Traditional Ryokan Retreat in Japan
September 7-12, 2026
An Edo era district steeped in history. Photogenic willow-lined canals. A renowned luxury ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) that is an oasis of calm. Perfectly composed multi-course kaiseki dinners based on seasonal ingredients. And twice daily yoga and meditation in an enchanting tatami mat hall within a secret garden.
Welcome to the yoga retreat of your dreams, one that checks all the boxes. This five-night retreat with YuMee is set in the historic town of Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture at an intimate eight-suite ryokan that is the very epitome of Japanese hospitality. You will take your evening meals at the very best restaurants in the area, many of which have Michelin stars. Between your culinary adventures and time on the mat, you will have ample opportunity to explore the streets of the historic district which now house cafes, museums, and small studios leased by artists, ceramicists and fashion designers (lovers of Japanese denim will want to make a pilgrimage to the famous Kurashiki Denim Street). You can also go further afield and spend an afternoon in Okayama Korakuen Garden, one of the three great gardens of Japan.
You can expect a slower, deeper, more therapeutic approach to movement on this retreat—one that addresses high tension areas, cares for joints, systematically builds core stability, and improves both posture and balance. These graceful practices will meet you where you are, help you to refine the mind, and ultimately encourage you to live better in your body. Ideal for all levels, including beginners and those with mobility challenges.
DATES AND ITINERARY
ARRIVE on Monday September 7, 2026. Check-in at 3:00 pm
DEPART on Saturday September 12, 2026 by 11 am
Typical DAILY SCHEDULE
Breakfast
Morning meditation and yoga
Free time
Late afternoon yoga
Dinner
INCLUDES
• 5-night stay at a luxury ryokan
• Daily breakfast and dinner (including multi-course dinners at select local restaurants each night)
• Self-serve coffee, tea, match and sweets
• Twice daily yoga and meditation instruction
• Use of communal bath facilities
• In-room wifi
• Toiletries and use of yukata (kimono-like robe) and pyjamas
• All fees, taxes, and service charges
DOES NOT INCLUDE
• Airfare and ground transport
• Travel and medical insurance
• Alcoholic beverages and other special beverages at select local restaurants each night
• Offsite lunches and snacks
• Optional excursions
• Yoga mat (please bring your own mat and eye pillow)
ROOMS AND RATES
Prices are per person and include all fees, taxes, and service charges—including a 10% consumption tax, 15% ryokan service charge, and credit card fees). All prices are shown in US dollars. All suites have western beds, tatami rooms (which can be set-up with futons at bedtime for those preferring a Japanese-style sleeping arrangement), and ensuite bathrooms with a large soaker tub. Please inquire for triple and quadruple occupancy rates if you would like to share with family or a group of friends.
STANDARD SUITE
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY: $3990
SINGLE OCCUPANCY: $5190
DELUXE SUITE
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY: $4550
SINGLE OCCUPANCY: $6150
LUXURY SUITE
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY: $5750
SINGLE OCCUPANCY: $7750
HOW TO BOOK
To inquire about room availability, please contact me via this e-mail link.
Full payment is required at time of booking. Should you cancel before July 1, 2026, your payment will be refunded to the credit card on file, save for $1000 USD which is treated as a non-refundable deposit.
I strongly urge you to obtain trip interruption & cancellation insurance as the $1000 deposit is fully non-refundable.
My travel agent, Michelle Corbeil will handle your registration and payment as per the Travel Industry Council of Ontario requirements.
GETTING THERE
The closest international airport is Okayama (OKJ), however you might prefer to fly direct to Tokyo Haneda (HND) and take a few days to enjoy the buzzy pleasures of Japan’s ultramodern capital before taking a quick domestic flight to Okayama (1 hour and 20 minutes). In the alternative, you can take a Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Okayama. The train ride is a little over 3 hours and is an experience unto itself.
From Okayama airport, you can make the journey to our venue in Kurashiki by taxi (30 minutes) or take an airport shuttle to Kurashiki Station (45 minutes).
From the Okayama train station, you can take a taxi directly to our venue or switch to the Sanyo local train (17 minutes) or Sun Liner rapid train (12 minutes) to reach Kurashiki Station. Our venue is a 15 minute walk from Kurashiki Station. Driving and walking directions to our ryokan will be provided well in advance of your departure, along with a packing list and other travel details.