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RYOKAN RETREAT A Yoga retreat in Japan


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Ryokan retreat

A traditional Japanese experience, a Yoga retreat in Nozawa Onsen.

4 days, 3 nights All inclusive package

2026 October 16-19 | Nozawa Onsen, Japan

Koyo (autumn foliage) season · 8 rooms only · Maximum 14 guests

Hosted by Rowie Geraerts — 14+ years teaching yoga, a decade leading retreats internationally, and 5 years hosting them right here in Nozawa. Read more about Rowie and Shizen Collective →

*Special last minute price opportunity: Unplanned, but not to be missed — an opening in my schedule this October means I'm hosting this retreat on short notice. Special last-minute pricing below.

Six and a half years ago I came to this village for a ski holiday and never left. This October, as the mountains turn gold around us, I'm inviting you to join me here — in the ryokan I love, the yoga studio and cafe I built, and the village rhythms that have shaped my life here.

Stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan, centrally located in the heart of the village and family-run for over 18 generations, complete with private indoor and outdoor onsen, sauna, and cold plunge. Private or Twin-share rooms to choose from.

Retreat Life

We begin each morning in mindful movement through vinyasa flow yoga and meditation led by Rowie at Shizen yoga studio, followed by a nourishing group brunch at Shizen Cafe. Afternoons are yours to fill with as much or as little activity as you like. We come back together each evening for restorative yin yoga, before settling in for dinner degustations with Nozawa's best local chefs.

There's space in every day for both togetherness and solitude. Take time to yourself, or fall into step with fellow retreat guests — either way, you'll find yourself moving to the rhythm of this historic village and yourself again.

Retreat life (itinerary) 

Final timings and inclusions may shift slightly based on group needs and season.

Day 1 — Friday

  • 2:00–4:00pm — Arrive & check-in

  • Free time to settle in: enjoy an onsen, book a massage, or simply rest

  • 4:00pm — Welcome & chat with Rowie at hotel reception

  • 4:30–5:45pm — Grounding yin yoga at Shizen Yoga Studio

  • 6:00pm — Degustation dinner with local sake

Day 2 — Saturday

  • 7:30–9:00am — Flow yoga & meditation with Rowie

  • 9:15–10:30am — Nourishing group brunch at Shizen Cafe

  • 11:00am–12:30pm — Guided nature walk

  • 12:30–4:30pm — Leisure time: onsen, massage, gondola ride, or rest

  • 5:00–6:00pm — Restorative yin yoga

  • 6:30pm — Free evening: solo dinner, or join Rowie at her favourite local Izakaya for a casual dinner (not included in retreat price)

Day 3 — Sunday

  • 6:00–7:30am — Self-led morning market experience on Nozawa's main street (optional)

  • 7:30–9:00am — Flow yoga & meditation with Rowie

  • 9:15–10:30am — Nourishing group brunch at Shizen Cafe

  • 12:30–4:30pm — Leisure time: onsen, massage, gondola ride, or rest

  • 5:00–6:00pm — Restorative yin yoga

  • 6:30pm — Group dinner with local chef

Day 4 — Monday

  • 7:30–9:00am — Final flow yoga & meditation

  • 9:15–10:30am — Farewell brunch at Shizen Cafe

  • 11:00am — Check-out (luggage storage available); optional onsen, massage, or local exploring

What's Included

  • Welcome pack — tote bag, journal with reflection prompts, local stamp collection guide booklet, and snacks to help you settle in

  • Traditional ryokan accommodation — centrally located in the heart of the village, family-run for over 18 generations, featuring traditional architecture and private indoor and outdoor onsen, sauna, and cold plunge

  • 3 x daily brunch

  • 2 x dinner degustations featuring farm-to-table cuisine from Nozawa's best chefs

  • Daily yoga and meditation with Rowie Geraerts at Shizen Yoga Studio, overlooking the mountains (morning vinyasa flow, evening yin yoga)

  • Premium natural rubber yoga mats and props, provided free of charge

  • Round-trip gondola ticket and picnic pack

  • Onsite hosting and support throughout your stay

  • Hand-selected local experiences

  • Guided Shinrin-yoku (森林浴) forest bathing walk with Rowie (easy–moderate)

  • Free use of Nozawa's community hot spring baths

FIND OUT MORE

Earlier Event: May 13
Reunion: Bali Yoga Retreat