Overview
Since our first Japan 2023 week filled up so quickly, we’ve added an overflow week. We are returning to Japan, the ‘land of the rising sun.’ This time we’ll be accompanied by our private guide during our week and led through some of the more hidden, off-the-beaten-path experiences and sacred places in and around Kyoto. On this MINDFUL MOVEMENT itinerary we’ll be exploring yoga combined with various mindfulness classes - both practices designed to lead us to a closer look into the Zen mindset of simplicity, quiet inward focus, and being present. Yoga and meditation classes will be held daily to prepare our bodies and minds. All levels are welcome, and participation is voluntary.
Wellness
Daily practices will be offered in a way to relax, stimulate, and help guests grow in the mindfulness nature of the trip. Classes are open to all levels, beginner to practiced, and can range from gentle and restorative, to vinyasa flow.* In addition, yoga nidra, guided meditation and a walking meditation will be offered. We will have the rare opportunity to attend a led zen meditation as well. This week is uniquely designed to incorporate wellness practices woven throughout our activities and day trips instead of just having a daily morning yoga class. Japan’s culture lends itself to take things slower, be more mindful and intentional, and we will embrace just that as we experience the week and how we approach the itinerary.
Style and class levels will be determined and molded to fit participating students' needs, and with a small intimate retreat class size, students will be able to get personalized attention and comfortability to deeply explore their practice. Our yoga classes during our time in Japan will take place a couple of times at a centuries-old temple in town, while another day we’ll have meditation at the specially designed meditation room at our hotel, and we also will be taking a group meditation walk in the red torii gates. At the temple, we’ll enjoy the serene experience of a Japanese garden just in front of us, while we practice in a room of wood, paper, and tatami mats, where monks still meditate today. This is a very special and unique experience, one of which many tourists will never have been able to participate.
About
Gallery
About The Host
Alison Sager
This retreat will be led by our guide, Alison Sager who is certified 500-hr RYT in mindful vinyasa, movement studies and restorative yoga through New England School of Yoga Therapeutics and has completed advanced studies in the intersection of Yoga, Mindfulness, Neuroscience, Psychology, Movement Studies, and Contemplative Practice. She studied under the guidance of Bo Forbes and mindfulness teachers, Bill and Susan Morgan, founding members of the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy in Cambridge, MA USA. Her extensive background includes trainings with Leslie Kaminoff, Judith Hanson Lasater, Tom Myers, Tias Little and Chelsea Roff. She is a certified Radiant Child Yoga Teacher and certified in Eat Breathe Thrive’s Yoga, Food & Body Image Intensive.
Alison has worked privately one-on-one with clients, consulted and developed yoga and mindfulness programs for corporations and schools, and has taught group classes. She also participated in a Clinical Supervision Group in Yoga Therapy for three years from 2013 – 2016. Additionally, she has assisted trainings, online courses and workshops including at The Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health and Yoga Journal Live! New York. Her work has appeared in Organic Spa magazine. A longtime practitioner of yoga and mindfulness, Alison has an integrative, embodied approach to teaching. Her extensive background in yoga therapy enables her to tailor classes and private sessions to accommodate challenges such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, injuries, neurological disorders, body image and disordered eating and long-term illnesses.
Location
Things to keep in mind
FAQ
What if I'm not experienced in yoga, Is this retreat still for me?
We are for all levels of yogis. We've had many yoga beginners come to the retreats and many who found a new love (or renewed love) of the practice. One of the reasons we like to keep the number of guests so small is to better personalize the classes and yoga attention placed on each person. After seeing where each guest is in their yoga practice and level, the classes can be given on what best suits the group. Plus, there is a range of styles and levels taught throughout the week so you can choose the classes which best suit you. The most "advanced" yogi are those who are honest and true with where they are physically and mentally - which can mean holding back and taking it easy when you need rather than over pushing yourself to twist into that advanced pose.
Can I bring a friend/partner who doesn't want to participate in the yoga classes?
Absolutely! Non-participants are always welcome. All classes are voluntary and there is always plenty of activities (or total relaxation) that can be enjoyed in place of one of the yoga classes.
Do I Have to take every yoga class during the week?
Again, all classes (and activities) are completely voluntary. I always say to guests that the retreat weeks are for you...whatever you need. So if you need to take it easy one morning, then by all means, do what you need physically and mentally.
What type of yoga classes are offered, and what levels are welcome?
This is YOUR WEEK so you're encouraged to take the time you need, go at your own speed, and try and let go - whether that means diving in deep into the morning and evening classes for the week, or maybe it means needing to rest one day instead. There are usually a big variety of levels and we love that guests can attend and participate without feeling any pressure. That said, for a basic overview, we do a general vinyasa flow in the mornings about 60-75m and enjoy an evening class which is more restorative or themed (hips, heart-openers) for around 40m. There are various meditation times throughout the week with about 15m guidance of various methods and encouragement to take any free-time to explore further on your own if you wish. And this week is much more than just ASANAS (the physical movements of yoga). Hopefully it can be about finding something, letting something go, gaining balance in life, and enjoying many aspects of the holiday - from the cuisine, daytrips, a beautiful culture, and new friends!
What if I'm a single traveler?
Many of our guests come alone and we match up based on guest profile which has always worked out really well. All the rooms are spacious with separate beds and private bathrooms. Plus most guests find that they are mainly only in the rooms to sleep as most tend to relax in the common areas (salons, terraces, pool, etc) when we're not in class, on daytrips, or having meals. It's up to you if you prefer the single room, but it's not required if signing up alone as we will pair you with another guest. The locations and villas differ on policy as some have extra rooms to offer and we can accommodate a single supplement at a reasonable price upon request. A couple of our locations have very limited space with just enough rooms for the number of guests in the retreat, so supplements tend to be higher as it’s mainly covering the cost of another guest. All details can be given upon request.