listed in the "What's Included" section of this retreat website and your accommodation choice.  Sign up by May 5, 2025 with only a $500 deposit to receive the Early Bird discounted pricing and complete your payments in installments.  Accommodation choices are available at a first-to-register basis. Investment prices are per person.  Pricing is in US Dollars.

ACCOMMODATION CHOICES:

A) Shared (1 Bed or Futon for 2 People)
$3,444 Early Bird (ends May 5)
​$3,644 after May 5
​
In Yakushima, your accommodation is one 2-person bed or Japanese futon in a room or bungalow for up to 2 people or in the loft level or living area of a cottage that fits up to 4 people (2 people per level).   In Kyoto, your accommodation is a hotel room with a shared full or queen bed.  Please secure your own roommate before registering.

B) Shared (2 Beds or Futons, for 2 People)
​$3,444 Early Bird (ends May 5)
​$3,644 after May 5

​In Yakushima, your accommodation is one of 2 beds or futons in ​a room or bungalow for up to 2 people or in the loft level or living area of a cottage that fits up to 4 people (2 people per level).   In Kyoto, your accommodation is a hotel room with 2 beds.  Please secure your own roommate before registering.

C) Single (Very Limited Number)
​$4,344 Early Bird (ends May 5)
​$4,544 after May 5

In Yakushima, your accommodation is a room or bungalow with a bed or Japanese futon.  If when you register, there are no more single rooms or bungalows, there may be a loft level or living area bed or futon available for a single person to share a cottage with up to 2 other guests.  In Kyoto, your accommodation is a hotel room with a bed.  

Pay in Installments:

A $500 non-refundable non-transferable deposit is required to hold your spot for the retreat upon registration.
By July 5, 2025, 50% of your remaining balance is due.
By September 5, 2025, the remainder of your balance is due.
Registrants are welcome to complete their retreat payments sooner.

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations received in writing by August 5, 2025 will receive a refund of all payments minus the $500 non-refundable deposit and any processing fees incurred for their payment method.  Any cancellations made after August 5, 2025, will not receive a refund.  No exceptions can be made.