A traditional Japanese experience
A Yoga retreat in Nozawa Onsen, Japan
2026 October 16-19 ・only 8 rooms available・ 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.
*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 ryokan (Japanese inn) , centrally located in the heart of the village and family-run for over 18 generations, complete with private indoor and outdoor onsen, sauna, cold plunge, Japanese garden and the very best of Japanese hospitality. A room all to yourself or 2 person twin-share rooms available.
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) 4 days, 3 nights all inclusive package
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
WANDER THE VILLAGE
Soak in the magic of the hot springs scattered throughout town. Wander the winding streets to discover all 13 community hot spring baths, each just a short walk from the next, each with its own unique healing qualities. Free use of every one of them is yours for the whole retreat.
Take the round-trip gondola up the mountain with your included picnic pack, browse the local cafes, or simply rest at the ryokan. Massage with local therapists can also be arranged on request.
SHINRIN-YOKU- FOREST BATHING
One morning, we step off the mat and into the forest. A guided nature walk with Rowie (easy–moderate) leads you through centuries-old cedar trees and quiet shrines, with sweeping views across the surrounding mountains — Absorbing the forest atmosphere through all your senses to lower stress, boost your immune system, and improve your overall well-being
SOLO OR TOGETHER, BEGINNER OR REGULAR YOGI’S
Solo travellers are welcome and encouraged — friends are just as welcome to come together. Whether you're new to yoga or returning to the mat, whether you're craving peaceful moments alone or the company of like-minded guests, there's space for you here.
This is a time to slow down, reconnect, and treat yourself well — at the ryokan, on the yoga mat, in a local cafe, or out in nature. With group size limited to 14 guests, expect a personal, spacious experience throughout.
WHY RETREAT WITH ROWIE
Choosing to retreat here means supporting a small, local owned and run business — and being hosted by someone who actually lives in this village, year-round. Rowie doesn't just know Nozawa as a guide; she knows it as home. Which bath to visit at sunset. Which chef to trust with your dinner. How the village shifts through the seasons and how to absorb it all best.
With over 14 years of teaching yoga, a decade of hosting retreats internationally, and five years of hosting them right here in Nozawa, Rowie brings both deep experience and deep roots to every retreat she runs.
PRICING I typically book retreats 6–12 months in advance, Unplanned, but not to be missed — an opening in my schedule this October means I'm free to host this one on short notice. Special last-minute pricing below.
INVESTMENT ($ USD) Special last-minute rate:
Private room (1 person) $1,300
Standard twin or king bed (2 people sharing a room) $1,050 per person
A non-refundable deposit of $700 USD secures your spot. Full payment is due 2 weeks prior to the retreat start date.
Only 8 rooms available — maximum 14 guests.
✨Returning Pretzels (repeat retreaters with Rowie) receive a special discount. Please get in touch.
I’M READY TO JOIN
Book your spot now. Pay via direct bank deposit into Local Japanese bank or Wise international banking or credit card payments accepted + additional credit card fee’s
WHAT’S INCLUDED
✨ Welcome pack — tote bag, journal with reflection prompts, local stamp collection guide booklet, and snacks to help you settle in
✨3 nights 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 (everyday at Shizen Cafe)
✨ 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
GOOD TO KNOW
Do I need yoga experience?
Not at all — every class is offered at a level that welcomes complete beginners and experienced yogis alike.
Can I come on my own?
Absolutely. Most guests come solo — it's less the exception and more the norm here. You'll be hosted every step of the way, never left to navigate on your own.
What about the language barrier in the village?
Nothing to worry about. Rowie lives here year-round and hosts you personally, from check-in to your last soak at the onsen.
To check availability, customise your retreat, or ask a question:
📧 spiritualpretzel@gmail.com
📱 WhatsApp or LINE: +81 90 7162 5816
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 90-120 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.