The following is an outline of what a typical day of hosting your own retreat in our village might look like. Of course, it can always be tailored according to your group’s needs and wants.

• Morning session at 7:00 am for 2 hours
• Breakfast served at 9:30 am
• Free time following breakfast. Guests may like to take a soak in one of the hot spring baths, rest, explore the village or take part in any of the summer activities mentioned above.
• Afternoon session at 3:30 pm for 2 hours. Times can be altered according to needs, wants, and other summer activities guests choose to take part.

Yoga Retreat Japan

Possible Itinerary for a 1 Week Yoga Retreat in Nozawa Japan (Note additional fees apply)

Day 1: Arrival dinner

Lets meet, greet and eat.  Here we can get to know each other, eat some quality Japanese food and get an idea of what is ahead of us for the next week.
Lets meet at 5.30pm in the Villa Nozawa dining area for introduction / meet and greet.

Day 2: Free Town tour with Local Guide

Bring your map and learn to know your way around this beautiful town with a guided tour. We’ll show you all the hot spots to eat at, a few hot spots to rest in (local onsen, post office ATM, main street for shops, souvenirs and groceries, temple area.
Meet at Villa Nozawa at 11 am for approximately 2 hours

Day 3: Lets go hiking

Nature lovers, bring your shoes, maybe your bathers, and get ready for some incredible offerings of nature. We will explore the area around lake Hokoryuko and be surrounded by green goodness. We can make a lunch stop at an awesome soba noodle restaurant and then make our way back to the villa for some soothing yin yoga.

Day 4: Nagano day

Our regional capital Nagano has lots to offer. Great shopping, fantastic restaurants for lunch and one of the nicest temple areas in all of Japan. Zenjoki Temple is one of the biggest wooden structures in Japan and is impressive to see. Enjoy the local train ride from Iiyama and come and explore the host city of the 1998 Nagano Olympics.

Local train cost 650 Yen one way

Shinkansen ticket 1300 Yen one way

Day 5 : Cooking class

Join a Japanese cooking class and be guided by Akiko and her mother Setsuko when cooking up three different Japanese specialties.

On the menu could be something like:

• Veggie tempura
• Sushi Inari Tofu Pockets
• Japanese sugar ball with red bean paste and fruit

Cooking class will go for 2 – 2.5 hours

It will cost 2000 Yen per person

Day 6 : Mountain bike / Gondola ride

We are going up the mountain and explore Mt. Kenashi. Gondola ride with great views over the town and down into the Iiyama valley. For the adventure hunters can organise mountain bikes for downhill biking or can easily cruse down the mountain road too.

Mountain bike rental price is 3000 Yen per adult

Gondola return ticket is 1500 Yen per adult

Day 7: Relaxing onsen day

Choose to visit one of your favourite onsens throughout town for a relaxing last day before your travels continue. Afterwards take a stroll around town and pick up any last minute gifts from the local shops or go for another short hike to the lake or nearby forest.

Optional activities:

There are many other fantastic things to do and experience in and around Nozawa Onsen so let us know if anything in particular you are hoping to do with your group in between the Yoga Sessions. Here are a more tips

• Zip Line at Hikage. (Longest Zip Line ride in Japan) 2000 Yen per adult
• Snow skiing on the Man Made slope – need lift pass and rentals 
• Road trips to many near by attractions including the Art Town of Obuse
• Take a local massage from 6000 Yen an hour
• Maguse outdoor Onsen for great views and a nice soak (500 Yen admission)

At night, guests may like to soak up the peaceful vibe of the village. Group dinners can be booked or perhaps everyone might prefer to explore their options on their own. Of course, on the way home, they could always visit another onsen and relax in preparation for the next day’s sessions.