Autumn Equinox Retreat
Balance, introspection, and transition
Nozawa onsen. September 22-25 2023
Facilitated by Rowie Geraerts @spiritualpretzel
A simple and spacious yoga retreat during the Autumn Equinox, over the long weekend in Nozawa onsen.
Energising vinyasa morning yoga, calming evening Yin Yoga, Reflective meditations, time in nature
Designed to balance effort and surrender, activity and rest, this Autumn Equinox Retreat is an invitation to cultivate balance with oneself. As nature prepares to transition from the growth of summer to the introspection of winter, we can use the practice of yoga and time in nature to align with this same rhythm. Living with the seasons.
Move, rest and reflect, harvesting all that we’ve cultivated this year and letting go of what no longer serves us— Aligning with nature and the seasons.
Retreat Detail:
Energising Morning vinyasa Yoga classes
Calming and cooling evening Yin Yoga classes.
Daily breath work and meditation
2 x Guided Nature hikes (Optional) connecting you with the surrounding landscape, the changing of the seasons, and seeing just how beautiful letting go can be with the autumn leaves beginning to turn and fall.
Healing natural hot spring baths; Reflect, rest and restore in the calming natural waters of Nozawa onsen in the abundant hot spring baths (onsen).
Retreat Welcome Dinner- Experience the local flavors of Nozawa Onsen during the group welcome dinner. Connect with your fellow retreaters and like-minded individuals over a delicious meal that showcases the best food of the season, and welcomes you on this weekend retreat.
Daily group brunch- After morning yoga practice, re-fuel and reflect on the morning movement practice. Nourish your body and treat your tastebuds to this healthy, hearty and very delicious brunch.
Time and space to yourself to reflect in this calm, beautiful and traditional Japanese village.
ENQUIRE/BOOK NOW: Email Rowie to book your spot on this retreat now. spiritualpretzel@gmail.com or contact via Whatsapp/Line +81 907 1625 816
If you’ve always wanted to experience the beauty of autumn in the Japanese countryside, if you’re curious as to how you can connect to the natural rhythms of nature and the seasons through yoga and meditation, If you feel like it’s time to take space and time for yourself this retreat is waiting for you.
Whether you’re new to yoga, a seasoned Yogi or a yoga/movement teacher, we welcome all levels of experience on this retreat. You are welcome to involve yourself in the retreat activities as much or as little as you like. This is your time for you after all.
Choose to join just the retreat activities and organise your own accomodation OR choose from an all-inclusive package including retreat activities and accomodation.
Please note all activities are optional to attend.
Retreat Itinerary*
DAY 1 (FRIDAY)
1pm ~ Arrive & check in. Guest leisure time: optional onsen/optional massage/free time.
4.00pm. Welcome smoothie & chat with Rowie
4.30pm-5:30pm Grounding Meditation & Calming Yin Yoga with Rowie @Shizen Collective
6.00pm Group Welcome dinner at local restaurant and optional onsen.
DAY 2 (SATURDAY)
7:00am-8.30am Morning Breath work, meditation & Vinyasa Yoga flow w/ Rowie.
9:00am-10.00am Group Brunch (healthy and hearty including coffee/tea.).
10.30am-12.30pm Guided Nature walk and meditation with Rowie
10.00am-4.30pm Guest leisure time: optional onsen/optional massage/free time.
4.30pm-6:00pm Calming and Cooling Yin Yoga & Meditation with Rowie
6.00pm Guest Free time.
DAY 3 (SUNDAY)
7:00am-8.30am Morning Breath work, meditation & Vinyasa Yoga flow w/ Rowie.
9.00am-10.00am Group Brunch (healthy and hearty including coffee/tea.)
10.30am-1:30pm Extended Guided Nature hike with Rowie (optional)
10.30am-4.30pm Guest leisure time: optional onsen/optional massage/free time.
*2night retreat guests check out.
4:30-6.00pm Reflective Yin Yoga & Meditation with Rowie
6.30pm Guest Free time.
DAY 4 (MONDAY)
7:00am-8.30am Morning Breath work, meditation & Vinyasa Yoga flow w/ Rowie
8.00am-11.00am Farewell Brunch including coffee/tea
11.00am Room check out (option to leave luggage at Hotel)
*Please note that there may be slight changes to the itinerary.
What’s Included :
3 x 90 minute Morning Breathwork, meditation and Yoga class
3 x 90 minute Yin Yoga & meditation class (afternoons)
2 x Guided nature hikes through the forest and mountains in Nozawa onsen
Daily meditation
3 x Group brunch—Vegetarian or Vegan, Healthy & hearty breakfast after the morning yoga class. Includes coffee/tea.
Group Welcome Dinner at local restaurant.
Cost:
All inclusive Retreat WITH accomodation at Alpine Villa Nozawa:
3 night/ 4 day
Twin share room (sharing with 1 other person) with shared bathroom ¥70,000p/p + 10% consumption tax
Twin share room (sharing with 1 other person) with ensuite ¥75,000p/p + 10% consumption tax
Single occupancy (private room all to yourself) with ensuite ¥80,000p/p + 10% consumption tax
2 night / 3 day
Twin share room (sharing with 1 other person) with shared bathroom ¥60,000p/p + 10% consumption tax
Twin share room (sharing with 1 other person) with ensuite ¥65,000p/p + 10% consumption tax
Single occupancy (private room all to yourself) with ensuite ¥70,000p/p + 10% consumption tax
Alternative option: Retreat Activities only—without accomodation:
3 night/ 4 day: ¥55,000 + accomodation + 10% consumption tax
2 night / 3 day: ¥45,000 + accomodation + 10% consumption tax
Recommended Accomodation:
Alpine Villa Nozawa; Peaceful rooms with nice mountain views in a comfortable lodge with friendly staff. Ensuite rooms or budget friendly rooms available.
Akari Swiss House Apartments; Modern, self contained apartments for singles, groups/families
Nozawa Holidays has many different options to choose from: www.nozawaholidays.com
Shimataya View Hotel: Simple, Traditional rooms in the hotel which our yoga studio, Shizen Collective is on the 2nd floor of.
What’s not included/Optional extra activities during your free time: +¥
Transport to and from Nozawa onsen/accomodation (see ‘getting here’ below)
If you choose the ‘retreat activities only’ option, accomodation is not included. See ‘Accomodation recommendations’ below.
Massage. Massage appointments are available to book at your own expense. There are quality Thai/Shiatsu/Balinese Oil local massage therapists that Rowie will happily recommend and help you organise.
Additional private yoga classes/workshop/mentoring session with Rowie are available.
E-bike rental to ride around/up/through the mountain and town.
Gondola ride up the mountain.
GETTING TO NOZAWA ONSEN
Closest International Airport: Tokyo Haneda/Narita
Shinkansen (bullet train):
Iiyama station is the nearest stop on the Shinkansen from Tokyo.
The Shinkansen (Bullet train) from Tokyo or Ueno, to Iiyama station is about one hour and 40 or 50 minutes. It’s fairly easy to get here, and there’s usually a shinkansen train once every one or two hours.
From Iiyama to Nozawa Onsen.
From Iiyama train station, there is a direct bus (private coach transfer) to Nozawa onsen, The Nozawa onsen liner. The Nozawa Liner can be found to the left of the exit and will drop you off at the central bus stop in the village. It costs ¥600p/p. The village is compact so it is just a short 5-10 minute walk to the hotel from there.
Private Transfer/Taxi from Iiyama to Nozawa Onsen.
Private transfer taxis can be arrange for you from Iyama to the hotel. Please let us know in advance if you would like to book these services. The transfer price starts from ¥6000-¥7000.
Driving:
The journey from Tokyo will take from 4-5 hours by tollway/car. It costs about ¥10,000 for highway tolls. The highway speed limit is usually 100kph but please look out for exception signs. Please note that there is zero tolerance for driving under the influence. During the green season there is free parking available in the village. Please let us know in advance if you will require a parking space and we will direct you to the parking.