Japan 2027: A Sacred Journey Through Nature, Stillness & Traditions
A Sacred Journey Through the Natural Beauty, Stillness, and Timeless Traditions of Japan
Discover Japan with John Vosler & Shanna Hughes
 April 11-22, 2027
Scroll down to learn more!
*Accommodations and the itinerary are subject to change.
About the Retreat
An Invitation to Experience Japan
In the spring of 2027, we’ll gather for an intimate journey through Japan—woven through forests, temples, mountains, quiet villages, and spaces designed for deep rest and reflection.
The retreat will blend meditation, Yoga Nidra, nature immersion, restorative onsen experiences, Buddhist temple stays, cultural traditions, guided exploration, and time to slow down and reconnect with what truly matters. Along the way, we’ll experience Tokyo, Kyoto and Arashiyama, sacred Koyasan, the Kumano region, Nachi, and Osaka.
Our thoughtfully selected accommodations will be an integral part of the journey, from the serene Hotel Niwa Tokyo and Ranzan in Arashiyama to sacred temple lodging at Ekoin or Fudo-in, traditional hot-spring stays in Kumano, and a peaceful coastal retreat in Nachikatsuura.
We are thoughtfully curating the final details now, and the complete itinerary, accommodations, pricing, and registration information will be released soon.
Join the interest list to be the first to know when the official retreat details are announced.
Interested? Join the list below and we’ll email you the Q&A date and Zoom link.
Join Interest ListRetreat Overview*
A thoughtfully curated journey through Japan designed to balance discovery with restoration. Each day will weave together movement, meditation, cultural immersion, meaningful encounters, and time to simply be—creating space to experience Japan more deeply while reconnecting with yourself.
- 11 nights of accommodations in Tokyo, Kyoto/Arashiyama, Koyasan, Kawayu Onsen, Nachi and Osaka
- Daily or near-daily yoga, meditation and Yoga Nidra
- Welcome/orientation and Japanese dinner in Tokyo
- Guided Tokyo sightseeing, including: Meiji Jingu Shrine silent nature walk and Sensoji Temple in Asakusa
- Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto
- ORIN bell workshop visit and sound meditation
- Early-morning silent walk through the Arashiyama
- Bamboo Grove
- Sagano Romantic Train
- Hozugawa River boat ride
- Shojin ryori Buddhist temple cuisine experience
- Tenryuji Temple visit
- Japanese Kodo incense ceremony and incense-making experience
- Private transportation from Kyoto to Koyasan
- Two-night Buddhist temple stay at Koyasan
- Morning temple service/Gongyo
- Time for journaling, reflection and quiet exploration at Koyasan
- Okunoin night tour with a monk
- Private transportation to Kumano
- Kumano Hongu Taisha and Oyunohara Grand Torii
Onsen/hot spring stays - Kumano-area meditation and nature experiences
- Kumano Kodo / Daimonzaka walking experience
Nachi Falls - Kumano Nachi Taisha
- Seigantoji Temple
- Train transportation to Osaka
- Osaka sightseeing
- Farewell dinner
- Closing session
*All accommodations and the itinerary are subject to change.
Secure your spot! Join the list below and we’ll email you the Q&A date and Zoom link.
Join Interest ListWhere We'll Stay*
Each stay has been thoughtfully chosen as part of the experience—from refined city retreats and elegant ryokans to sacred temple lodgings and restorative hot springs—offering a beautiful expression of Japan’s grace, tranquility and hospitality.
Tokyo (2 nights)
Hotel Niwa Tokyo
A serene hideaway in the heart of Tokyo, where refined Japanese design, tranquil gardens and understated comfort offer a beautiful place to arrive and exhale.
Kyoto (2 nights)
Ranzan — Arashiyama, Kyoto
Set amid the beauty of Arashiyama, this graceful Japanese inn offers a peaceful garden setting, warm hospitality and an intimate connection to Kyoto’s timeless atmosphere.
Koyasan (2 nights; two temple-stay options)
Ekoin Temple — KoyasanÂ
An extraordinary stay within a sacred Buddhist temple, with traditional rooms, contemplative spaces, temple cuisine and the opportunity to experience meditation and morning prayer.
Fudo-in Temple — KoyasanÂ
A quiet, historic temple retreat where traditional Japanese rooms, Buddhist cuisine and morning services create a deeply peaceful and immersive stay.
Kawayu Onsen / Kumano (2 nights)
Kawayu Onsen Fujiya
A restorative riverside ryokan surrounded by mountains, where natural hot springs, traditional hospitality and the stillness of the Kumano landscape invite true relaxation.
Kawayu Midoriya (alternate option)
A tranquil hot-spring retreat beside the Oto River, offering open-air bathing, peaceful surroundings and a soothing immersion in the natural beauty of Kumano.
Nachi / Nachikatsuura (2 nights)
Kamenoi Hotel Nachi Katsuura
A refined coastal retreat with sweeping ocean views, restorative hot springs and fresh regional cuisine inspired by the sea.
Hotel Nagisaya (alternate option)
Tucked into a quiet wooded cove, this intimate seaside retreat pairs traditional tatami rooms with ocean views and restorative hot-spring baths.
Osaka (1 night)
Hotel TBD
*All accommodations and the itinerary are subject to change.
A Glimpse of the Journey Ahead
Sacred temples, quiet forests, restorative hot springs, timeless traditions, and landscapes that invite you to slow down, breathe deeply, and experience Japan with intention.
Experience Japan with John Vosler & Shanna Hughes: April 11-22, 2027
Add your name to the Interest List here and request the Zoom Meeting recording. We’ll email it to you once you sign up.
