Japan Yoga Retreat
Nozawa Onsen, Japan
6th - 12th September 2026
Nozawa Onsen is a charming mountain village in northern Nagano Prefecture, set at the foot of Mount Kenashi and surrounded by lush forested hillsides. Known for its natural hot springs and deep cultural roots, the village carries the warmth and character of ‘old Japan’ while still offering thoughtful modern comforts thanks to its long-standing reputation as a ski destination.
Home to just 3,400 residents, Nozawa Onsen is rich in local heritage, with narrow lanes, timber-framed houses, independent eateries and a strong sense of community. Nestled within the forests of Kogen National Park, the village feels wonderfully removed from everyday life. Majestic mountains, clear streams and fresh alpine air offer a natural backdrop for stillness, mindfulness and holistic practice. It’s a place where nature, culture and quiet village life come together to support rest, reflection and genuine renewal.
Retreating in an onsen town means we’re not just staying somewhere pretty, instead we’re part of a place built around healing water and mountain nature. Nozawa Onsen has 13 public hot springs to explore, each fed by natural mineral-rich sources that have shaped the village’s rhythm for centuries. In Japan, onsen bathing is more than a soak in warm water, it’s a ritual of restoration, renewal and quiet connection to let the mind settle and the body soften. The mineral-rich springs, gentle heat and soothing natural environment all work together to support deep relaxation and physical renewal.
The Venue
Our home for the retreat is a warm and welcoming mountain hotel perched above the village, offering sweeping views across Mount Kenashi and the Chikuma Valley. Blending timeless Japanese charm with contemporary comfort, the hotel offers a choice of rooms from tatami-style spaces with futons and shoji screens to Western-style rooms and spacious hybrids that bring together the best of both worlds.
Renowned for its heartfelt hospitality, the hotel’s friendly team embodies omotenashi - Japan’s unique spirit of care and attention to detail. With a fully equipped yoga studio and its own tranquil onsen, you’ll have everything you need to relax and replenish without even leaving the grounds.
A serene haven surrounded by Japan’s alpine landscape, it’s the perfect base to slow down, reconnect and experience the restorative rhythm of retreat life and Japanese culture.
The Food
Japanese cuisine is one of the main reasons I’ve wanted to travel to Japan for so long, so our food experience for the week is designed as a truly exciting introduction to Japan’s rich culinary culture. Each day includes a nourishing brunch and a beautifully prepared dinner. Brunch will be served at the hotel restaurant, featuring a mix of Japanese and Western-inspired dishes to suit every taste.
Evenings will vary throughout the week. On some nights, we’ll dine in-house and experience the refined art of kaiseki — Japan’s most revered culinary tradition — where each course is a thoughtfully composed journey of flavour, texture and presentation. On other evenings, we’ll venture into the village to enjoy hand-selected local restaurants, each offering its own style, atmosphere and taste of the region’s vibrant food scene.
The Yoga
While yoga āsana (the physical practice of yoga on the mat) will be a large part of the retreat, we’ll also dive much deeper into the full practice of yoga through philosophy, prānāyāma, meditation and reflection.
Each day will include two yoga sessions, a dynamic and energising morning practice that weaves together prānāyāma and āsana as soft morning light fills the room, followed by a soothing, restorative evening session bathed in the golden glow of sunset.
Over the course of the week, we’ll explore different philosophical and physical focuses, experiencing the full spectrum of what yoga has to offer. There will also be time to ask questions and delve into areas of personal interest.
Our practice will unfold in a thoughtfully curated studio within the hotel, a spacious, light-filled sanctuary with large windows framing the mountains. Designed with a calming Japanese aesthetic, featuring traditional tatami flooring, lush greenery and a tranquil sense of stillness. With herbal tea waiting and warmth underfoot, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a secret haven in Nozawa Onsen, a space to soften, arrive and simply be.
The Excursions
I've organised two incredible excursions to add a touch of adventure and give you a deeper glimpse into the local culture and landscape, experiences that are designed to complement both your yoga journey and your time away. Exploring a new destination isn't just about seeing the sights, it's about immersing yourself in its energy, embracing its rhythms and discovering how its natural beauty and traditions can deepen your sense of presence.
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Accommodation Options
After each day of yoga and activities, rest deeply in beautifully appointed rooms that balance comfort, simplicity and Japanese design. Every space has been thoughtfully prepared to support your retreat experience, calm, restorative and free from distraction.
All rooms include air conditioning, Wi-Fi, towels, a washlet system, complimentary toothbrush and toothpaste, a kettle, and a soft cotton yukata (traditional Japanese robe).
Standard Japanese
Step into an authentic Japanese setting with tatami flooring and traditional futon bedding. These peaceful rooms include a private toilet and washbasin, with bathing enjoyed in the hotel’s onsen. In Japan, it’s perfectly normal to use the onsen instead of a private shower and many find it to be one of the most soothing and memorable parts of their stay.
Shared £1495 per person
Private £1795 per person
Standard Double
A cosy, Western-style room with carpet flooring and a double bed, perfect for solo travellers or couples seeking modern comfort. Each includes an en-suite toilet and shower, plus hairdryer, shampoo, conditioner and body soap.
Shared £1650 per person
Private £1950 per person
Standard Western Twin
A simple, comfortable room with carpet flooring and two Western single beds. Includes a private toilet and bath unit, along with all essential amenities for a relaxed and restorative stay.
Shared £1650 per person
Private £1950 per person
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Japanese Twin
Featuring tatami flooring and two Western-style beds, these rooms blend cultural character with restful comfort. Each has an en-suite toilet and shower, and includes a hairdryer, shampoo, conditioner and body soap.
Shared £1650 per person
Private £1950 per person
Deluxe Twin
Spacious and flexible, the Deluxe Twin includes a private toilet and shower, and can be connected to the Deluxe Japanese room to form a large Japanese Western suite. Ideal for friends or those seeking extra comfort.
Shared £1695 per person
Private £2050 per person
Superior Japanese
Blending traditional tatami flooring with comfortable Japanese mattresses, these rooms offer generous space and quiet refinement. Each features an en-suite toilet and shower including hairdryer, shampoo, conditioner and body soap for a more private bathing experience.
Shared £1695 per person
Private £2050 per person
Deluxe Japanese
A refined and tranquil Japanese-style room with tatami flooring, private toilet and shower. This room can also be joined with the Deluxe Twin to create the expansive Deluxe Japanese Western suite, perfect for couples or friends wanting a little more space to unwind.
Shared £1750 per person
Private £2095 per person
Japanese Western
The best of both worlds, tatami flooring paired with a mix of Japanese and Western bedding. The ensuite bathroom includes a private toilet and shower, along with thoughtful amenities and soft lighting that create a calm, nurturing space.
Shared £1750 per person
Private £2095 per person
So what's the deal?
The schedule for the week will be filled with uplifting yoga classes, shared meals and carefully curated excursions. Outside of that, your time is your own to spend as you please, unwinding in one of the village’s many onsens, exploring the local shops or wandering the quaint streets and grabbing coffee with new friends.
This retreat is so much more than your average yoga retreat or holiday. It’s an invitation to let go of the stress of planning, to step away from routine and to immerse yourself in a new culture that invites presence and wonder. When we take time to pause and prioritise ourselves, we create the space for something to shifts we reconnect with freedom, curiosity and joy. These are the moments that stay with us, the experiences that truly restore and transform.
What’s included?
- 7-day yoga retreat adventure
- 6 nights’ accommodation
- Daily Brunch and dinner
- Daily Yoga Classes
- Opening and Closing Ceremony
- 1 x Guided village tour
- 1 x Cooking class
- 1 x Gondola ride and forest walk
- 1 x Japanese crafts workshop
- Onsen bag
- Adventure, experience and connection
What’s not included?
- Flights to Japan
- Airport Transfer
The journey to the retreat takes around two and a half hours from Tokyo. Upon booking, I’ll share recommendations for the most convenient travel options.
Prices are listed per person. A £400 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking. Payment plans are available. Lets chat about it.
For all bookings and enquiries, please contact me directly at sammy@sammyrainbowfurnival.com